Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
He lifted up, removed his jeans, and was on me. Full on, hot-bodied, covering me.
I loved him over me. Yeah, the L-word again.
He entered me slowly, his gaze on mine. Dark and blue, sparkling with possession. I ran my hands through his hair, urging him on until he filled me completely. Pleasure and pain combined, and then he began to move, and there was only pleasure.
I held him tightly, climbing again and exploding in an orgasm that filled every nerve in my body.
He shuddered against me, his mouth over my collarbone. Then he leaned up and kissed me on the nose. “I’m garna keep you safe, Aingeal. Period.”
Yeah, that sounded like the L-word on a deeper level. So, I just kissed him, giving him everything I could ever be.
Chapter 34
In the morning, I dressed in my good blue pantsuit with a light pink shell because I had misdemeanor court for an hour in the morning before I headed back to my office with Bud at my side.
“How long have you been collecting pocket watches?” I asked as we trudged down the quiet hallway toward my office.
“Since my grandpa gave me his when I turned ten,” Bud said.
Wow. It was nice to have him opening up a little bit. “What’s your theory on this Cupid case?”
He stood tall next to me, his gaze scanning the area. “I think he’s nuts. Likes to dress up like Cupid for the effect and to hide his identity. Even though he’s given back much of the stolen possessions, he has kept plenty for himself. My guess is now that he’s tied up loose ends with Saul and Lenny, he’s already halfway across the country. Will probably set up in another town, maybe as St. Patrick in March. I’d like to get my hands on him, though.”
“As would I.” The stitches in my shoulder itched today. I’d love to kick that jackwad in the balls. “Why do you think he left Saul at my office?”
Bud shook his head, stopping outside my office door. “You investigated him, found Violet, and knew Saul’s name. Plus, you’ve been at two of the robberies, and while I wasn’t there, I’m sure you were a smart-ass. That sometimes brings out the worst in people.”
I drew back. “I wasn’t a smart-ass. In fact, I tried to protect Lenny.” Though the main Cupid might be ticked that I tried to help Lenny and then escaped with only a few stitches in my shoulder. “By now, he has to know Lenny didn’t give me his name. Otherwise, the police would have a BOLO out for him.” That made me safe. “I’m probably safe from him.”
“Probably,” Bud said, surprising me. “Still, the fact that Saul was dumped in your office shows the guy has you in his sights. Unless he left town, which would be good for you and terrible for the case.” He opened the door.
I left him in the waiting area and paused on the other side of the reception area, nodding at Oliver, who seemed to be doing pushups behind the desk. “What in the world are you doing?”
He stood gracefully. “I missed my workout today.”
I looked up at his reddened face. He wore a nice button-down shirt and dark jeans and looked professional. “Maybe keep that to non-business hours.”
He sighed. “Fine. Another example of the man telling us what to do.”
I couldn’t wait until he was a multi-millionaire. Then we’d see how he felt about employees. Well, I could wait because I really liked Mr. McLerrison. But still. “Oliver, get a grip. All right?”
He nodded. “Okay. Also, the Basanelli brothers are in your office.”
I patted his arm before heading back to my office, where the three Basanelli men waited. A testament to their mama, they all stood as I entered. “Hi. Sorry I’m late. Court went long,” I said.
“I understand,” Nick said. “Were you in front of Judge Williams?”
I dropped my briefcase to the floor. “Yes, and she’s usually pretty efficient. It was just a busy morning. I have to tell you, that Orrin from your office? He’s a real dick. The guy fought me on everything. Definitely not a team player.”
Nick shrugged. “I don’t think he’s a big fan of yours, either.”
“Probably not. I stole Violet’s case from him when he wanted to put her away and let the rich kid off.” I shook my head as I sat. “I’m telling you, he’s not good for your office.”
“I’ll take that under advisement,” Nick said wryly, sitting down between his brothers.
Dominick and Ricky both dropped back onto their chairs. “Are we off the hook yet?” Dom asked, grinning.
“I doubt it,” I said honestly. “Nick is in trouble, considering his DNA was found on Imogen. How do you explain that?” I looked directly at him.
“Yeah, how do you explain that?” Dom shoved Nick in the shoulder. “We have to know to be able to explain that in court. I’ve been racking my brain, but I’ve got nothing.”