Lie by Night: An Out of Darkness novel (Entangled Ignite) by Cathy Marlowe Page B

scotch into a crystal tumbler and tossed it back, enjoying the pleasant sensation of warmth. It wasn’t the quality he preferred, but after a year in that hell hole of a sanitarium, it was good enough for now.
    When he’d realized the idiots managing his empire had allowed things to spin out of control, he’d moved up his escape timeline. Although it foiled his exquisite master plan, he wasn’t concerned. After all, he was Alistair Forrester. And Alistair Forrester always had a contingency plan.
    It was rather like playing chess.
    He lounged in his Italian leather chair and examined the computer screen. Three of his carefully selected drops had been identified and were no longer functional. One of his pawns had been taken out by Zach’s henchmen and was, he suspected, being debriefed at an undisclosed location. Then, instead of killing the man as he should, Zach would undoubtedly protect him until he could be safely integrated back into the land of the honest and hardworking.
    He raised his glass in silent toast. Good luck with that, Zach my boy , he thought. No one, not even my heir, betrays me and survives . He tossed back the second round. They would all pay. Zach’s payment had already begun. He would be frantic with news of the escape.
    Alistair chuckled.
    He clicked on a picture and the remains of his beautiful warehouse filled the screen, causing his smile to fade. Damn Cole. He was becoming a bigger pain that Zach. And then there was lovely, ignorant Emma. He’d remove her from the board as well because…well, because he could.
    But first, she had something he needed.
    His men had failed to secure her at the island, failed to even realize Stevens was there until it was too late. And now, with his resources seriously depleted, he had no one in the immediate area to retrieve his men and head to James Island. Perhaps he’d be able to intercept Cole and Emma, but if not? Well, it was time to increase the stakes regardless. He would use everything that happened, even the unfortunate losses, to his advantage.
    He reached for the phone.

Chapter Eight
    Emma felt safe. And warm. Protected.
    Odd, she hadn’t felt safe since Jacob disappeared. Truthfully, she hadn’t felt safe since their parents died. But as she lazed in the world midway between sleep and wakefulness, she felt secure. It was a wonderful feeling.
    She stretched out one leg and pulled it back when her toes encountered cool sheets. She scooted backward, attempting to cuddle closer to the source of the heat at her back.
    “Hmmm.” A soft sigh of contentment escaped as her eyes reluctantly opened. She froze. The source of warmth that blanketed her backside, the arm that curled enticingly around her body belonged to…
    Cole .
    She’d imagined a moment like this in her dreams. However, in her dreams, the big hand resting below her breast had caused passion to race through her blood, not anxiety. She needed to put a safe distance between her desires and the man who’d raided her jacket pockets—immediately.
    At the sound of Cole’s slow, even breathing, she forced herself to relax, relieved he slept soundly. Tugging her gaping robe back together as best she could, she carefully eased her legs away from him. Slipping out from under his arm, she slid to the floor. When he shifted slightly, she held her breath, then sighed in relief when he continued to sleep.
    She studied him regretfully. He looked so young when the harsh lines of his brow softened. His short hair stood at crazy angles, tousled from sleep. She had to admit that while she might not like him, definitely didn’t trust him, she still found him incredibly attractive. It embarrassed her to remember how appealing she’d found him six months ago.
    She turned and tiptoed across the room. As she approached the window, she stubbed her toe and cried out before she could stop herself. What the…? She glared at the offending marble bookend. Beside it sat two cups, a plate, and various towers of