Scythe

Keely let out a long breath, bracing herself for a visit with the sexiest man alive. One who didn’t trust her.

He knocked again and she had no choice but to answer.

Anger radiated from him. His dark brows were pulled into a heated frown. When he looked at her, his expression changed and his eyes widened. “Are you all right?â€

“Fine.†She stepped back and extended her hand in a come-on-in gesture. “Can I get you anything?â€

“Yeah. Some answers.†He took off his coat with an angry shrug. “I’m not leaving here until I know exactly what the hell happened tonight.â€

“What happened where?†Somehow she didn’t think being evasive mattered. He already acted like he knew everything. But why should she help him out? No matter if the need to tell him the truth burned the roof of her mouth in an acid bath. He’d never believe her. No one would.

“Humberto Rubens. Does the name ring any bells with you?†He crossed the room to the couch and sat down, patting the space beside him.

Keely gave a little grunt of sound. “You’re making yourself right at home, Detective.â€

“I told you I wasn’t leaving until I get some answers. Might as well get comfortable. With the way you dance around a story, I’ll be here all night.â€

She pulled another tissue from the box and blotted her eyes. The tears didn’t seem to be slowing, but at least her sobs had quieted. “Look, I’m really tired. I just want to drink a cup of tea and go to bed.â€

“You know, you’re going to make me seriously consider the fact I’m losing my charm. You’re always too busy to talk to me. Now why is that?â€

Keely gave him an astonished look. “You have charm?â€

“I’m mad with it. Now, get your butt over here and sit.â€

A reluctant smile cracked the corner of her mouth. He would have to be blessed with a dry wit. She was a sucker for a man with a dry wit.

She took a seat beside him. “You asked me about someone—what was the name?â€

“Humberto Rubens. And don’t pretend like you’ve never heard it before.â€

“Of course I’ve heard it before. You told it to me a few minutes ago.â€

“Keely.†He drawled out her name so it sounded more like Key-Lee.

“I don’t know what you want from me.†She stood again and walked into the kitchen.

He followed at her heels. “I want you to tell me how you knew that kid would be gunned down in the street tonight. How can you stand to live with yourself? You could have helped him and instead you let him bleed to death.â€

The words scored a direct hit. Tears ran down her cheeks. She turned to him. “It must be such a burden being so damned perfect.â€

He rubbed a bent knuckle down her cheek, capturing her tears on his finger. “I’ve never claimed to be. If I were, I wouldn’t be standing here torn between arresting you or kissing you until you can’t breathe.â€

Just the thought stole her breath. But still she fought him. “Is that how you get answers from unwilling witnesses? Threaten them with seduction?â€

A slow smile curled the corner of his mouth. “It wasn’t a threat.â€

Keely stepped away. “You confuse me, Detective.†The lingering warmth of his touch made her crave more.

Something about his dogged determination told her he wouldn’t let her get away that easily. As she moved to the stove to turn on the kettle, he crowded in behind her.

“How’d you do it?†His breath was warm on her ear.

A delicious shiver ran down her back. “Do what?â€

“The video.â€

Now she was entirely confused. She turned her face, their mouths only a breath apart. “Video?â€

“The one of you bent over Rubens with a golden sickle in your hand. One of the witnesses captured you on their phone.â€

Keely forced herself to keep breathing. “Oh.â€

“I’m not a religious man, Keely, but I saw something on that video that may make me rethink my position on God and the afterlife.â€

Like a child, she closed her eyes, hoping the action made her disappear. She turned her face away. “What’s that?â€

“A silver mist rising up from Rubens’ body and you cutting it with your blade.†He turned her around. “Open your eyes and look at me.â€

Unable to resist his soft-spoken command, she let her eyes slowly open just in time to see his mouth coming down on hers.

Oh, God. She wanted this.

It was sick how much she did. For all he’d accused her of some terrible crimes, she wanted him.

The press of his lips on hers was more erotic than all of her previous sexual experiences combined—and she was pretty great in bed.

Her hands shook as she ran them up his chest then sunk them into his gorgeous thick hair.

That spicy scent she’d noticed before enveloped her, excited her, body and mind.

And his taste—pure divinity.