“What was that?” Saks demanded. He frowned and looked uncomfortable at the same time. He crossed his arms as he tightened his jaw.
She had to suppress a smile, because Saks acting jealous was just too adorable for words. “You’re not jealous, are you?”
“Yes, I am. I’m not used to my fiancée flirting with other men.”
“I mean nothing by it. It’s all in the line of duty.”
“I don’t have to like it. But what gives you the clue this guy knows something?”
“We don’t say guy in England. Instead we say bloke.”
“You keep teasing me and I might resort to something drastic.”
“Like what?”
“Grabbing you and kissing you up one side and down another.”
“Ooh. That would be cruel and unusual torture.”
Saks stepped forward and swept her up in his arms. “Where’s the rack in this place? I’ll start on that right away.”
“I’ll have you know my boss is a progressive man. There isn’t a single rack in the place.”
“Shame. I’d love to see you with your arms and legs stretched open and tied down.”
“Saks! I didn’t know you were so kinky,” she teased behind a bright smirk.
“I’m a man of many talents. But, mostly, I’d love to tie you down to make sure you don’t walk into danger. What makes you think this Kovel bloke has anything to do with Jessica’s disappearance?”
Within the grip of Saks’ arms, Chrissy’s eyes narrowed in thought. There wasn’t anything concrete for her to go on, not really. It was more of a gut feeling, and the fact that they had no other leads to speak of. “When I met the guy, I knew something was off about him. He was all about getting Jessica’s number, and zeroed in on her like he was some shark. I can’t really tell you it’s anything more than that, just a gut feeling.”
“Well, I like to think your instincts and feelings are quite good. In fact, I like how you feel when I hold you against me,” Saks murmured with just the touch of amusement she needed.
Biting down a quiet bit of laughter, she leaned into his chest and held him tight. “I like it, too. But we have someplace to go and I need to get my party face on.”
“Yeah,” he sighed, “and I have a phone call to make.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Ever since Saks had heard Alexi’s voice and listened in on Chrissy’s playing along to meet up with him, his blood had been boiling. Deep down he knew she wasn’t interested in the man, but hearing her sweet- talk him set him on edge, and the idea of her stepping into any danger left him biting his tongue to keep from outright protesting.
Saks had just picked up Chrissy’s phone to make a call, when a sound coming from Pearson’s room caught his ear. He stood, instantly on edge, and crept toward the door as silently as he could. Caution kept him from stepping in, though there was only one way in or out. Plus the apartment featured sealed windows, and they were up on the fourth floor.
Silence rang back out at him, leaving him to wonder if it hadn’t just been his imagination, when a loud scraping noise reverberated through the room.
Chrissy, at that moment, strode back into the living room, and he put his finger to his lips and then pointed to Pearson’s bedroom. She froze mid-step, and his breath hung still in his chest as the door began to creak open.
Saks’ swinging fist had nearly connected with the intruder before he yanked himself back and nearly fell off balance.
“Grandfather?” Chrissy gawked, eyes wide. “What are you doing here?”
“Chrissy?” The man’s brow fell. “I thought you were home.”
“Doesn’t explain why you’re here,” she said with a huff. “And where the hell did you come from? The police thoroughly searched the apartment.”
“They didn’t find his panic room in his bedroom. You didn’t know it was there?” the old man asked, as if it was the simplest explanation of all.
“No.” Her arms slipped angrily across her chest.