Circle of Deception by Carla Swafford Page A

haven’t heard of anyone else receiving one.” At that moment, the revving of several engines broke the silence. “The cavalry is on the way.”
    “Help for us?” She hated the helpless feeling.
    “Ryker called in support after the first shot.” Rex thumbed her cheek and leaned forward.
    Abby jumped back when more gunfire echoed around her. The difference was no whistling followed.
    A motorcycle slid to a stop nearby. Jack cut the engine and let it fall to the ground. “After we fired back, the shooter disappeared. Anyone else get hit?”
    A few other motorcycles pulled up, and Circle operatives scrambled to check over everyone while headlights flashed in the trees from the direction they believed the sniper had hidden.
    “It appears they only got the two guards,” Ryker spoke up.
    Olivia headed over to where Abby stood.
    “A bit of a coincidence, wouldn’t you think?” Abby asked, not really expecting an answer. She suspected the sniper had killed only the guards on purpose. Maybe the Inferno hoped it would halt The Circle’s efforts in stopping the sale and manufacture of the Hell’s Purifier.
    When Jack didn’t answer, she noticed how his gaze remained on Olivia as if he wanted to see for himself that she was okay.
    “They could’ve easily taken out one of us, and it would’ve certainly slowed down the investigation but never stopped it.” Rex stepped in front of her.
    Why block her view of his brother? Her attention on Jack was nothing more than curiosity. Olivia acted like Jack was nothing more than furniture, but he stared at Olivia as if she were a piece of spicy candy.
    She had to admit that Rex’s back was a better view. Wide shoulders and small hips with just enough of a curve down to his buttocks that her fingers itched to grab his cheeks.
    A light touch on her arm brought her gaze to her friend’s concerned face.
    “Let’s go back to your house and have that drink I promised you, Marie, and Charlie,” Olivia said. “I believe we deserve it. Let the fellows figure out what the hell happened tonight. They like all the blood and gore. Besides, Marie looks a little pale. I think she could use one. Charlie looks no better.”
    Abby glanced over to Charlie sitting in the SUV with her hands over her face and Marie once again trying to comfort her friend. “You’ve got to apologize to her for what you said earlier, especially after all this.”
    Olivia shoved the ammo box next to the disassembled rifle inside the bag. “You’re right. But you’ve got to admit she was funny. That expression on her face . . .” She chuckled, shaking her head as she sauntered to the vehicle.
    “Shh, behave yourself. You’re incorrigible.” Abby fought a grin. Olivia wasn’t really making light of the guards’ deaths. She caught the desperation in her eyes, wanting to lighten the mood a little. Maybe there was even a little relief mixed in as once again they’d thwarted death. “Charlie is a sweetheart and reacted like normal people do. Our problem is that we’re no longer normal. We’ve seen too much.”
    “You’re right again. I’ll apologize. I could use a normal friend in my life.” When Abby faked a gasp, Olivia laughed and slapped her on the arm and then opened the door. “Hey, Charlie, how about I make that margarita extra strong?”
    Abby didn’t hear Charlie’s response, but Olivia howled with laughter as she climbed in behind the wheel.
    She grinned. Most likely it had been graphic and physically impossible to do. Enjoying her friend’s warped sense of humor, and happy to be alive, she slid into the front seat. Unable to hold back, she glanced over toward Rex. His gaze remained on her as Olivia drove by, heading to the house. In that moment she realized she’d been lying to herself for some time.
    She still loved Rex.

 
    Chapter Six
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    “W AKE UP, SLEEPYHEAD.”
    Abby lifted achy and swollen eyelids. The deep, sexy voice matched the masculine face hovering above hers.