The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jenson Guardian 6)

"I don't care." He spun around and clomped down the stairs. "I refuse to risk full commitment."

"But he's not asking you to risk it, Rhoan. He's just asking to move in with us and become part of our family. Why is that asking too much?"

"It's a risk - "

"Life itself is a goddamn risk! As Liander being caught by a serial killer proves."

He muttered something under his breath. I caught the words "bitch" and "ridiculous," and smiled. "This bitch is going to kick your ass to kingdom come if you don't start acting sensibly where Liander is concerned."

He snorted softly and strode across the living room, snatching an old photograph up and thrusting it in my direction. "This is it."

I took the photo from him and then looked around. "Where's the phone? My cell's in the car."

He pointed to the left, then crossed his arms, his nostrils flaring. "Why is Quinn here?"

"Because I was getting emotional hits from you, and it was shaking me up so badly I couldn't drive." I picked up the receiver and dialed Jack's number.

"I suppose I should be grateful he couldn't pass the threshold, or my ass would be history."

"Too right it would be," Quinn commented calmly from the doorway. "You're too old to be acting like a petulant child."

"Christ, first my sister tells me off, then her lover." He paused. "How come you two are together again? When did that happen?"

"We are not together, as such," Quinn said. "Not yet, anyway."

Rhoan raised an eyebrow as he glanced at me. "Funny, because you have his scent all over you, which kinda indicates you have been together."

"Having sex doesn't mean we're together. It just means we were horny," I answered, then said, as Jack picked up the phone, "Boss, we've got problems."

"Sal told me. You and Rhoan okay?"

"Yeah, we survived the encounter. Rhoan's thinking a little more clearly now."

I looked at Rhoan as I said it. He grimaced, and thrust a hand through his hair. His body was still taut with tension, and the smell of his anger and frustration stained the air. He was in control, but only just.

"What about Liander?"

"He's missing. I think Aron Young might have him."

"Why? What is his connection to the other men Young has murdered?"

"As far as I can see, the only connection between any of them is the fact they all did tenth grade in the same school as Young. It's not much."

"For twisted minds, it often doesn't have to be. What do you need?"

"I need a trace on a van and the following names. Liander's not dead yet, so he's been snatched rather than killed outright. Young knows we're onto him, so maybe he's gone for the rest of them, too. Maybe he's planned on one big killing party."

"It's possible. Give me the details."

I read the names out, then added the plate number the bouncer had given me. "I'm about to head on over to Vinny's. She tasted him, and I'm sure knows more than what she's saying. I think it's about time she anted up."

"Just be careful," he warned. "Emos don't have to be touching to suck emotion from you. She and her crew can drain from a distance if they wish."

"She wouldn't want to try it on Rhoan right now. Trust me on that."

"I can imagine." His voice was dry. "You sure you two are unscathed?"

"We can walk, we can talk, and we can certainly throw a punch or two. We're fine."