Read Online Vow to Protect by Ann Voss Peterson - Free Book Online

at the hotel, she knew he would do whatever needed to be done if Kane threatened them again. He’d protect them from any physical threat, that was certain. But it was the emotional threat he posed that worried her. The emotional threat to Ethan.
    And to her.
    She didn’t think it possible after all that had happened between them, but when he’d emerged from that elevator with Ethan, she’d wanted to fling herself into his arms. She knew the feeling was caused by gratitude. How could it not be? He’d saved her baby, the most important part of her life. But there had been something more there, too. Old feelings. Feelings she’d tried so hard to kill. Feelings she thought she had.
    Cord glanced at her as he shifted into third, blending with the speed of traffic. Shadow cupped his jaw, the dim green glow of dashboardgauges and the rhythmic pass of streetlights highlighting sharp cheekbones and strong nose. “What are you thinking?”
    The cold shiver that had started at the hotel rippled through her once again. “Nothing.”
    â€œThis is going to be a long few days if that’s all you’re willing to say.”
    She didn’t want to pour out her thoughts to him. She doubted he wanted it, either. Still she owed him something. He’d rescued Ethan, after all. “I don’t know. I guess I was thinking about the hotel. About how you saved Ethan.”
    â€œI guess I was lucky they didn’t mistake me for Kane in that elevator.” His tone was light, but she could sense a touch of bitterness below the surface. Whether it was directed at Kane or the police, she couldn’t tell.
    She let her gaze move over his face. The resemblance was amazing. If she’d paid more attention to the news, she probably would have seen it before this. Or maybe not. Cord’s features might be like Kane’s, but the spark in his face, the warmth in his eyes made them come alive in a way Dryden Kane’s never did. “How can you take that? Having someone mistake you for Kane?”
    He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “For the past two months, every morning when I shave, I look atDryden Kane in the mirror. It’s either take it or quit shaving.” He gave her a quick glance and a smile.
    She didn’t smile back. She couldn’t manage to lift the corners of her lips if it meant her life. She focused out the window, on the street ahead. “I don’t think you look anything like him. Not really.”
    Quiet hung heavy in the truck in the wake of her comment. No sound but the hum of tires on pavement broke the stillness. Cord stopped at a red light. She could feel him turn to her. “Are you sure you’re comfortable? You look wedged in.”
    Comfortable? Not exactly. But her discomfort had little to do with the seating. “I’m fine.”
    â€œMaybe Ethan should sit in the middle.”
    â€œHe’s sleeping. Besides I told you, I’m fine.” Even if he was awake, she didn’t want Ethan to sit in the middle of the seat. The thought of him anywhere near Cord made her stomach seize.
    It didn’t make sense. She knew that. It wasn’t that she thought Cord would hurt him. Far from it. He’d saved their son. But she just couldn’t think of the two of them together, as if Cord’s path in life would rub off on Ethan if they brushed each other in the truck seat. It was risky enough to sit next to him herself. “Where is this place we’re going?”
    â€œAlong Lake Mendota.”
    â€œWhere exactly?”
    â€œWe’ll be there in just a minute, if that’s whatyou’re asking.” His gaze crowded her. His body heat filled the truck’s cab.
    She glanced through the back window at the pile of equipment and towels crowding the truck bed and piling up the sides of the topper. She’d probably be more comfortable in the midst of that pile of junk than sitting so close to Cord.
    She