Maiden and the Lion (Lions of Manhattan 2)

Alex came in ten minutes later. She didn’t think he was over his guilt yet.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“I’m fine, Alex. Really.”

“I’m sorry, Bea…”

She tiptoed and kissed him. “It was worth it.”

Alex smiled. “Babe. Mine. My woman.”

His woman. Bea felt all bubbly inside. Her annoyance at him melted away. “It’s ten past eight. I have to get ready go to work.”

“Oh no. You stay home today.”

“But I’m fine.”

“This isn’t negotiable. I want you to sit still and rest.”

“You’re not firing me, are you?” She stared at him with suspicion.

“You don’t need a job, Bea. You’re my mate. I’ll take care of you.”

“What am I going to do during the day?”

“Shopping or redecorate this apartment. Have fun with your friends. Listen, we’ll talk about this later, okay? I have business to attend to.”

“Who’s going to answer your calls if I’m not in?”

“I’ll have Krueger arrange a temp. Today, I want you to rest and nothing else. The housekeeper is in at nine. She’ll clean up for a couple hours then you’ll have the apartment to yourself. The fridge is fully stocked if you’re hungry. And if you’re in the mood for a takeout, I’ll arrange for my men to get it for you. Just dial nine and someone will answer. Take a nap. Watch TV. Relax, okay?”

“Okay.”

“I love you, Bea. Wait for me until I get home.”

“Just don’t get yourself shot again.”

“You’re adorable.”

Bea had just finished her lunch when the doorbell rang. She put the plate in the sink and hurried to answer. A woman with dark hair and a café-au-lait complexion, dressed in a two-piece business suit stood at the door. She was very pretty with large dark eyes and dazzling white teeth. Bea recognised her from the papers. She was Cat Kovac, Gabriel Larousse’s wife—the detective.

“Hello,” the woman said. “You must be Beatrice.”

“

How do you know my name?”

“Oh, a little legwork. I’m Cat by the way. I’m Gabriel’s wife.”

“I know you. I mean, I’ve seen you in the newspapers and the magazines.”

Cat made a face. “That whole thing was rather overblown. May I come in?”

“God. Where are my manners? Do please come in.”

“Thank you.”

Cat brushed past her and stepped into the living room. “You know, I’ve never been into Alex’s place before, even though we live on the same floor.” She looked around. “Very neat, just like him.”