In which case we get the errand boy and not the people involved, the captain said.
Ill lean on him, Kane muttered. Hard.
Hell talk if he thinks hes not being threatened. Kayla spoke up. And whats less threatening than a woman he already roughed up?
Kane didnt like the enthusiasm in her voice, liked the reminder of the guys hands around her neck even less. He glanced over, taking in her cheeks flushed with excitement and the determination in her green eyes, and stifled a groan. Back on her feet, Kayla Luck was a force to be reckoned with.
What happened to the quiet woman who liked cozy restaurants, a traveling salesman and books? Even as he wondered, he already knew the answer. She lurked beneath the intriguing woman in form-fitting jeans and a tight, sexy top. A steady rush of adrenaline pumped through his veins. Even this strong-willed version of Kayla excited him in ways he had yet to understand. Hed never run into a woman who challenged him on so many levels. Who dared to assert her authority at the expense of his own. He might respect her independence, but hed be damned if hed let her risk her life to get it back. He shook his head. No meeting. No way.
She braced her hands on her legs and jumped up from her seat. Its not your decision. She turned to his superior. Is it? she asked Reid.
Ultimately, no.
Kane shot daggers at his boss, but the man shrugged his shoulders. The lady asked a question, McDermott. Im just answering.
Kaylas smile widened. Then I want in.
What the hell do you mean, you want in? This isnt some action movie, its real life. Exasperated, Kane ran a hand through his hair.
Right. Its my life and you guys have shredded it to hell and back. I want to do this.
There is no this. Kane glanced at Captain Reid for backup, certain the older man wouldnt have patience for a civilian plan of action. But he looked more amused than annoyed, which only served to anger Kane more. No.
Yes. Kayla folded her arms in front of her.
Despite the serious circumstances, his gaze followed the movement. He took in the press of her forearms against her chest, the rise of her full breasts, visible in the V of her shirt. He knew damn well how that soft flesh felt in his hands, how sweet it tasted in his mouth. He swallowed, but his throat had grown dry.
Sorry to interrupt this amusing show, but weve got some decisions to make. Reid paced the small area behind his desk. First, we decipher the books.
I can do that, Kayla said.
So can Tucker, Kane muttered.
Why pull extra manpower on something I can do myself? Looking too pleased with herself, once again Kayla glanced at the captain for confirmation.
Shes got a point, McDermott. Besides, with you watching her every minute, what can go wrong?
Kane hadnt mentioned to his boss that hed lost Kayla for one solid hour because of raging hormones and foolish trust. He wasnt about to do so now.
And then? Kayla asked. What if he calls again?
I handle it.
She scowled.
Well tap your phones and see what turns up, Reid said.
The last call came from a pay phone, Kane said. He had no doubt the next one would, too.
The captain shrugged. If he calls, improvise. Go with the moment. He looked at Kane. You need backup, let me know.
In other words, if the opportunity presented itself and Kayla was still willing, let her in. Kane grabbed the bag of books in one fist, Kaylas hand in the other and headed for the door. He knew damn well his boss had a point. He usually did. Kane respected Reids judgment and looked up to the older man, but he disagreed with his call on this one. Violently disagreed. Kayla might be their best option for ending this thing quick, but he didnt like setting her up as a target. Just the thought made him ice-cold all over.
He picked up his stride. Making his way through the precinct, he ignored the stares of the other cops on duty.
Where are you dragging me? She stumbled over her feet in an effort to keep up.
Kane slowed his pace. Home.
So you can yell in private?
There were many things he wanted to do with Kayla. Yelling wasnt one of them. He stopped midstep and glanced over his shoulder.
She met his gaze with a determined one of her own. You want an argument, Im ready. Because you cant talk me out of this.
I dont want to fight with you, sweetheart.
She narrowed her eyes in obvious confusion.
Then what do you want? Kayla asked.
She narrowed her eyes in obvious confusion.
Then what do you want? Kayla asked.
The scene in the library replayed itself in his mind. She didnt think he wanted her. He did. With a need so deep and intense it would have scared him, if he were capable of rational thought around her.
He brushed a soft strand of hair off her cheek. Her pupils dilated at the brief contact.
What did he want? The question hovered between them. Kane knew the answer, just as he knew she needed more. But he couldnt control his need for her any more than he could control the outcome of this case. The most he could do was guide things in the direction he wanted and hope for the best.
He turned to Kayla and answered. To finish what we started earlier.
OF ALL THE ARROGANT, self-assured, conceited statements, Kanes was at the top of the list. Kayla chopped salad ingredients with more force than necessary, sending tomato juice and seeds flying onto the backsplash against the kitchen wall. To finish what we started earlier.
As if shed allow it without question. Not that she didnt want to sleep with him again. She did. But that was her body talking, not her mind. A ribbon of warmth curled through her stomach each time he walked into the room. What other proof of desire did she need? However, more important things were at stake than raging hormones. Her life, for one. Her business, for another. And, finally, her future.
It came down to a balance of power, Kayla thought. He thought he could control the situation and her. First by withholding sex. Then, by preventing her from helping to wrap up this mess with Charmed! And now, by informing her he intended to pick up where theyd left off earlier. More like where hed left off.
Everything with Kane revolved around his choices and his whims. Well, no more. Someone had to show Kane McDermott he couldnt always be in control. He might not like her plan to uncover her uncles illegal dealings, but his superior obviously had. Kayla hadnt looked to deliberately thwart Kane, even if that had been the ultimate result. She wasnt looking to be deliberately contrary now, either. But he was about to find out seducing Kayla wasnt as easy as it had been before.
She still wanted to reach him on a deeper level, but shed been wrong to think sex was the means. Hed ended up taking control of the situation by giving without letting her do the same. He would soon learn that he couldnt control her in bed or out. The detective was about to discover she had a mind and some requirements of her own first.
She added the salad bowl and tongs to the table, set with two places. Dinners ready. She called loudly because hed been dozing in front of the television set in the family room. Neither one of them had gotten much sleep last night, and because they wanted to go through the books tonight, theyd agreed to rest for an hour before dinner. Kayla had been too worked up to rest.
Kane walked into the cozy kitchen shed decorated with her sister. Hed pulled off the faded sweatshirt earlier. His rumpled T-shirt looked comfortable, slept-in and extremely sexy. He was a man who wore anything well, and her pulse skyrocketed just having him near. Not a good sign, considering she planned to keep a physical distance.
He paused by one of the empty chairs, taking in the kitchen cluttered with pots, pans and cooking ingredients. I thought we were bringing in.
And I told you I prefer home-cooked to takeout. Have a seat.
He eased himself into the cushioned chair. You didnt need to cook for me.
Shed wanted to. As much to vent her frustration over his take-charge attitude, as to get back some semblance of normalcy in her home. Shed also wanted to give Kane a taste of real life, two people sharing a meal and talking over dinner. Since he bolted at the first sign of intimacy, she doubted hed ever had the experience before.
I hope you like sirloin. She placed their plates on the table.
He leaned forward in his seat. This smells great. The last time I had a home-cooked meal was at the captains house last Christmas.
She could believe that. The man was the ultimate loner. Hed mentioned his mothers suicide but had omitted many details about his father. Kayla didnt think now was the time to ask, but with the right opening, she would.
I admit I dont have the time to cook all that often, but every once in a while my stomach rebels against takeout. Then I roll up my sleeves and dig in. She cut into her rare steak and juice oozed onto the plate.
She glanced at him, catching him eyeing her plate in barely hidden disgust. I made yours well-done. At his raised eyebrows, she grinned. Educated guess. I couldnt imagine you eating anything that still looked alive.
Good call. He finished his first taste. And good steak. So why all the fast food? Id have thought your sister, the cooking expert, handled kitchen duty.
When shes around, but her school hours and jobs are pretty irregular, so Im often on my own. Cookings not my thing. Its hers.
Kane kicked back in his chair, studying her over steepled fingers. Youre very different people, that much I realized immediately.
His lazy gaze zeroed in on hers, causing her body temperature to spiral. The tight top that had felt liberating when shed chosen it, suddenly felt confining. The heat pumping inside her couldnt be denied or ignored. She wet her dry mouth with a sip of water before attempting to speak. Cat and I dont share the same passions, but
She didnt get any further. His eyes darkened and the word passion hung heavy in the air between them. Considering shed seen him in the throes of that particular emotion, Kayla couldnt mistake the desire reflected in his gaze. Nor did she want to.
Needing control and wanting Kane werent mutually exclusive. She took a bite of her meal, but didnt taste a thing.