Simply Sinful (Simply 1)

“That’s debatable. I’m not convinced this was anything more than a bungled job. A druggie wanting cash, hoping for a quick getaway, and coming up empty, maybe,” Reid said.

Kane shook his head. “Put someone on her.”

“Can’t spare more manpower on a hunch, McDermott, not even yours. The most I can give you is an hourly drive-by.”

Kane shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “Not good enough.”

“It’ll have to be.”

“For you maybe. But I’m taking that R&R you seem to think I need.”

Reid raised an eyebrow. “To do what?”

“Babysit her myself if I have to. Instinct has kept me alive, and I won’t ignore it now.”

“You too personally involved with this one?”

The words hit the intended target, but Kane refused to back down. “No.”

Reid shrugged. “Whatever you say. You’ve got one week, but this is strictly off-duty. What about the sister?”

“I don’t need two targets and, considering she’s not involved in running the business, she’s not in any immediate danger.”

Shoving his hands into his front pants pockets, Reid said, “I agree.”

“So I want her out of the picture.” Kane didn’t need two women to watch out for.

Reid glanced at the two sisters with their heads bent close together, and his chuckle filled the small room. “Good luck,” he said and laughed again.

Kane didn’t know whether the older man referred to Kane’s ability to make Catherine back off or his self-imposed week alone with Kayla. Either way he needed all the luck he could get.

Chapter Five

The ice had begun to help her head. Even the nausea was no longer as bad. And then Kane spoke. “I’m taking you home.”

His deep voice—still sexy to her ears—penetrated the remaining fuzziness in her brain. Kayla’s stomach revolted at the thought. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Catherine grabbed for the nearest garbage pail, gaining a smile from Kayla despite how lousy she felt.

“I don’t think that’s necessary.” Kayla turned on Kane. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” Although her talk with Captain Reid had been enlightening, she still didn’t know enough.

Apparently, Kane’s superior knew nothing about Kane and Kayla’s late-night activities. Unlike other men, he hadn’t been quick to brag that he’d scored with Kayla Luck. She wondered what that meant other than the fact that he didn’t want to jeopardize his career.

The captain had questioned her about her business and clientele but was less than forthcoming about the reasons behind the police interest. He said he’d leave the divulging to his best detective. She suppressed a cynical laugh. Kane was good all right, at more things than just his job.

He crouched down until they were eye level. Razor stubble covered his cheeks, adding to the dangerous edge she’d only imagined before. The musky scent of his skin mixed with subtle aftershave heightened her awareness and put her senses into overdrive.

He bore no resemblance to the salesman who’d wined and dined her the night before, yet he was still the same man who intrigued her on a primal level. A man she didn’t know. Yesterday’s clean-cut appearance had obviously been another lie for her benefit. She had the distinct impression she now faced the real Kane McDermott.

She cradled her head in her hands and glared at him.

“You might not like me much righ

t now. Hell, I’m not too thrilled with myself. But you aren’t going home alone. It isn’t safe.”

“I agree,” Catherine said. She folded her arms over her chest and waited.

“Would you please find something to do?” Kane muttered. “I’ll talk to you later.”