Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 102184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“Yeah, Greer’s a workaholic.” Devereaux raises a brow. “Wonder where she got that from.”
Greer laughs a little. “I don’t work as hard as you do.” Then her eyes meet mine. “But I’m glad you’ve finally found someone you can spend time with instead of working.”
By the way she speaks, I get the impression Devereaux doesn’t bring women over to meet his sister.
We head into the kitchen and this room is definitely the heart of this house. Any master chef would find it an honor to cook in here, and you can tell Greer loves to cook by how good the kitchen smells. It smells like magic.
Roman and Ledger are chatting in the kitchen, and when they see us walk in, they stop.
“Wow, I can’t believe you actually brought her,” Roman says, moving closer.
“Be nice,” Greer says, handing him a plate of biscuits. “Take these outside until you can control that mouth of yours.”
Roman smiles widely. “I’d like to show you what my mouth can do, if you’re interested.”
“That’s enough,” Devereaux says, glaring at Roman.
Roman winks at Greer before he heads outside.
“Ignore my brother. He never learned manners as a kid,” Ledger says, sticking out his hand for me to shake. “You must be the illusive Swan we keep hearing so much about.”
“I must be. Name’s Chloe” I say, shaking his hand. “I’ve heard nothing about you, however.” He laughs as I smile.
Devereaux wraps an arm around my waist. “We have much better things to talk about than these two, trust me.” He kisses the top of my head.
Greer smiles. “Can you take this outside, please?” She hands a platter of French toast to her brother and a plate of fruit to Ledger. They walk out the French doors, leading to the patio and they leave me alone with Greer.
“I’ve never seen him like this with anyone before.”
“Has he really never brought anyone here before?”
Greer shakes her head. “No, never. You’re it.”
A warmth shoots through me at her words. I’m it.
Am I really “it” for him?
And what happens when this investigation is over, and I go back to being a detective? I know this is only temporary, and I wouldn’t really be “it” if he knew my true identity. I need to keep reminding myself of this.
None of it is.
“He’s had a rough couple of years at the club.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“One of the girls had an ex who kept constantly barging into the place. Picking fights. Being an asshole. He felt he could do anything he wanted.” Greer sprinkles fresh parsley over the eggs. “It was bad for business. Worse part is, Devereaux knew him. We grew up with him.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Greer touches my arm. “And now, all of the murders.” She sighs. “It’s like that club can’t catch a break.”
“They’re going to catch whoever killed the girls.” They meaning me.
I help Greer carry the last of the brunch items to the back patio, and when we step outside, Devereaux is huddled with the Thorne twins by the wide table.
“What are you boys talking about?” Greer asks.
“We’re discussing your case.” Roman’s eyes narrow. “And safety.”
“I’m fine,” Greer says, laughing off their concern.
“Is someone after you?” I ask. I’ve been so consumed with the murders, I haven’t paid attention to anything else going on in the world.
“No,” Greer says at the same time the men say, “Yes.”
“She’s working a high-profile case,” Devereaux says.
“Which case?” I ask, doing my best to sound like a normal bystander and not an investigator.
“She’s representing Mikhail Popov, who’s connected to some really bad men,” Ledger says, sitting in the chair near the head of the table.
“Oh, sounds scary. Maybe you should let them discuss safety with you.” I know exactly which case she’s talking about but can’t come right out and say it.
“Dev has some guys looking after me.” She doesn’t appear afraid at all.
Actually, she acts like she’d kick anyone’s ass for trying to start something with her.
Devereaux pulls out a chair for me to sit next to him, and Greer and Roman take opposite ends.
“Maybe we should put a few more men on you,” Roman says.
“I am fine,” Greer states.
“Do you think someone would actually hurt you because of this case?”
“Let’s just say that if Greer doesn’t handle the case to his standards, he might take a hit out on her,” Ledger says as he grabs a biscuit.
I gaze at Greer. “Is that true?” I should call Finn, see what I can find out about this high-profile case. See if I can get a squad car put on her for safety.
“I’m fine. Promise,” Greer says with a gracious smile. She really is quite stunning. The Huxley gene is generous.
She has an elegance about her that can only be acquired by someone who grew up with money.
“Has your office received any threats?” Devereaux asks his sister.