roughsubmission
A HARMLESS WORLD NOVEL
ROUGH ’N READY BOOK ONE
EDITED BY CHLOE VALE
COVER ART BY SCOTT CARPENTER
AlsobyMelissaSchroeder
DearReader
Acknowledgments
HawaiianTerms
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Epilogue
RoughFascinationteaser
Acknowledgments
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TheHarmlessWorld
TheOriginalHarmlessFive Rough’nReady HarmlessTrouble
TheWulfFamily
ALittleHarmlessMilitaryRomance TaskForceHawaii
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CamosandCupcakes
TheFillmoreSiblings
JuniperSprings
TheMelissaSchroederInstaloveCollection
DominionRockstarRomance MafiaSisters
FakingIt
SingleTitles
TheSantinis
SemperFiMarines
TheFitzpatricks
TheSantiniWorld
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Copyright©2024byMelissaSchroeder
Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview
CoverbyScottCarpenter
EditedbyChloeVale
ISBN:9781956633443
ThismarksthefirstbookIreleasedasasingletitleonmyown.In2011,manyauthorsthoughtIhadlostmydamnmindwhenI decided to walk away fromthe publisher and break out on my own with my most successful series. It was daunting. Just formattingwashardtodoatthetime,andfindinganeditortohelpwasn’teasy
Iwillalwaysbethankfulformyreaderstakingthatleapwithme,andtomyhusbandLesforencouragingme. Ihopeyouenjoythenewepilogue
Mel
Isayoverandoverthatnobookiswrittenwithouthelp.Thistimewasdefinitelynottheexception.WhenImadethedecision tostepoutonmyownandself-pubtheHarmlessbooks,Ididn’tdoitwithoutsupport
As always, Les and my girls were there to support me, tell me I wasn’t crazy, and to ignore the fact that I’m a temperamentalDIVA.
BrandyWalker,whatcanIsaythatwoulddoyoujustice?Youkeepmegroundedandkeepmefromgoingcrazy.Youknow ILOVEallthelistsyoumakeforme.
AspecialthankyoutoJoyHarriswhowassittinginmyroomwhenImadethedecisionandreassuredmethatIhadmade therightone.
KrisCook,althoughheisthebrotherIneverwanted,hasbeenoneofmybiggestcheerleaders Andtothepeoplebehindthescenes: KendraEgertforherwonderfulcoverart.
ChloeValewhowhippedmyarseintoshapewiththeedits. Icouldnothavedonethiswithoutyourhelp.Thankyou.
Aloha-Hello,goodbye,love
Bra-Bro
Bruddah- brother,termofendearment
Haole-Newcomertotheislands
Howzit-Howisitgoing?
Kamaʻāina-Localtotheislands
Mahalo-Thankyou
Malasadas-APortuguesedonutwithoutaholewhichstartedoutasatraditionforShrove(Fat)Tuesday.Theyaredeepfried, dippedinsugarorcinnamonandsugar.Inotherwords,itisadecadenttreateverypersonmusttrywhentheygotoHawaii.If youdonottryit,youfail Doyourselfafavor GotoLeonard’sandbuyone Youarewelcome
Pupule-crazy
Slippahs-slippers,AKAsandals
To my Harmless Addicts, You kept the series going when most would have given up on it Let’s face it, people did But you hung in there and helped me take this scary step Thank you for your support and your threats of bodily harm Know that this one, as all of them are, is especially for you.
Love, Mel
one
Romecursedwhentherainstartedtopoundthetopofhiscar.Itfiguredhewouldgetacallforadeadgirlanditwouldrain like this. That’s the way his luck had been going the last few months. Only with hurricanes did they get this wet in Honolulu Whatlittleforensicevidencetheycouldhavefoundwasprobablybeingwashedawayrightnow HehopedthatCID gotthereearlyenoughtocollectsamples.HeturneddownKuhioStreetandheadedtothescene.Hehadanitchatthebaseof hisneckthattoldhimthisfourthgirlinthreemonthswasconnectedtotheotherthree Inallhislife,hehadneverbelievedin coincidences,andhewasn’tabouttostart.WhatthatmeantforRough’nReadywasnotsomethinghewantedtocontemplate rightnow Hewoulddealwiththatlater
He parked his car and sighed. There was verylittle media onthe islands, but theyall seemed to show up at his crime sceneslately.Asmallgrouphadgatheredatthefrontofthealley.Lordonlyknewhowtheydiscoveredthescene,butonOahu, itwaslikeonebigfamily Everyonekneweveryoneelse,andtherewasjustnowaytostoppeoplefromfindingout Hesteppedoutofthevehicle,grabbingahatbeforeshuttingthedoor.Heturneduphisjacketcollaragainsttherain.Lord, itwascold Romehadgonesoft ForakidwhogrewupinSeattle,thiswouldbenothing Now,afterjustafewyears,seventy degreeweatherhadhimshivering.
Heshookthose thoughts awayandmade his waytothescene.Several reporters triedtogeta commentfromhim,buthe ignoredthemashepushedhiswaythroughthecrowd.HewasthankfultoseetheCIDofficersalreadyworkingthescene.
Heglanceddownandsawthegirl.And,liketheothersbefore,heknewher.
Arookiecopranup,excitementandfearinhisvoicewhenhespoke “HernameisLisaFender Here’sherwallet” Romeaccepteditandwasthankfultheyoungofficerseemedtobeholdingittogether.“Whocalleditin?”
“Tourist He’soverthere,”hemotionedwithhishead “Name’sMattYoung” Romefollowedthedirectionoftheofficer’snodandfoundayoungmanstanding,hisfaceexpressionlessashewatchedthe sceneinfrontofhim.Truthfully,fromwhatRomecouldtell,thewitnesswasn’treallywatchinganything.Hewasstaringinto nothing,asifinadaze.Shockprobably.
Afterthankingthekid,heheadedovertothewitness.“Mr.Young?”
For amoment,Youngdidn’tsayanything Romestartedworryingthekidhadgoneover theedgeandmightneedmedical care.But,inthatnextmoment,YoungshookhimselfandseemedtofocusonRome.“Huh?” “I’msorrytobotheryou,butI’mDetectiveCarino Iwaswonderingifyoucouldtellmewhatyousaw”
Mr.Youngswallowed,hisAdam’sapplebobbingashenodded.Damn,hewasyoung.Inthatinstant,Romefelttenyears olderthanhisthirty-fiveyears.TherewasagoodchanceYoungwasn’tevenoldenoughtodrink.
Thekidwipedhismouthonthesleeveofhisshirt “Iwaswalkingdownhere Gotleftataclubbymybuddy” “Heleftyouatabar?Why?”
Hesighed “Hehookedup”
Romenodded,understandingthetimelessritualofyoungmen.Beingleftbehindatabarforahotwomanwasn’tthatbadof athing Ashestudiedtheman,Romerecognizedthebuzzcut Fuck.Romewasn’tinthemoodtodealwiththemilitary.“Whatservice?”
Thekid’seyeswidened.“Ihaven-noidea “
“Cuttheshit You’remilitary”
Heswallowedagain,thenhisshoulderssagged.“Yeah.Army.”
“Andletmeguess,tooyoungtobeintheclubyouwerein?Nottomention,it’sofflimitstomilitary” Heswallowedagain.“Yeah.”
“Idon’tgiveashitaboutthat WhatIcareaboutisthatwomanlyingdeadontheground”
Thekidstartedbreathingthroughhismouth,andRomeshouldhaveseenitcoming.Asitwas,hebarelymissedgettingthe kid’svomitonhim.Romejumpedbackwithacurseastheprivateemptiedhisstomachcontentsonthestreet. “Fuck”
“Yousaidamouthful,Carino.”
Rometurnedandfoundhispartnerofjustoverayearwalkingupbehindhim
Daniels justto piss himoff was officiallyhis partner for the nextthree days. The paperworkwas alreadyfiled, and Jack wouldbegonebeforethemonthwasout.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Romeasked Heshrugged.“Igotthecall,too.ThoughtIwouldstopby.”
HisknowinglooktoldRomethathispartnerthoughtthesamethinghedid “Youcan’tfinishouttheinvestigation”
“Yeah,butIcantaketherestofthekid’sstatement.Whydon’tyougetovertherewiththebody,talktothegeeks?”
Rome wanted to correct Jack’s use of the name, but decided to ignore it Jackwas the kind of cop that would use the scienceCIDgavethem,buthateditjustthesame.Itwasoneofthethingsthathadalwaysbeenaboneofcontentionbetween thetwoofthem.ThankGodJackwasn’tRome’sresponsibilityanymore.
“Sure Igotuptothepartwhereheandhisotherunderagebuddypartedwaysbecauseofahotgirl”
Jackshothimagrin.“Hey,ithappens.”
Rome chuckled as he turned and worked his waytoward the scene He could just imagine what it had beenlike for a womantowalkdownthealley.Lightsilluminatedthedarkcornersnow,butitwouldhavebeengloomy,dank…nottomention thesmellofrottingfoodandbooze Noone,whetherwomanorman,wouldwalkdownthisalleywithoutapurposeinmind Anddefinitelynotalone.
The first personto notice himwas TimTakewodo, a first-rate detective withthe CSI. He had beenthe lead onall the investigationssofar,andhavinghimtheremadeCarinofeelsomewhatbetter “Hey,Carino.Gladtoseethatyougotthecall.”
Henodded “Whatyahave?”
Tim’s smile faded. “Raped. Beaten, strangled. Coroner will have to give us the exactwayshe died. Panties are missing again.”
HeshotTimalook.
“Yeah,I’mguessingmanualstrangulationliketheothers,andI’msurehealsousedascarf.I’msurewewillfindthesame fibersonher Itakeityouknowher?”
Helookedbackdownattheyoungwoman.HehadseenheratRough’nReadyonceortwice.“Shelooksalittlefamiliar.I didn’trecognizethename,butsinceIstartedworkinghomicide,Ihaven’thadasmuchtimeoveratRough’nReady” Itwasahalf-truth.Romewasavoidinghisfriends.He’dhadtodistancehimselffromhisfriendstomakesuretherewere noquestionslater.Hehadlearnedalongtimeagotonevertakeanythingforgranted.HeknewinhisgutthatMicahandEvan hadnothingtodowiththis,butheneededthatseparationtomakesuretheydidn’tgettangledupintheinvestigation.
“Theyhave a lotofnew members, and withthe new club openingonthe other side ofthe island, theyhad to hire new people Shemightbeoneofthenewbies”
Timsighed.“I’dlayodds.Andthismakesthefourthone.”
Romenodded,knowingitwouldpricktheinterestoftheFBI Dammit,hewasn’tinthemoodtodealwiththefeds They woulddefinitelycomeinandtakeoverthecase.“Findanythingnew?”
“Nope.Again,wecan’tbesureshewasrapeduntilthere’sakitdone.”
Romewantedtoargue BecausethefirstthreewomenhadbeenregularsorworkedatRough’nReady,peoplethoughtthey wereintoanykindofroughsex.BecauseapersonwasintoBDSMdidn’tmeantheywoulddosomethingstupid.Infact,alot oftimes,peopleinthelifeweresmarterthanmostaboutthatpartoftheirlife Anyonewithanysensewouldn’tenduphaving sexinanalleyofKuhioStreet.ItwasoneoftherougherpartsofHonolulu.Whyleavethenice,warmenvironmentofRough’n Readyandwanderintoabackstreetthatwouldleavethemvulnerable?Didn’tmakesense,butitwashisjobtomakeitmake sense.
Romeglancedaround.“Haveyouseenacarnearbythatmightbehers?”
“Theydidasearch Haven’tfoundit,butthatdoesn’tmeananything Youknowifshewasclubhopping ” She could have parked anywhere in the area. Tonight’s weather aside, a person could probably bet on warm enough weathertomakeitfromheretoatleastabusstop
“Thanks,Tim.”
Heturnedandsaw thecoroner hadarrived Thesooner theygotthepoor womanoutofhere,thebetter Andthenmaybe theycouldfindthebastardwhodidit.
Romelookedoutoverthecrowd,wonderingwherethesonofabitchwashiding.
MARIA CALLAHAN PRETENDED to be readingsomethingonher computer as she waited. Still, she couldn’t stop her toe from tapping. She wasn’tverygood atwaiting. Itwas one ofthe few lessons her father had failed to teachher. Itwas hard to be
patientwhensomethingthatcouldmakeorbreakyourcareerwasbeingdecided. SheknewthiswasTheDom.Mariagrimaced.Thatnameirritatedher,butreportersthoughtitwascatchy.Damnreporters weremakingitdamnedhardtocatchhim ThesenewkillingsinHawaiiwerehim Shecouldfeelittoherbones Besidesthat, she had done enough research to know it was him. Her plan could work, and for once, she had worked up the nerve to approachhersupervisoraboutit Itwasunorthodox,butitcouldwork “Callahan!”AgentSmithbellowed.“Getinhere.” Ittookeverybitofhercontrolnottojumpandrun Don’t even let them see you sweat. Make them think they can’t rattle you. Falling apart is for later. Drawinginadeepbreath,sheslowlystoodandwalkedtohersupervisor’soffice.Sheshutthedoor. Hisheadwasbent,showingher thebaldspotnoneofthemwereallowedtomention Hehadputonafew poundsinthe lastseveral years,buthewas still ingoodshape.Hesignedaformthenlookedupather.His facewas expressionless.She stillcouldnottellwhatherfather’soldpartnerwasthinking Thenhesmiled
“It’sago.ItalkedtotheHPDcaptain.Heagreedweneedtobethere.Hewantsyouworkingwithhisman.” Shecouldbarelypayattentionforafewseconds Forthefirsttime,shewasgoingtoheadaninvestigation “Callahan.”Smithsoundedworried.Sherealizedhehadsaidhernameseveraltimes.Shegaveherselfamentalshakeand focusedherattentiononherboss.
“Sorry,”shesaid,thenclearedherthroat “Thedetective?He’sbeencheckedout”
Smithnodded.“He’sbeenontheislandforthelasteighteenmonths,exceptforonetriptoSeattlefortheweekend.Sister graduatedfromcollege Hedidn’tleavethearea Sohe’sclean Apparentlyhe’sprettysharp,sotrytoplaynice”
He said it sarcastically, and she tried not to wince. She didn’t like the fact that she would be walking into a local departmentandtakingovertheirinvestigation.Ithadtobedonesometimes,butthebehaviorofsomeagentsalwaysupsetthe locals.Forherplantowork,shewouldneedtheirhelp,especiallytheleaddetective.
“You’lltakeMasters.”
Shetriedherbestnottoshowherirritation,butfailed Smithknewhertoowell “Youlookjustlikeyourfatherwhenyougetpissed.”
Shesighed Itwasaproblemworkingforamanwhoknew herfamilysowell MartinSmithhadstartedattheFBIabout thesametimeherfatherhad.Whenhermotherdied,hehadbeentheonethereforthem,theonetopickupthepieces.Heand hiswifeweretheclosestthingshehadtofamily.Whichmadeithardertoconcealwhatshewasthinkingfromhim.
Shesettleddowninthechairinfrontofhisdesk.“Wedon’tgetalong.Otherthanhiswife,Idon’tthinkhelikeswomen.At least,hedoesn’tlikeme.”
“Youknowwhyhe’slikethat,whyalotofthemarelikethat Everysingleoneofthemthinksyougotthisjobbecauseof yourfather’slegacy.ButIcan’tsendyouwithoutanagentwhodoesn’tknowhowtorunacaselikethis.He’sonlygoingtoget youstarted,andthenhe’llcomeback Wewantthislowkey,justlikeyousaid Ifyouneedhelp,you’retocontacttheHonolulu office.”
Shenodded.“Iunderstand.Doesn’tmeanIhavetolikeit.”
Hechuckled “Ididn’taskyoutolikeit Justdoyourjob”
People’sopinionsshouldn’tmatter,buttheydid.Nottoherpersonally.Morethatitmadeherjobhardertodowhennoone wantedtoworkwithher Itwouldn’tchangeuntilshesolvedabigcase Itwasn’tfairbecauseshehadagoodreputationfrom hertimeinvice,butthatdidn’tseemtomatter.Shepushedthosemorbidthoughtsasideandstoodtoleave.Itwoulddoherno goodtoworryaboutpeople’sperceptions “Ifthat’sall?”
“Flight’sateighttomorrowmorningfromNational.Makesureyoumakeitontime.”
Shenoddedandhadherhandonthedoorknob.
“Maria”
Shelookedbackoverhershoulder.“Yes?”
“Thiscouldbeahugestepupforyou,butplease,becareful Thisguyisn’tjustsmart,he’sfuckingdangerous We’venever hadawomanonthecasebefore,andifhefindsout,hemightfixateonyou.”
She nodded again and slipped out the door She wanted to dance down the hall, but she decided that would be unprofessional.Instead,shewenttothebathroomandleanedupagainstthewall andletitsinkin.ShewasgoingtoHawaii, andshewasgoingtohuntTheDomkiller.Panicsettledinherchestfirst.Inthefiveyearsshe’dbeenwiththeFBI,she’dhad tofightherwaytothetop Sure,shehadtoworkfivetimesashardastheotheragentstoproveherself,buttherewerealways thosewhispersthatBigJohnCallahanwasthereasonshegotherstart.
Shepushedawayfromthewallandlookedatherselfinthemirror Shehadhisnose,andhismotherhadalwaysclaimed, hisfrown.Butthistime,shewasgoingtoprovethatBigJohnCallahan’sdaughterwasmorethanjustthememoryofabeloved agent.
“CARINO,”CaptainAkadayelleddownthehall.“Needyouinmyofficerightnow.”
Damn Romehadalmostescapedthebuildingwithouthavingtotalktothecaptain FromthetimeRomehadreturnedfroma call,Akadahadbeenlockedupinhisofficewithsomesuits,whichwasfinebyRome.ThreedaysafterfindingLisaandthey had nothingmore thantheydid before. Hell, theyalmosthad less thanwiththe other three killings. The bastard was getting better.Worse,Romeknewthekillerwasgettingmoreinfatuatedwithhiswork.
He reached the door and discovered itopen. He slipped inand found three people inthe room. One was, ofcourse, the captain,theotherweretwodarksuited,veryunhappylookingpeople Feds
Themanwastypicalofthespecies.Darksuit,blankexpression.Helookedlikethekindofguywhowouldsellhismother tothehighestbiddertogainapromotion Shortbrownhair,browneyes,andafrown Typical Thewoman,notmuchdifferent, buttherewassomethingvaguelyfamiliarabouther.Thesuitshowednothingofherbody.Herdarkhairwaspulledbackintoa tightbunatthebaseofherneck.Whenshelookedinhisdirection,hefeltlikehe’dbeenpunchedinthegut.Hehadn’texpected theluminousblueeyesorthefull,poutylips Herskinwasflawless
“Shutthedoor,Carino.”
He shookhimselfoutofhis stupor and did as ordered Since the other two chairs were occupied bythe feds, he leaned againstthewall.
“ThisisBriceMastersandMariaCallahanoftheFBI”
Henoddedintheirdirection.“WhatdoestheFBIfromthemainlandwantwithHonoluluPD?”
The woman’s eyes widened, butifhe hadn’tbeenwatching, he wouldn’thave seenit. This one was used to hidingher feelings,butwhatfedwasn’ttrainedtodothat?Still,therewassomethingicecoldaboutherbehavior,somethingthatbothered himonalevelhecouldn’tunderstand.Possiblybecausehecouldn’treadheremotions,whichlefthimontheoutside.
“They’vebeenchasingaserialkiller TheDom Theythinkhemightbeourguy”
Ofcoursehehadheardthename.Ithadbeensplashedoneveryheadlineforthelastyear.Hewantedtoarguewiththem, butheknewitwouldbeuseless WhentheFBIsunktheirteethintoaninvestigation,theydidn’tletgountiltheychompedoffa hugepiece.
Despitethat,therewasagoodchancethiswastheirguy.WithoutanyDNA,hehadn’tbeenabletomakeanykindofmatch. Still,heknewfromthecrimescenes,thiswasn’tanamateur Thiswassomeonewhowasverygoodatwhathewasdoing This onehadbeenkillingforawhile.
Still,herefusedtoletthemknowwhathethought “Whatmakesyouthinkthat?” Masterssmiledandopenedhismouth,butthewomanbeathimtoanswering.
“Letmemakesomeassumptionsaboutyourman.HepicksupwomenatBDSMclubs.Orsinglesthemout.Noonereally knowshowhefindsthem,buttheyallgotothesameclub.Then,hebeatsthem,sometimestorturesthem,rapesthem,andinthe end,stranglesthemwithacomboofascarfandthenfinallymanualstrangulation.Theirpantiesaremissing,also.DidIgetit right?”
Socloseitmadehimtwitch.“Abit.”
Thesmilesheofferedhimdidn’treachherblueeyesandwasascoldasthetopofMaunaLoa “Really?IhaveafeelingI wasspoton.”
He hated her cockiness. Besides the fact that she was correct, he didn’t like the premonitionthat was windingits way throughhisbrainatthemoment.Heglancedatthecaptain.“Aretheytakingoverthecase?” Akadashookhishead.“No.Notofficially.”
Heallowedforabeatofsilencetogoby “Inwhatcapacity?” “AgentCallahan,wouldyouliketoexplain?”
Fromthelookonherface,shedidn’twantto,butshestraightenedhershoulders Whensheturnedall herattentioninhis direction, he feltlike he had beenhitbya boltoflightning. His bodyreacted withouthimbeingable to control it. She had lookedathimbefore,butnowshewasconcentratingonhimonly.Herattentionhadhisbloodheating.Hereyesweresolarge, soluminous,theywereatoddswithher clothing Therewasnothingstaidaboutthedarkbluegazeshetrainedonhim Even now,hecouldn’tseemtoconcentrateonwhatshewassaying.Hismindhadmeltedthemomentshe’dlookeddirectlyathim. Whatthe hell was wrongwithhim? Ittookall his power to gethis head wrapped around the idea thathe should be paying attentiontoher.
“We’vegottenclosetoourmanafewtimes Ofcourse,wedon’tgoinrightawaybecauseweusuallywaitforafewdeaths beforewe trytotake over.Our problemis thateverytimewe show uponthe scene,our mandisappears intothinair.Well, whentheformeragentsshowedup.”
Thelookshegotfromtheotheragenttoldherhewasn’thappysherelayedthatbitofinfo Sheignoredhim Orpretended
to. There was a slight wince after she realized what she said. Revealingthe FBI was fuckingthings up wasn’t always the smartestthingtodo.Theylikedtopretendtheywereinvincible.
FromRome’sstudy,Masterswasolder thanCallahan Probablysenttosupervise,andthatwouldn’tgoover well witha go-getterlikeCallahan.Masters,forhispart,didn’tlookhappyaboutbeingthere.
“So,youmoveintoinvestigate,hevanishes?”heasked,alreadygettingasourfeelinginhisstomach Shenoddedonce.Thegesturewas familiar.Therehadbeenanagent,oneofthefirstprofilers whohuntedserial killers. JohnCallahan Theeyesshouldhavetoldhim Almostluminousblue,justlikeherfather’s “Thatcanmeanonlyonething.”
Yeah,andRomedidn’tlikeitonebit.“He’soneofyouoroneofus.Orsomeoneconnectedtous.Someonewithaccessto thiskindofinfo”
Her eyebrows arched insurprise, and Rome tried notto getpissed. He failed. The factthatshe thoughthe wasn’tsmart enoughtofigurethatoutirritatedhim Heexpectedit,haddealtwithitbefore,butforsomereasonitmadehimmad
Shemovedherhandsonherlap.Henoticedthatshedidn’twearanyrings,andforsomeoddreason,hewasrelievedby that Ifhehadn’tbeenthatintriguedbythat,hewouldn’thavenoticedthewayherthumbtappedherleg Themovementwasso slight,hewouldhavemisseditifhehadn’tbeenpayingattention.Shewasnervous.
“Ifwecomeinhereandtakeover,he’llknow.Hehassomekindofconnection,whetherit’sthroughhimorsomeonehe’s closeto,someoneheknows SinceI’mnewtothecase,hewon’tknowme,won’tpickuponmebeinghereforit Butwecan’t letanyoneknowI’mwiththeFBI.”
Hestudiedthetwoofthemandshookhishead “Thenyoubetterdosomethingaboutthewayyou’redressed Didanyone seeyoucomein?”
SheglancedatMastersthendownatherownsuit.Whenshelookedup,shegrimaced.“Dammit,you’reprobablyright.” He shouldn’twanttohelpCallahan,butsomethinginhimwantedtomake sure she stayed.“We’ll fixit.We cansaythat therewasanoldcasefromSeattlewhenIworkedhomicidethere.Thenyoutwoneedtoassimilate.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Mastersasked,buthispartnerwassmarter
Shesighed.Romecouldbarelyhearit,buthepickeduponherirritation.“Lookaround,Masters.Peopledon’twearsuits here Ishouldhavethoughtofit,butwecamestraightfromtheairport”
Atleastshe was smartenoughnotto getpissed athimfor pointingitout. Whichinhis bookmade her smarter thanthe averageagent.“Whereareyoustaying?”
She didn’tevenallow her partner to speak. The older agentmighthave beensentto babysitCallahan, butshe definitely sawherselfincharge.“Rightnow,theHiltonHawaiianVillage.Butwe’relookingforsomethingmorepermanent.” Mastersmadeaface Itwaseasytoseetheagentdidn’twanttobehere Ofcourse,itwasprobablymoretodowithwho hewaswith.Noone,notevenRome,wouldwanttocometoHawaiiwithawomanwhodidn’tknowhowtohavefun. “Okay I’llmeetyoufordrinksintheloungerightbythebigpoolattheHilton”
Shesaidnothingforasecondbutstudiedhimasifhewereabugofsomesort.Then,shenodded.“Time?” “Seven.”
Shesighed “Okay Let’sgo,Masters”
Bothofthemstood, and Rome couldn’thelp butadmire her height. He glanced ather shoes and saw thatshe wore low heels ShewasastallasMasters Theagentswalkedoutthedoor,anditshutwithanalmostsilentsnick Foramoment,thecaptainsaidnothing.Thenhechuckled.“Thatwasveryfriendlyofyou,Carino.”
HewatchedCallahanandMasterswalkthroughthesquadroomuntiltheydisappearedthroughthedoor Romeshotasmile overhisshoulderathisboss.“Consideringwhoherfatheris,IfiguredI’dplaynice.” “Was.BigJohndiedabouteighteenmonthsago.Didyouknowhim?”
Henodded,thinkingofthegiantmanhe’dheardtalk “WenttoafewofhislecturesyearsagowhenIwasstationedinthe DCarea.”
“Makesureyoucontinuetomakenice TheFBImightwanttotakethisover,butIwanttomakesurethatwhenwecatch thissonofabitch,HonoluluPDgetssomecredit.”
Romeofferedhisbossanangelicsmile “Ipromisetobeagoodboy” “Ididn’ttell themyourconnectiontotheclub,butIthinkyoubettertell her.She’sprettysharp,andifyouaren’tcareful, you’llfindyourselfoffthecase.”
Henoddedandheadedoutthedoor Nomatterwhat,hewasonthecaseuntilhecaughtthebastard Andnoone,nottheFBI ortheHPD,wouldtellhimdifferently.
two
Mariawasnervous.Herentirebodysizzledwithenergythatwasdrainingherconcentration.Shehadfaceddownfelonsthat wouldscarethebejesus outofmostgrownmen,butnoneofthemmadeher feel as nervous as DetectiveCarino.Itwas embarrassingtoadmitthatCarinomadeherpalmssweat
Itwasn’tuncommonforhertobeedgyatwork.ShehadneverreallyfitinattheFBI,andsheknewsheneverwould.Every little bitofthe job made her feel outofplace She hated the adrenaline rushbefore a raid, and she reallyhated questioning suspects.Still,Carinomade her offher game.Andnotinthe waythatmostadversaries did.She couldn’tgetthe cool,quiet detective outofher head Good lord, she didn’tevenknow the man, and he had her almostdrooling There was something aboutthewayhemoved,allquietcontrol…Itmadehershiver.
Shepulledinadeepbreathandlookedoutoverthepoolarea.Sheneededtogetherreactiontohimundercontrol.Acting thiswaycouldendupbeingembarrassingforher Besidesthat,shecouldlosetheedgeshehadoverhimrightnow Sheknew heunderstoodifhedidn’tplaynice,hecouldloseanyhopesofsolvingthecase.Ifshewantedtobeacompleteass,shecould takeovertheinvestigation Butshedidn’twanttodothat Shewantedhishelp No,sheneededit Notthatshewouldlethim knowhowmuchsheneededhim.ThatwouldbeamistakewithamanlikeRomeCarino.
Withconsiderableeffort,shesippedonherwhitewine.Asthecoolliquidsliddownherthroat,shethoughthowshewould preferaswiftshotofwhiskey.Sheorderedherselftocalmdown,andshetookanotherdrink.Itwasherideatoworktogether. Itwas agreatplan.All ofit,includingthepartshedidn’ttell themabout,was solid.Now thatshewas hereinHawaii,she wantedtogorunandhide Whatthehellhadshebeenthinking?
You weren’t thinking, little girl.
Mariashookherhead,tryingtopushthatthoughtaside,butsheknewitwasnouse Howmanytimesdidshehearthatfrom herfather?Morethanathousand,shewassure.Hewouldhaveapprovedofherplan.Itwasgood,solid,andcominginunder theradarwasthebestwaytodoit.HedefinitelywouldnotbehappywithherreactiontoDetectiveCarino.
“Daydreaming,AgentCallahan?”
Shestartedatthedeep,resonatevoicethatcamefrombesideher.Drawinginadeepbreath,shetriedtoprepareherself beforelookingathim Shejusthopedshewouldn’tswallowhertongue Hewasstandingsoclose,shewasamazedshehadn’t heardhimwalkup.
Therewasnodoubtaboutit Themanwasagod Sheknewforafacttherewasn’taheterosexualwomanalivewhowould argue withher. He was tall, so tall, thatshe had to lookup athim. Since she was five footeleveninher stockingfeet, that didn’thappenthatoften.Hewasn’tjusttall,buthealsohadthosemoviestarlooks.Astrongjaw,swarthyskin,andlong,long eye lashes were enoughto attractjustaboutanywoman Add inthe hazel eyes thatseemed greener now thathe was inthe naturalsunlightandhewasnearperfection.Hisdarkhairwasmilitaryshort,butshecouldtellitwasthickandprobablyvery well given to curl Full sensual lips completed the package, and she had to fight the urge to lick her own He would be consideredprettyifhehadn’thadhisnosebrokenmorethanonce.
“AgentCallahan?”
“Yes.”Great.Yeah,reallya waytoimpress the local law.She was staringathimlike she was a fifteen-year-oldwitha crush.“Sorry.I’vebeenupforaboutfortyhoursorso.”
Oneofhiseyebrowsrose “Ididn’tknowyoujustgothere”
Shetriedtotellherselfnottogetirritated,butshehatedrepeatingherself.Especiallywhenshewassurehedidremember what she’d said earlier Power plays were one thing she despised “As I said at the station, we’d come straight fromthe airport.It’sthereasonwewereinoursuits.Yourememberthat,right?”
Hissmiletoldherhedid “Andyoulookmuchmorerelaxednow”
She looked downather outfit, knowingitprobablystill looked too formal for Hawaii. The shortsleeved red shirtand khakishortsweren’tasflashyasalotoftheothertourists’clothes,butitwastheonlythingshecouldthinkofwearing.Mostof herotherclothesweretooformal,andsheknewthatshecouldn’twearherworkoutclothestotheirmeeting Hepaused,hishandsstillinhispockets.“Youwanttowaittotalkaboutthis?”
Sheshookherhead “I’manxioustogettoeverythingthatisn’tinthereport”
Helookedaroundthebar.“Ithinkweneedtogosomewheremoreprivate.IsMastersintheroom?”
“He’sinhisroom.I’vegotmyown.”
Henoddedandwaited Again,shelikedthefactthatheseemedtotakehistimetotalk Somanymensaidthefirstthingthat cametotheirmind.“Whydon’twetakeawalkonthebeach?”
Shenodded,settingdownherdrink Hewaitedforhertostepinfrontofhim Anoddfeeling Shespentsomuchtimewith menwhotreatedherasanotheroneofthem,shealwaysfounditstrangewhenmenheldchairsordoorsforher.Themomenthe touchedherback,shehadtofightashiver Hewaswarm,and shethought sowasshe Butthemomenthetouchedher,heat andcravingrolledthroughher.
Whentheyreachedthesidewalk,shewaitedforhimtodrawevenwithher,andthentheystartedtowalk.
“Youhaveverynicelegs,AgentCallahan”Theamusementinhisvoicedidn’tbotherherasmuchasshethoughthemight likeitto.Sheknewthatlocalpoliceofficershadtotakeafewswingsatthem.
“Ihatesuits,especiallyinhumidweather”
“Thenwhywearthem?”
Sheshruggedandlookedoutoverthebeach “It’sexpected”
Shesensed,ratherthansawhimnod.
“Imetyourfatheronce.”
That took her by surprise Maria didn’t know why because she should have been used to people knowing her father, especiallyinlawenforcement.Hehadbeenacelebrityofsorts,regularlyinterviewedontelevision.SheglancedatRome,but hewaslookingaheadofthem
“Really?”
Henodded.“IwasstationedintheDCarea,andhedidafewlecturesaboutdifferentprocedures.”
“Hewasgoodatthat.”Shecouldhear theprideinher ownvoice.Evenifhehaddrivenher crazyrecitinghisrulesand regswhileshewasgrowingup,Mariaknewherfatherhadbeenagoodlecturer.Hell,hehadbeengoodatanythinghetried.“I thinkitwaswhyhewassogoodatcriminalprofiling Healwayssaidthatfollowingtheruleswouldleadyoutotheman”
Theywalkedforafewmoresteps,andthensheasked,“Youwereinthemilitary?”
Heglancedather “Iwouldhavethoughtyoureadmyentirefile”
“Ididn’thavetime.Ireadmostofit,butIspentalotofthetripgoingovereachofyourcasesandcomparingthemtothe others.Whatservice?
“Marines.”
Likeherfather.“Youweren’tinlongenoughtomakeitacareer?”
Heshookhishead “No Myfathergotsick,andIneededtogetbacktoSeattle”
Shewaited,buthedidn’tcontinue.Sheknew he’dbeenacopforafew yearsinSeattle,butnotmuchelseotherthanthe proofhewasn’tconnectedtothecaseandthathewasamemberofthebiggestBDSMclubontheisland Theywalkedonafew steps,thecrashingofthesurfandthebusywalkwaytheonlysoundssheheard.
“Okay,soyouwanttotalkaboutthecase?”sheasked.
“Notreally”
Theycontinuedtowalkinsilencefor awhile,andheturnedintothelobbyareaandthenheadedtowardtheTapaTower whereshewasstaying
“HowdidyouknowwhereIwasstaying?”
“Withyourjob,theyweren’tgoingtospringfortheAli’ITower AndtheTapaToweristheonepeopleusuallygetatthe lastminute.”
She nodded as theywalked to the elevators. The moment theystepped onto the car, a familyofJapanese tourist rushed aboard ShewasforcedtostepclosertoCarino Shecouldfeeltheheatofhimwarmherarm Thespicyscenthadnothingto dowithcologneandeverythingtodowiththeman.Neitherofthemsaidawordontheride.Oncetheysteppedofftheelevator, hefollowedhersilentlytoherroom Bythetimetheywereinherroom,shehadhermindbackonthecase,andapparentlyhe didtoo.
“So,youwanttotellmewhatyouknow?”
Shenodded.“Notmuch.ItakeitfromwhatIreadyouhadnosamplesforDNA?” “No.”
“Whichafewyearsagowouldhavemeanthewasinvolvedwiththepoliceinsomeway Butnow,withalltheinformation outthere,everyoneknowsthat.”
Hefrowned “Still,thecrimescenesaretooclean”
Shesighedandsettledonherbed.“Iknow.Isawitrightoff.”
Hecrossedhisarmsandfrowned.“There’snothinginthereportsIcouldfind.”
Shewastired,sotired,andrightnow,thefirstrushofadrenalineafterseeingRomewasstartingtofade.“Iwasn’tprimary onit,asIsaid.AndIcouldn’treallysayanything.”
Alookofunderstandingmovedoverhisface.“Sothefirstagentfuckeduptheinvestigation.”
Sheshrugged.“Notreally.Hiswifeservedhimwithdivorcepapersabouthalfwaythroughtheinvestigation.”
Heopenedhismouth,andsheheldupherhandtoforestallanycomments
“Iagree,heshouldhaveremovedhimselffromthecase.Iwouldhave,andIamprettysureyouwouldhave.”
“YoucanbedamnedsureIwouldn’t Ijustwouldn’tletitinterfere”
Okay,sohewassortofliketheothermensheknew.Theyallthoughttheyweretenfeettallandbulletproof.Likeherfather upuntilthebitterend
“ItstartedinPhoenixataclubcalledTheVelvetWhip.”
“IthoughtitwasatTheDungeoninSeattle?”
She shookher head “Those were the first reported incidents, but the MO ofthe killings inPhoenixwere a lot like the others.Infact,justaboutdowntoa T,buthedidmakeafewalterations.Theytendtodothat.”
Henoddedandcontinuedtowatchher Shehadafeelingshewasbeingweighedandmeasuredonaprofessionallevel She wasusedtoitfromeveryonesheworkedwith.Forsomereason,though,hiscontemplationirkedher.
“Whydon’twegobacktomyplace?Ithinkwehavealottotalkabout,andIhaven’thadanythingtoeat”
Sheglancedathimoutofthecornerofhereye.Normallyshewouldsayno.Shedidn’tfeellikegoing.Ithadbeenalong tripover,andshewasonhourforty-somethingofbeingawake.Sheknew thedrill,too.Mostofthetime,somethinglikethis wasapreludetohimtryingtogetherinbed ButshehadafeelingwithCarino,itwouldn’tbeaproblem Thiswasamanwho never mixedbusiness andpleasure.Besides,the one little tidbitshe didknow abouthimwas thathe was a practicingDom. Sincenoonewouldevercallherasubmissivewoman,itwasaprettysurebethewouldn’tbeinterestedinher Still,itwould probablygetthemofftoagoodstartofworkingtogether.Ifshecouldcontrolherattractionandnotslobberonhim,shewould begoodtogo.
“Sure,whynot?”
ROME TRIED tokeephisheadstraightasheturnedthecarontohisstreet.He’dsuggestedgoingtohishousebecauseseeingher onthathotelbedhadbeenalittletoomuchtemptation Butnow,hefeltanoddsortofthrillthathewouldseeherinhishouse He was havinga reallyhard time keepinghimselfonthe straightand narrow, and itmade no sense. She wasn’this type of woman Or,hethoughtshewasn’t Ithadnothingtodowithherlooks Shewaslikemostwomeninhercareerfield Almost everyoneofthemdressedliketheythoughtamanwoulddressifhewereawoman.Callahanwasnodifferent.But,hewould bettherewasatight,athleticbodybeneaththeuglysuit Nottomentionthelegsthatseemedtogoonforever Shedidn’twear muchmakeup,but,truthfully,shedidn’treallyneedit.Amazingskin,sculptedcheekbones,andthoseelectricblueeyes.There wasenoughtheretomakeamanwanttolookbeneaththattoughsurface.
Forsomereason,though,hisbodydidn’tcarethatsheprobablywasn’tasub Everytimehewasaroundher,therewasa low-level humthatfilteredthroughhis blood.Itwas enoughtodrive a mancrazy.He sighed,tryingtokeephis mindonthe objective He wanted this bastard and so did Callahan Thinking about a woman who didn’t want him would only cause problems.Besides,Romedidn’tgetinvolvedwithfemalepartners.NotafterwhathappenedinSeattle.
Again,shepulledhimoutofhisthoughts “I’msorryforbuttingintotheinvestigation”
God,thatvoicewasgoingtodrivehimcrazy.Itwassosultry,seductive.Itwasmakinghisbodyachetohearhermoan.It wastotallyatoddswiththewomanshepresentedtotheworld.
“First,betruthful Youprobablyhadtofighttoothandnail togetoverhere Theypulledthecasefromsomeoneelse,but theygaveittoayoungeragent,someonewithnobackgroundinthefield.”
“Exceptshewastrainedbythebestserialkillerhunterwhoeverlived”
He heard the pride inher voice, just as he had earlier. There were definitelysome issues there, but she had beenvery proudofherfather’swork.“Togetbacktoyourearliercomment.Ihavenoproblemwithit,especiallythewaywearegoingto handlethis.WeneedthecapabilitiesoftheFBI.”
Hesensedhernodasheturnedintohiscarport.Heturnedoffthecarandthennoticedshewasstaringathim.
“What?”
Sheshookherheadandsaidnothingassheslippedoutofthecar.Hefollowedsuit,andthenleadthewaytothefrontdoor. After unlockingthe door, theybothstepped into the foyer, and he was glad thathe’d hired maid service to come inonce a month.AndthankedGoditwasthedayafteravisit.
Heledherintothelivingroom,andaftertheysettleddown,hesaid,“Okay.Go.”
Shenodded.“Ourguyisprobablybetweenthirtyandforty-five,andhelikesdark-headedwomenusually.Athleticbuild, whitemostofthetime,althoughtherehavebeenafewHispanicwomeninhispickings.”
Henodded,knowingallofthis.Hehadbeenfollowingthecaseformonthssincethey’dfoundSamanthaBrown.
“Sohekillsanumberofwomen,thentheFBIdescends,hedisappears.”
Shehesitated “Beforethepressevenknowswe’rethere” Thattidbitsentasliceoficeracingthroughhisblood.
“Beforethepresscatcheswind,thekillingsstop?”
Shenodded.“TheywereinAtlantaforthreeweeksbeforethepressfoundout.”
Hell,thiswasworsethanhethought Ifthepresshadknownfirst,therewasagoodchancetheremightbesomeoneintheir rankswhohaddonethis.Butifthepresshadn’tbeensniffingaround,thatreallydidnarrow itdowntolaw enforcementand peopledirectlyconnectedtothem.
“Iseefromyourexpressionyouunderstandtheimplications”
Hisgutwaschurningjustthinkingaboutit.“Thisissomeonewhotravels.CouldhebeFBI?”
Heexpectedhertogetirritated,butshejustnoddedagain “Yeah,that’soneofmyworries” “I’msurprisedthatIdidn’tpissyouoff.”
She offeredhima wrysmile “Ittakes a lottopiss me offmainlybecause Iworkfor the federal governmentina career fieldfilledwithmen.Besides,myfathersaidneverruleanyoneout.Thatmistakehascosttoomanylivesinthepast.” “SoweneedtostartgoingthroughadatabaseofpeopleintheFBI.” “Done Thereweren’tmanynamesonthelistthatfitthecriteria ” Hestudiedherforamoment.“Areyoutakingariskdoingthis?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean”
“Iwouldthinkthatputtingyourselfinthissituationwouldputyououttheretobeattackedifyoufail.” Sheshrugged.“Peoplearealwayswaitingformetofail.”
Shesaiditasifitwereafact.“Becauseyou’reawoman?”
Chuckling,shesaid,“No.Actuallyit’sbecauseI’mBigJohnCallahan’sdaughter.Ihavealottoprove.Icansendyouthat listifyoucangivemeyouremail”
Shewasalreadypullingoutherphonewhenheasked,“Whydon’twehavesomethingtoeat?”
Themomenthesaidit,hewantedtocallbackthewords Hemeanttostopontheway,justpickupsomethingfast Buthe’d beensopreoccupiedwithCallahanandwhathe wouldlike todotoher,he’dforgotten.Shit,he didn’tevenknow ifhe had somethingtofeedher.Heopenedhismouthtotellhertoforgetit.Butasecondlater,shelookedup,surpriselightinghereyes. Thatlookalonehadhishandsitching.Therewassomethingabouttheexpressionthathadhimreassessinghisoriginalthoughts onher preferences.Ahintofvulnerabilityalongwithinterestinher gazemadehimrethinkeverything.Andhecouldtell she wastryingtodecidewhattodo
“Sure.”
Astrangesenseofreliefsweptthroughhim Damn,hewasactinglikesomekindoffifthgraderwithacrushonhisteacher “I’llgoseewhatIhaveonhand.”
“Oh,youdon’thavetogotoanytrouble.”
She gave himanout He didn’thave to follow throughonhis offer, butstrangely, he didn’twantthatout He wanted to spendmoretimewithher.Romejusthadtofigureoutifitwasbecauseofherorthecase.
“Noworries”
MARIA REALLY DIDN’T KNOW whattothinkofhernewpartner,forlackofabetterword.Sheknewalotofmen.Itwashardnot toinherfield SincehermotherhaddiedwhenMariawastwelve,she’dbeenraisedbyherfather Forthebetterpartofthe last fifteen years, she had actually spent more time with men than with women. She didn’t think any of the men she knew intrigued her more thanthe manpresentlysittingacross the table fromher. He had throwntogether a quickmeal of grilled shrimpandvegetables,serveditonwhathecalledthelanai,andwhiletheytalkedofthecase,henevertriedtotakethelead. Fromwhatsheknewinhisfiles,shehadexpectedhimtobedifferent.Verydifferent.
“SoyouhaveMasterscheckingouttheseguys?”
Shenoddedasshetookasipofwhitewine,anothershock.Mostofthemensheworkedwithhadagreatselectionofbeer intheirhouses,butRomeseemedtobeabitofaconnoisseurofwines Andhe’dhadoneofherfavorites
“He’sgoingtodosomedigging,thenleave.”
Hiseyebrowsrose.“Whosecallwasthat?”
“Mine.IfI’dhadmyway,hewouldn’tbehereatall.ButthebosswantedtobesureIhadaseasonedagentwithme.And dragginghimallthiswayandlettinghimleaveactuallygotmebrowniepointswithMasters.”Infact,theexpectantfatherhad
beenembarrassinglythankfulwhenshe’dtoldhim.
“Whydidn’tyouwanthimhere?”
“Hewasn’tneeded Andhiswifeisabouttogivebirth It’stheirfirst,andit’sbeenadifficultpregnancy Icanunderstand thathewouldwanttobetherewithher.”
Romeshrugged “Thenwhydidyoubringhim?”
Shesighed.“Mysupervisorwantedmetohavebackupincase…”
“Letmeguess?Heexpectedmetobuckyou?”
“That,andtherearestandards,andpeoplegossip.Thiswayhecovershisass.”
“YouweresurprisedwhenIagreedtohelp.”
She laughed “Youreallyhave no choice but to let me butt in Iappreciate it, and Iunderstand whydepartments get so pissed. Hell, the waywe’ve beengoinginto cities and takingover has led to some reallybad relations over this case. Ido knowthattheyalmostletamurderergetawaybecausetheylumpedonewoman’smurderinwithTheDom Turnedoutitwas justherex.”
“You’resurethisisthesameguy?”
“Lettingyouhandletheinvestigation,wecanfindout.Iftheothershadcomein,therewasagoodchancetheywouldhave takenover.Plus,thisisanidealplacetocornerthebastard.”
Hestudiedherforasecondortwo “Explain”
“Onthemainland,it’shardertokeepupwithwhohascomeinandoutofacity.Here,itwillbeeasiertofindoutwhowas hereandonwhatdates Beingthatitisanislandallowsustostudyaverysmalllistofpeople Well,asmallerlistofpeople”
“Thatmakessense.Sowhatisthisplanyouhave?You’regoingtohavemeinvestigate,andyou’regoingtodowhat?” Shecouldtellfromhisskepticaltonethathedidn’ttrusther.Whichmadehimasmartman.
“You’reamemberoftheclub.”
Hestudiedherforasecondthennodded.Browniepointstothedetectivefornotlyingaboutthat.“It’snotabigsecret.ButI don’thaveanythingtodowiththis”
Shewavedthataway.“You’veneverbeentotheotherclubs.Plus,youdon’tfittheprofile,andtheonlyothercityyouwere inwasSeattle Ofcourse,thatwasn’tduringthekillingsthere”
Again,hestudiedher.Sheknewshewasbeingweighed,testedinsomewayagain.Herfatherhadoftenlookedateveryone thatway includingher.
“Sowhat’syourroleinthis?Otherthanresources,whatareyougoingtoofferme?”
Shedrewinadeepbreathanddecideditwastimetobitethebullet.Waitingwasonlygoingtoprolongtheissue,andshe wantedtostartrightaway
“I’mgoingtobebait.”
Shockheld Rome immobile for a few seconds. His brainjustrefused to function. He heard the words, buttheyjustdidn’t seemtomakesense.Inthatnextinstant,angerblazedthroughhisblood.
“No fuckingway” He ground outthe words, more thana little surprised bythe vehemence inhis tone Evento his own ears,hesoundedterritorial.
Shefrownedathim Hedidn’tknowifitwashislanguageorhisreactionthatsheobjectedto Hedidn’treallycare Shestraightenedhershoulders.“Iwasn’tasking.”Hervoicehadturnedalittlebitprissy,anddammit,heevenfoundthat attractive Therewassomethingdefinitelywrongwithhim “Isaidno.”
“Ididn’treallyask.”Hertonetoldhimthatshewasn’thappywithhim.Hell,hewasn’thappywithhimself.Itwasn’tthatit wasastupididea Partofhimrealizeditwasprobablyagoodplan ButthethoughtofherstruttingthroughRough’nReadyhad hisbloodrunningcold.Orhot,thinkingofwhathewoulddotothefirstmanwhoapproachedher.Hepushedasidetheoddly possessivefeelingsandputhismindbackontrack
“Thereareatonofreasonsyoushouldn’tdothis.”
Herbrowfurrowed.“CanyouthinkofonereasonIshouldn’t?”
“First,it’stoodangerous.”
Sherolledhereyesandtookasipofherwine.“Yes,ofcourse.Ican’thandlemyself.I’monlyatrainedFBIagent.Heck,I traveledwithmyfatherfromthetimeIwasthirteen Iknowhowtohandlemyself”
Forasecond,hewassidetrackedbyhercomment.“Youwentwithyourfatheronjobs?”
Sheshrugged “Aftermymotherwas aftershedied,wehadlittletonofamilytotakecareofme Whenmyfathermade noisesaboutquitting,hissupervisormadesureIcouldgoalongwithhimifhegotcalledout.”
Being considered one of the pioneers of criminal profiling, John Callahan could probably have asked for just about anythingandgottenit.Butwhatkindofmandraggedathirteen-year-oldwithhimwhilehuntingdownthemostdisgustingscum oftheuniverse?Andjustwhatthehelldiditdotothewomansittinginfrontofhim? “Carino”
Heshookhimselfoutofhisstupor.“Doesn’tmatter.Idon’tthinkitwillwork.”
Shecockedherheadtothesideandstudiedhimagain Astrandofhairhadescapedthetightbun Itwaslong,wellpasther shoulders,andhestartedtowonderhowlongitwas.Didittrailallthewaydownherbacksothathecouldspreaditoutover hissheets?Hecouldjustimaginethreadinghisfingersthroughitasshetookhiscockdeepinsidehermouth.
“Why?”sheasked
Heshiftedinhisseat,tryingtoeasetheerectiontheimagehadcreated.“Whywhat?”
Shesighed “Whydon’tyouthinkitwouldwork?It’sagoodplan Withyourhelp,itcouldverywellcatchthekiller” “You’renotsubmissive.”
ThesmilesheofferedhimtoldRomeshethoughthehadjustpraisedher “Thanks” “Thatwasn’tacompliment.Thatwasanobservation.”
Butnow thathesaidit,hewondered.Inherjob,shehadtobeaballbusterorpeoplewouldwalkall overher.Heknew throughhistrainingthatpeopleintheirreallivesweremanytimesvastlydifferentthanwhattheyneededinthebedroom He knew a few cops who were Doms, but he also knew a florist fromMolokaʻi who was the toughest Dominatrix he’d ever known.Inherreallife,shegenerallystruckpeopleasaverysoft-spokenwoman,butheknewshewassoughtafterattheclub. Mostpeople,thosewhoknewnothingofthelife,wouldconsiderCallahanandherjobandassumeshewasaDominatrix. Buttherewerelittletellsthathintedthatshemightliketoplaythesubmissive Andforsomereason,animageofherpopped intohishead.Shewasonhisbed,handstiedbehindherback,andhewasspankingherassred.Hehadtobitebackagroanas hetriedtocoveruphisreactionandgetridoftheidea Tryashemight,hecouldn’tgetitoutofhishead “It’s a role. I’ve done undercover before.” She shrugged. “And I have your help. I understand you have quite the reputation.”
Theideathatshesawhimassomestepping-stonewasirritating.Andworse,hehatedthatshehadsomethinginherfileon
him.Likehewaspartofthecase.Shereachedforthebottleofwine,buthegrabbeditawayandsetitbesidehisplate. “Ithinkyou’vehadenoughofthat.”
Sheshrugged “Ifyousayso” “Ido.”
Hereyebrowsliftedathistone,buthecouldn’thelpit HisDomwantedout,andhewantedherunderhiscontrol “Whatdidyoursupervisorsay?”heasked.
“Doyoudoeverythingbythebook?”
“Thatanswersmyquestion.Sohedidn’tapproveofit.”
Shelookedoutoverhissmalllawn.“Ineversaidanything.”
Nowshesoundedalittlepetulant,andnormally,hewouldhavebeenconfusedbythechangeinher Butshewastired,and she’dhadtwoglassesofwine.HehadafeelingCallahanwasn’taheavydrinker.
Theideaofhavingherintheclub,playingaroletocaptureakiller itjustdidn’tsitrightwithhim Itwasoddbecause he’dworkedundercoverinSeattlePDandneverhadaproblemwithawomanputtingherselfindanger.Ifsheweretrained,he treatedherasanequal Buthecouldn’ttakethatchanceagain “Soyou’vegonerogue?”
Shesnorted.“Hardly.Ispentalotoftimethinkingonthis.I’mputtingmyselfouttheretoattractthekiller.Imightnoteven dothat ButIcouldfindthingsoutthatyoumightnotbeableto” “Areyousayingyou’reabetterinvestigatorthanme?”
“No Butpeopleknowyou’reacop Withoutknowingit,theyholdback Maybenotonpurpose,butjustareflex” “Justbecausethey’remembersdoesn’tmeanthey’rehidinganything.” “Idon’tmeanthat.Butnomatterhow goodthepersonis,thereisalwaysaknee-jerkreaction.Youcomealong,theyshut up.”
“Andifyouarethoughttobeinvolvedwithme,thatwouldcauseproblems.”
Shenodded “Could,butI’mwillingtotakethatchance”
“Andeveryoneontheisland,especiallythiskiller,knowsI’mhandlingthecase.Youhavethephysicalattributeshelikes. Itwilldefinitelymakeyouatarget”
“You’llbethere.Ireadyourfile.You’vedoneundercoverworkbefore.”
“Withbackup.I’vedonethisalot,butwealwayshadbackup.Sinceyoudon’thavepermissiontodothis andneitherdoI wewon’tbeabletohavebackup.Nowires,nosurveillance,whatarewegoingtogainfromthis?”
“First,itis more to gaininformationthatmighthelp us narrow downthe field. Whenpeople freeze up,theyforgetthose littledetails IftheythinkI’moneofthem,notconnectedtothepoliceexceptforyou,theymightremembersomething Wehave toconnectthesewomenoutsidetheclubbeyondthattheyjustkneweachother.Withthebackup,IthinkMicahRosscanhelpus there,”shesaid,namingoneoftheownersoftheclub “Heusedtobountyhunt Ifiguredwewouldgettheirapprovalanyway” Beforehecouldarguemore,hisfrontdoorbellrang.Hewasn’texpectinganyone,sohefigureditwassomeonewhowas lost.
“I’llberightback”
Shesaidnothingashewalkedaway.Whenheopenedthedoor,hefoundMicahhimselfstandingonthestoop,alongwith hiswife,Dee
“Ihopeyouhaveamomenttotalk,”Micahsaid.
Deerolledhereyes “WhatMicahmeansishehopesyouaren’tbusy” “I’mactuallyworking.”
Deelookeddownathisbarefeetthensmiledupathim.“Really?”
Heneededtogetthemaway Heknew thatifCallahanknew theywerehere,shewoulddefinitelyapproachMicahabout herplan.AndwhilehecountedMicahasafriend,hewoulddoanythingtoprotectDeeandthewomenatthatclub.Itprobably wouldn’ttakemuchforhimtobepersuaded “Rome,areyougoingtoinviteusin?”
“Yeah,Rome,areyougoingtoinvitethemin?”Mariaaskedfrombehindhim
He could feel his lip curling into a snarl, but he suppressed the urge to growl. Barely. Dee looked around him, her intelligenteyestakinginthesituation,hergazemovingdownCallahan’simpressivelengthtoherbarefeet.Whenshelooked upatRome,shedidn’teventrytodisguiseherinterest Hegrittedhisteeth Therewasnowayarounditnow “Yeah,sure,comeonin.”
B
Y THE TIME theywereallseatedonthelanai,Mariawasfuming.Dammit,shehadthoughtmoreofRomeCarino.She’dread his file,hadseenhehadnoproblemworkingwithwomen.Therewas alittlesomethingaboutawomaninSeattle,butother thanone personal involvement, there was nothingelse Infact, his lastcaptaininSeattle had beena womanwho gave him glowingmarks.Shehadn’tthoughthewouldgoallNeanderthalonher.
“Sothere’saconnectiontotheDommurders?”Micahasked Sheturnedherattentiontotheco-ownerofRough’nReady.Shehadreadhisfileandhadseenhispicture,butitwashard not to be impressed withthe mansittingacross the table He was tall, strong, exactlywhat youwould thinka sexyNative Americanmalewouldlooklike.Andawomanwouldhavetobecrazytobeabletoresistallthatlong,dark,silkyhair.
“Wethinkthereis.SinceheleavesnoDNA,it’shardtosay,buteverythingpointstothefactthathe’sthesameguy.Itis downrightfreakythewayhedoesn’tleaveanyevidence”
“TherewasamistakewiththatoneguyinDallas,right?”DeeRoss,Micah’swifeasked.
MariaturnedherattentiontothewomanwhoseemedtohavetamedMicahRoss Shewasn’tabigwoman,kindofpetite, butshe packeda punch.Long,straightblonde hair,blue eyes,anda quirkylittle smile thattoldMaria thatDee Ross wasn’t anyone’sfool MariacouldfeelRome’sstudy “Yes That’swhyIcouldconvincemysupervisorthatweshouldn’tevenletthe locallawenforcementknowaboutusbeinghere.”
“Butyoutoldus,”Deesaid.
“Yes,Ineedyourcooperation Youowntheclub,andifwe’regoingtoberunningaroundthere,youshouldknowaboutit” “No.”Rome’sharddenialcausedallthreeofthemtolookathim.“Isaidno.Imeanit.” Micahstudiedthemforasecondortwo “Youwanttodosomekindofstingatmyclub?” Shenoddedevenasshecouldfeel Rome’sanger building.Shehadthetraining,andhewasjustbeinganassaboutit.“I thinkit would workif I went undercover as a sub. I fit the build of the women. Plus, if the detective who is incharge is interestedinme,itwouldprobablygainhisinterest.”
“They’reallsubs,soitmakessenseyou’dgoinasone,”Micahsaid.
“Andyou’llwanttodressthepart Itakeityoudon’thavealotofclothesthatwouldfitthebill?”Deeasked Shesmiled,excitementsizzlingalongherblood.Ross’agreementwouldmakeitmucheasier.“No.Icangoshopping.” “Icantakeyou Maywillneedtoknowalso,”Deeoffered Sheopenedhermouthtoagree,butRomestoodandsaid,“ThereisnofuckingwayI’mdoingthis.I’llcallDCandreport youifyouthinktodoitonyourown.”
With that, he stomped off, leaving the three of themstaring after him. She glanced at Micah and Dee and realized this wasn’tregularbehaviorfromthestrangelooksontheirfaces.“IguessIshouldgotalktohim.”
Micahshookhishead “No,youstay I’lltalktohim”HebrushedhismouthoverDee’scheekthenleftinsearchoftheir irritatedhost.
Deelookedather “Iguessyouknowaboutmyfamily?”
“Thatyourfatherwasorganizedcrime,andbothheandyourbrothertriedtohaveyoukilled.” “ThankGod.” Dee sighed, the sound filled withrelief. “Ihate explainingthatto people. So, how youlikingHawaii so far?”
“NOT ACTING NORMAL THERE, BRUDDAH,”MicahsaidfrombehindRome. Romecontinuedtorinsetheplateoffandsaidnothing
“IfthisisbecauseofwhathappenedbackinSeattle,thisistotallydifferent.You’repartnertherewasdirty.Sheputherself inthatsituation”
Herolledhisshoulders.“Itisn’tbecauseofthat.” ItwouldbeeasierifitwasbecauseofReneeandherduplicity.Romefeareditwasmuchworse.
“Worriedaboutgettingintroubleoverthis?”
HeturnedoffthewaterandfacedMicah.Hehadn’tmadealotoffriendssincemovingtoHawaii.Itwashiswayofmaking suretokeephis nose cleanandhis reputationabove reproach After gettingtoknow MayandEvan,he’dbeenpulledintoa friendshipofsortswiththelittlegroupoffriendsthatincludedMicahandDee.Then,afterafewmonths,he’dbeenoffereda free membership at Rough ’n Ready He started getting invited to picnics, weddings hell, he was like a member of their familynow.
“No.Actually,Ithinkitmightwork.”Thatwastheproblem.Ifherfatherhadtrainedher,shewoulddoanythingtogether man.Anythingthatcouldendupgettingthatprettyneckofherswrung.
“Thenwhy?”
“First,she’snotasub.Sheknowsnothingofthelife.”
Micahcrossedhisarmsoverhischestandstudiedhim.“Youasked?”
“No”
Hisfriendshrugged.“It’sarole.She’sdoneundercoverbeforeaccordingtoher,right?”
Heshovedhishandthroughhishairandtriedhisbesttocomeupwithareason Hewasafraidheknew therealanswer, andhewasn’tgoingtoadmitthattoMicah.“Thisisverydangerous.Thisguy…youhaven’tseenwhatIhave,Micah.Theman isasadisticfuck Andshe’ssayingshewantstoputherselfoutthereandwaveherarmsaroundandyell‘comegetme’” Micahleanedahipagainstthecounterandstudiedhimforamoment.“She’strained.Sheknowswhatshe’sdoing.Ihavea feelingthatsheknowsexactlywhatshe’sgettinginto.”
“Yeah BigJohnCallahan’sdaughterwouldknow”
Micahfrowned.“Whydoesthatnamesoundfamiliar?”
“He’sbeenprofiledalot Hehuntedserialkillers Hewrotealotofbooks”
Micah’seyeswidened.“Ah,yeah.Isawsomethingononeofthose‘truelife’showsonetimeabouthim.He’sdonealotof consulting Shedoesknowwhatshe’sdoing,Ibet Besides,bra,Ithinkyou’rewrongaboutthesubmissivething”
That caught his attention. Micahwas good at listeningto his gut. Beinga former bountyhunter, his friend was good at readingpeople.“Yeah,andwhydoyousaythat?”
Micahshrugged “Ijusthaveafeeling Ofcourse,IhadthesamefeelingaboutDeewheneveryonethoughtIwasinsane” JusthearingMicahsayithadRome’scuriositypeaked.Hecouldjustimaginehernow,strappeddown,herassredfroma spanking
“Ah,Ithoughtso.”
Hefelttheheatofblushinhisface.Jesus,hewasblushing.Hehadn’tdonethatsincehewasateenager.Romepretendedto beveryinterestedinthedishes.“What?”
“You’reattractedtoher.That’swhyyoudon’twanttodothis.”Micahhelduphishand.“Don’tevendenyit.”
Herinsedoffadish “She’sanattractivewoman”
Micahnodded.“Shecouldbe,butshetriesherbestnottobe.Ifshe’sgoingtosucceed,weneedtogetheralldeckedout. I’msureDeewillhelpherwiththat”
Romesighed,knowingthathehadalreadygivenovertotheideaofdoingthisundercovertogether.Itwasactuallyagreat idea.Hewasknownattheclub,soawomanwhowouldintriguehimwouldalsograbtheattentionofthekiller.Thatis,ifhe washangingoutattheclub.Oraroundit.
“Okay,justmakesureitdoesn’tgetanyfurtherthanyouandEvan.”
“AndMayandChrisandCynthia”
Romerolledhiseyes.“Okay,butnotoutsidethefamily.”
Micah’slipstwitched “Sure Guessweshouldheadout Whynotcomebytheofficetomorrow?I’lltellEvantotakethe dayoff,andwecanmakesureallthesecurityisuptodate.”
Romenodded,knowingnowtherewasnobackingout.
MARIA LOOKED atthe few tourists thatwalked downthe streets ofHonoluluand sighed withrelief. “Iguess this means you agree.”
RomesaidnothingasheturnedontoKalakauaAvenueandheadedbacktothehotel Therewasnomusic,nonoiseinside thecar.He’dbarelysaidawordsinceMicahandDeehadleftthemalone.They’dtalkedoverthecase,buthehadn’ttalked unlessithadtodowithwork
Grindingherteethtogether,shetriedtokeephertemperincheck.Shehatedthesilenttreatment.Itwassomethingherfather hadusedonherthefewtimesshehadrebelledagainsthisplansforher.Dayswouldgobywithoutaword.Itwasenoughto makeagirlgocrazy.
Sheshookthosehorriblememoriesaway.
“Listen,IunderstandyoumightwonderifIamuptothetask”
“Iknowyoucandoit.”
Thosefewwordsspokenverysoftlytoldherthathereallydidbelieveit Shetriedtofightthesharpsensehappinessthat hisbeliefinhergaveher,butitwashard.Sheworkedwithmenwhowouldneveracknowledgeherintelligenceeveniftheir lifedependedonit.
“Thenwhydidyouobject?”sheasked.
His hand tightened onthe steeringwheel. “Iunderstand youknow your job. But, youhaven’tbeenthere. The torture this
mangetsoffon,well,itisn’tpleasant.I’veseenthebodies.Andifhefindsoutyou’reFBI,thatwillmakeyouaprize.”
“I’ve seenthe photos,andbelieve itor not,I’ve beenonseveral murder scenes.Hell,myfather tookme tomyfirstone whenIwassixteen”
“Yourfatherletyougotoascenewhenyouwereateenager?”
Shefoughttheurgetodefendherfather SheknewCarinowastryingtosidetrackher “Yeah.”Heopenedhismouth,butsheplowedahead,tryingtoforestallanyotherquestionsonthatsubject.Sheneededhis agreementontheplanoritwouldn’tbeassuccessful Carinowastheonlybackupshehadonthiscase Thatshe’deverhad Shebrushedthatthoughtaside.“Ihaveafeelinggettingyouinterestedinmewillmakemeevenmoreofaprize.”
Romeslantedheralookthattoldherhewasstillpissed.“Sothat’sanotherpartofyourplot.”
Maria couldtell itwasn’ta questionandjustdecidedtoletitgo He hadagreedtodoit Thatwas all she caredabout Afteradayortwo,hewouldreleasetheworryhehadaboutit.
Whentheyarrivedatherhotel,sheexpectedhimtodropheroffatthefront,butinstead,heparkedthecar Aftertossinghis keys to the valet and grabbing the ticket, he took her by the elbow and headed to the Tapa Tower. Amazingly, they found themselvesontheelevatoralone
“Idon’tcareforyourmethods.”Sheinwardlywincedathertone.Shesoundedlikeaprude.
Heslantedheralook.“Yeah?”
“Iunderstandyoumightnotlikeit,butbeingapetulantchildpoutingoverlosinganargumentdoesn’tmakeyoulookgood I won’ttakethesilenttreatment.”
Beforesheknew whathewasabout,hegrabbedher wrist,slippedinfrontofher,andthenreleasedher armtocageher intothecorneroftheelevator.
“Ifyou’regoingtoplaythesubmissive,you’regoingtohavetobealittlebetterattakingorders.”
Shecouldn’tspeak.Herheartwasbeatingsohard,she’dbethecouldhearit.Sheraisedhergazefromhischesttohisface, and eventuallymade eye contact. Good God. Her whole bodywentonalertatthe heatshe saw flaminginthe depths ofhis hazeleyes Shewasn’tafraidofhim,butthearousalthatnowslidthroughherbodyscaredthebejesusoutofher
“Youdon’ttellmewhattodoattheclub.That’lltellpeoplerightoffthebatyouaren’tseriousaboutit.Andifyouwantto playsubtomyDom,youbettergetusedtodoingexactlywhatItellyou”
Heleanedforward,nuzzlingherneck.Hisbreathfeatheredoutoverherflesh,andshecouldn’tstoptheshiverthatracked herbody.Thiskindofbehaviorshouldn’tbeturningheron.Shedidn’tlike‘takecharge’kindofguys,andshedefinitelydidn’t likepublicdisplays.Apparentlyherbodydisagreed.Hernippleshardenedandherbreathtangledinherthroat.Shethoughtshe felthismouthonherskin,butthedoordingedopen,andhepulledback.Ittookherasecondtoyankherselfoutoftheseaof lusthe’dtossedherin Hestoodbythedoor,keepingitopenasifnothingstrangehadhappened
Shedrewinadeepbreath,gathereduphersensesandsomeofherpride,andsteppedintothehallway.Hewalkedbehind her,asilentcompanion,butnowhernerveswerefrazzled Whatwasitaboutthisman?Itwasn’tthatshefeltshehadtoprove herselftohim.
She stopped at her door and glanced back over her shoulder at him. “You didn’t have to do that. I understand what’s expectedofme”
“Really?”
Shefoughtbacktheirritation “I’veresearchedit IwouldneversuggestthisifIdidn’tknowwhatIhadtodo” Henoddedbutstilllookedskeptical.
“Icanplaytherole Youdidn’thavetopullthatstunt”
Hestudiedherforamoment,noexpressiononhisface.Then,heplacedhishandonthewallnexttoherheadandleaned closer,ashedidintheelevator.Gawd,hesmelledgood.Earthyandsensual,andallwrappedupinadominantpackageofa man Sheshouldn’twanttoattracthim,buteverythinginherbeingwastellinghertodoanythingtogethiminherbed “Whatstuntareyoutalkingabout?”
Foramoment,allshecoulddowaslookathismouthashespoke Hislipswerefull,sensual,andutterlyirresistible “Callahan.”
Sheshookherselfandtriedtorememberwhattheyhadbeentalkingabout Great,nowshehadtoembarrassherselfwithan explanation. She didn’t want to do this. She understood she wasn’t attractive to menlike Rome. That she could live with. Havingtoadmitittohimoutloudwasmorethanalittleawkward.Talkabouthumiliating. “Iunderstandthatawomanlikemewouldneverattractyou “ “Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”
Sheglancedupandrealizedhelookedgenuinelysurprised “Nothing.JustunderstandIcanplayarole,andIwon’tgetallsappyonyou.Iwantthisguyasmuchasyoudo.” Againhewassilent.Shehatedthat,hatedthewayhelookedather.Itwasasifhewascompletelyperplexedbyher.“Play arole?”
She rolled her eyes and pulled her keycard out, not able to look at himanymore. She was damned tired and ready to
collapse.Addthisembarrassmenttothemix,andshejustwantedtocrawlunderthecoversandforgetmostoftheday.
“Whenwe’re outofthe public eye, Iunderstand. Youdon’thave to playthe role ofmylover behind the scenes. It’ll be easierifwehaveparameters”
“Callahan.”Hisvoicewasquietneverthelesscommanding.
“What?”
“Lookatme.”Theorderwassoftbutdefinitelynottobeignored.Shecouldn’tifshe’dwantedto.Hisdeep,resonatevoice wrappedaroundhersensesandforcedhertodohisbidding
Whenshe finallymade eye contact, her whole bodywenthotagain. The intense lookhad her tryingto swallow, butshe foundhermouthdry.Heslippedhisfreehanduptocupherjaw.Withoutsayingaword,hebenthisheaddownandbrushedhis mouthagainsthers Shecouldfeeltheheatofhimthroughtheirlayersofclothing
Heleanedevencloser,andshecouldfeelhiserection.Therewasnomistakingthat.Justfeelingthehot,longlengthofhim had everyhormone inher bodyjumpingto attention, readyto serve Whenhe pulled back, ittooka few moments for her to openhereyesagain.
Thefireinhiseyeswasstillthere Hischeekswereflushed,andshecouldtelltherewasalittlemorethanjustplayacting involved.
“Justsoyouknow.Guyslikemecanbeattractedtowomenlikeyou.”
Shenodded
He kept his eyes opened this time as he gentlybrushed his mouthover hers. Just that little touchhad her circuits going crazy
“GoinyourroomsoIcanleave.”
Shedidasheordered,withoutthinkingaboutituntilthedoorwasshutandshewaslisteningtohisfootstepsrecedeinthe hallway.Dammit.Whatthehellwaswrongwithher?Herheadwasstillspinningandherbodyhumming.Closinghereyes,she triedtocalmherout-of-controllibido.Themanwasgoingtobeaproblem.Shedidn’tgetinvolved,itwasaruleshe’dhad. Sure,therewereafew one-nightershereandthere,buttheymostlydidn’tlast,evenifshewantedthemto Yearnedforthem morethanshewaswillingtoadmit,eventoherself.
Shebrushedthatthoughtaside Shehadlearnedthehardwaythatrelationshipsandherjustdidnotmix Sittingdownonher bed,shepulledoffhershoesandstartedtounbuttonhershirt.Herroomphonerang.
Shepickeditup.“Hello.”
“Havingfunwithlocals?”Masterssaid,amusementinhisvoice.
Shit. “HowlonghaveyoubeenaPeepingTom,anddoesGloriaknowaboutthis?” Hechuckled “IwaswonderingifyouwantedtogooverafewthingssinceI’mheadingouttomorrow” Shesighed,glancedatthebed.“Sure.Letmegetsomethingmorecomfortableon,andI’llbeover.”
“I’ve beenwantingto hear that for years” He made kissynoises before he hungup She was smilingwhenshe put the phonebackinthecradle.She’drealizedthatshe’dmisjudgedMasters.Hewasanass,andwell,hedidn’tlikemanypeople. Buthewastheeasiestpartnershe’dworkedwithatthebureau.Ofcourse,hewasn’tlookingtomakeanameforhimself.He wasnearingtwentyyearsinandreadytoretireoutoftheFBIanddosomethingelse Hewentthroughthemotionsanddidwhat hehadtodotomakepeoplethinkhewasinforthelonghaul.Andherespectedher,althoughhedidgiveherahardtime.Sort oflikeabigbrother
As she hurriedlyundressed and threw onher workout clothes, she thought about Rome and what to do about him. She wouldjusthavetotalktohim Sure,theywereplayinglovers,buttherewasnoneedtodoanythingmore Shewouldjusttell himthiswasnotgoinghappen.
Because, ifshe thought about it, there was a good chance she’d definitelyjump Rome’s bones. And ifshe did that, she woulddefinitelyendupwithabrokenheart
The tickingofthe clockwas the onlysound inRough’nReady’s office after Rome explained everything. Eventhoughthe roomwascool,Romebarelyregisteredit.Hewasboilinghot.Ononehand,hewantedthepartnerstoacceptCallahan’s idea Therewasagoodchancethatthecrazyassplanmightwork Butitwasthatotherhandthatbotheredhim Callahanwasa competentagent.He’dcheckedheroutthatmorning.HehopedthatatleastEvanwoulddisagree,butRomehadknownthatwas a longshot Bothmenhad beenworried about the killings fromthe veryfirst one and had beenfullycooperative withthe investigation.Theirwiveswerewell-knownsubmissivesattheclub,soitwasmorethanjustprotectingtheirname.
Afterafewmoremomentsofsilence,Evanleanedforward
“Youwanttousetheclubforasting?”heasked.
Romeknewthatbothpartnerswouldwantalltheinformationtheycouldgetontheoperation.Theymightnothavecollege degrees,butRomehadn’tmetmanymenasbusinesssavvyasEvanChambersandMicahRoss Theybothstartedoutlifeonthe wrong side of the tracks, but they knew how to build a business and how to thrive. They would also be an asset to the investigation,hadbeenfromthestart
Romenodded.“That’stheplan.Itwasn’tmyidea,butthere’sagoodchanceitcouldwork.NoonebutthecaptainandI knowshe’sheretowork.HerpartnerisgoingbacktoDCtoday.”
“You’redoingthisoutsidetheFBI,though.Theythinkshe’sheretoobserveandofferguidance,correct?”Micahasked. Romerolledhisshoulders.“Yes.”
MicahlookedatEvan “Hedoesn’tlikeit,buthedoesn’thaveachoice” “Doeshethinkthewomancan’tdoit?”Evanasked.
Micahshrugged “Notsure Idoknowhe’sattractedtoher” “Really?”Evan’seyeswidened.“Hehasbeeninkindofadryspell.”
Rome’sirritationsoared.“Hey,jackasses,I’mrighthere.”
Theyglancedathimthenateachotherandlaughed.
Hesighed,knowingtheyhaddoneitonpurposetogetunderhisskin.RossandChambershadgrownuponthestreetsof Atlanta together, and their longstandingpartnership allowed themto read eachother well Inother words, theytended to be goodatfuckingwithpeople.Especiallyhim.
Hepushedthethoughtsasideandtriedtoconcentrateonthebusinessathand “Ithinkshewantstostarttonight” “Iknow she does,” Micahsaid. “She called Dee this morningaboutwhatshe would need to fitin. She’s shoppingwith MayandDeerightnow.”
Evanraisedhis eyebrows “Oh,that’s whotheywere shoppingwiththis morning Theysaidsomethingabouthow sadit wasthattheycouldn’tmakeatriptoMauiKink.”
Romefelthistempersoaring Hekeptitincheck barely “There’snoreasonforthat Whatthehellarethosetwodoing withher?”
Micahsmiled, and Evanstudied him Rome ground his teethtogether, knowingthatbothmenwere too perceptive to not pickupontheterritorialnoteinhisvoice.Hell,ifhecouldhearit,heknewtheycould.
“WhatImeanisthatminimalexpenseneedstogointothat.KnowingCallahan,she’sfootingthebillfortheclothing.” “She’sgoingtostayattheHilton?”Micahasked,ignoringhislie
“No.ShesaidsomethingabouthavingarentalorsomethingfromtheFBI.”
Andnowthathesaidit,herealizedheneveraskedherwhereshewasgoingtobe Itwasasafebetshewouldbeoutofthe hoteltodayandinthehouse,andhehadnofreakingideawherethatwas.Shehadrattledhim,andhedidn’tlikeitonebit. Evantsked “He’snotactingnormal He’susuallyontopofeverything” Micahnodded.“Hewasofflastnight,too.Shereallyhasthrownhimforaloop.”
“Whowouldhavethoughtsomefedwouldcomeinhereandmesswiththeever-organizedRomeoCarino?” RomegaveEvanthefinger
“Okay,sowe’llputhernameonthelist.Issheusingherrealname?”Micahasked.
Shit “Wedidn’tgointothatlastnight”
“Whatdidyoudolastnight?”
Hecouldfeelheatflareinhischeeks.Dammit,hewasblushingagain.Hehadn’tdonethismuchblushingsincepubertyhit him NooneatRough’nReadywouldbelieveit Hell,nooneatworkwouldbelieveit “Itookherbacktoherhotelroom.”
Thepartnerssharedaglancethenlookedbackathim Aggravationincheddownhisspine.“What?”
“Andwhatelsehappened?”Evanasked “Nothing.Andiftherehadbeenanything,Iwouldn’ttellyou.Iwouldthinkyouwouldappreciatemydiscretion.” Evanshookhisheadashislipstwitched.
“Let’sgetbacktotheproblemathand You’reworriedshemightnotbeabletohandleit?”Micahasked Atfirst,hethoughtso.Nowthatheknewshe’dresearchedthesituation,hewasn’tsosure.Thewayshe’dhandledherself thenightbeforetoldhimshewasatleasttrainedtohandlesituationslikethat Heshrugged “Accordingtoher,shehasdonea lotofresearch.”
“Whatkindofresearch?”Evanaskedashewiggledhiseyebrows “Wasithandsonresearch?”
AwaveofheatrolledthroughRomeatthethought.Shesaidshehaddoneresearch,readbooks,buttruthfully,knowingher, she’dbeentoclubs.TheideathatshemighthavedonesomethingwithaDomhadhistemperflaring.Hedidn’twantanother mantotouchher Justthethoughthadhisangerheatingtoadangerouslevel Andthatthoughthadhimworried “Ah,soyoudon’tknow.Knowingthewoman,shedid.Sheseemsprettythorough.Andshehassomethingtoprove,”Micah said
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Evanasked.
“Fatheristhatbigserialkillerhunteryoualwayswantedtomeet.”
“YouwantedtomeetBigJohnCallahan?”Romeasked.
Evanshrugged,lookingalittleembarrassed.“Ijustthoughtitwouldbecool.” “Hewas”
“Youmethim?”Evanasked.
“WenttoafewofhislectureswhenIwasstationedinDC”
Evanlookedlikehewantedtoaskmorequestions,butMicahsteeredthembacktothetopicathandagain.“Y’allaregoing tostarttonight?Gotaplan?”
Rome wanted to curse. He hated thata lotofthis could have beendiscussed the nightbefore. Ofcourse, he hadn’tbeen abletothinkofanythingelsebeyondtouchingMaria.“No,butI’msureshehasone.Shehasnoproblemtellingmewhattodo.” “Atleastyougettoreversethattonight”
Micah’scommentsentarushofheatthroughhisblood,hadhisbodyreactingbeforehecouldstopit.Romeknewitwasall aboutundercover Buttherewastheproblemoftheirattraction Shemighttrytopretendshewasn’tattractedtohim,buthehad feltthewayshehadtrembledwhenhetouchedherthenightbefore.Hell,hecouldstilltasteheronhislips.He’dneverreally hadthiskindofresponsetoawomanbefore.Notsincehighschool.Itwasasifhecouldn’tcontrolhimself.
Thethoughtthatshewouldbeintheclub,dressedtoattract,hadhimsweating Hewasn’tsurehewouldsurvivethenight
MARIA LOOKED atherselfinthemirrorandblinked.ThedressMayhadpickedoutclungtohercurvesandaccentuatedherhips. Thepush-upbra wellitdiditsjobwell Sheblinkedagain Shedidn’trecognizeherself Herfacelookedthesame,buther body…shefeltalmostnaked.
“Comeout,wewanttosee” Mariafrownedasshesmoothedherhandsoverherhips.“I’mnotsosureaboutthis.” Thecurtainopened,andDeestoodthere.HereyeswidenedashergazetookinthewaythedressfitMaria.“Wow!” Horrified,Mariagasped.“Icouldhavebeennaked.”
“Ifyouwereinherealoneallthistimenaked,Iwouldbewonderingwhatyouweredoing,”Maysaid.Thewomanhada sassysenseofhumorthatappealedtoMaria SheseemedtosaythethingsthatMariathoughtbutdidn’thavethenervetosay outloud.
“Isayyou’llgrabtheattentionofmorethanoneguytonight EspeciallyRome,”Maysaid “Helikesafullass,doesn’the Dee.”
“Thatreallyisn’tthatimportant,”shesaidevenasatinylittlethrill zingedthroughher.Sheshouldn’tbethatexcitedthat Romeapparentlywentforherbodytype.
“Sureitis.Youwanttoattractmen,right?Which,withthistinywaistandthatrearendofyours,especiallyinthisdress,
