Simply Sinful (Simply 1)

“Was there another kind?” he asked wryly. He handed her the white ceramic cup. The steaming mug warmed her hands. She inhaled and the aroma of beef stock and vegetables drifted upward. Her stomach grumbled aloud. He chuckled.

Refusing to be embarrassed, she took a grateful sip before meeting his amused gaze. “Canned soup at its finest.”

Laugh lines formed in attractive crinkles around his eyes. “It’s the closest thing to homemade you’ll get from me. Come on. Drink up.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Do you take such good care of all your assignments, Detective?”

His hand went to her cheek. She felt his touch shoot straight to her heart. “Don’t sell yourself short, Ms. Luck.”

Her cell phone rang and Kayla glanced at the nightstand. Her phone was face down but she had no doubt who was calling. “Catherine thinks she needs to protect me from you.”

“I already reassured her earlier, but apparently she needs proof. Besides, she’s right.” His dark gaze met hers, his barely readable expression revealing hidden knowledge and a deep yearning need.

Her stomach twisted again but hunger wasn’t the cause.

“Better let Catherine know you’re okay, or she’ll be showing up on your doorstep.” He grabbed the cup and placed it on the nightstand before walking toward the door.

She picked up the phone. “I’m fine,” she said without preamble.

“You won’t be if I don’t get my take, and I want the books.”

“Who is this?” She gripped the cell hard.

“Have you forgotten already?” a gravelly voice asked, sending a chill through her bones.

“You attacked me.”

Kane whirled around and stalked back to the bed. A strong, supporting hand cupped her shoulder. When she glanced up, he merely nodded, ur

ging her to keep talking.

“That was just a preview,” the voice on the phone said.

She drew courage from Kane’s presence. “What do you want?”

“For you to stop playing dumb. My share and a resumption of activities.”

“I don’t…”

“You can’t cut my man out, and you can’t run this on your own. Get the money. I’ll be in touch.” He disconnected the call.

“He’s hung up,” Kayla said.

Kane grabbed the phone out of her hand and punched in a succession of numbers, then muttered a curse.

“What?” she asked.

“Untraceable. Probably a burner…” He placed the phone on the nightstand, then turned to Kayla. “What did he say?”

She couldn’t meet his gaze. “Seems you were right. Charmed! is a front for something illegal, after all.”

The anger she’d held toward him left in a rush. Fear still pulsed inside her, but she needed answers and knew just where to find them.

Kayla threw off the sheets. Her head pounded in opposition to the sudden movement, but she forced herself to swing her legs over the side of the bed.

“Hang on.” His hand on her bare thigh stopped her. Blazing heat seared her to the core.

He didn’t speak. Neither did she. Sexual tension crackled in the air between them, fierce and alive. His large hand remained on her bare skin.