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

gone?
    He’d seen the look on her face when she saw Forrester’s picture. Although she recognized him, he’d bet his life she’d had no idea who he really was.
    But Jacob? Her beloved Jacob was another matter. He hesitated a moment and turned left, back toward Carrefour de Buci. She’d head for some place familiar.
    His heart pounded as he picked up speed. The damned woman could be in danger. Didn’t she know that?
    Probably not.
    Because he’d failed to trust her with the complete truth about Forrester’s operation. Even so, she should have realized they might be followed by his men. If he’d mentioned the possibility that he’d been drugged by Cherise that night, perhaps she wouldn’t have thought he was falling for the other woman’s act. But he hadn’t mentioned it. After all, without proof, it was just a lame excuse for his disreputable behavior.
    Damn it!
    He stopped on the outskirts of the market and paused. Running his hand along his jaw, he perused the area. Which way…
    “It’s about time you showed up.”
    Cole whirled to face her. Relief and anger raced through him. “What the hell did you think you were doing, running out like that?”
    “I was hungry. What the hell did you think you were doing, hanging on that lying woman’s every word? Flirting with her while she practically accused Jacob of treason.”
    He froze. His eyes hardened. “Treason?” The word slipped from his lips, a lethal exhalation of breath. “I didn’t hear her say anything about treason.”
    Panic flared in her eyes, but she shrugged in a futile attempt to avoid his unspoken question. Her glance darted from side to side. “People are staring,” she hissed.
    Cole forced a smile and took her hand in his. Their altercation was indeed drawing unwanted attention. The last thing he wanted was to stand out. Hell, he’d bet Alistair’s men already knew of their visit to Cherise. “Come on.” He started walking.
    Relieved that she followed despite her anger, he set a fast pace. She was in danger. Every instinct he possessed screamed it.
    “Cole…”
    “Wait, let’s go someplace private first.” He glanced at her tense face.
    Apparently, he succeeded in communicating urgency, because she held her questions and ran to keep up, her hand locked in his.
    They weaved in and out of the heavy foot traffic for a couple of blocks until a taxi pulled to the curb ahead of them and an elderly couple stepped out.
    Cole caught the door and slipped inside, pulling Emma with him. He fired instructions in French.
    “What?” Her exclamation was lost as he spoke rapidly to the driver, pulled out his wallet, and handed several bills into the front seat. The car sped from the curb.
    “What are—” The car turned sharply down a side street, interrupting her question a second time. She fumbled for her seat belt. The cab spun around another corner, and she careened into Cole. Aware of her confusion, he remained focused on the traffic behind them, searching for any sign they were followed.
    The cab jerked to a halt. Cole’s door flew open.
    “What do—?”
    He reached to unhook her seat belt, pulling her from the cab. The backpack slipped from her fingers. She lunged for it, barely capturing the strap before they took off down the street.
    This time he sprinted, pulling her along behind. “You really need to work on your vocabulary, dear.”
    Her retort died as he yanked her into the doorway of a quaint building made of limestone.
    She opened her mouth and then slammed it shut.
    They approached the empty desk and rang the bell.
    He turned to her. “Are you okay?”
    “Of course I’m okay.” She pulled her hand from his. “What…?”
    “ Bonjour , may I help you?” An elderly matron with bright red hair and sparkling green eyes greeted them with a wide smile.
    Despite the adrenaline rushing through him, Cole bit back a grin as Emma’s what hung in the air yet again.
    …
    Unbelievable. Cole couldn’t have cut off her questions