Hell's Bell (Lizzie Grace 2)

“Ah, that one. I learned about it this morning, after I’d overheard Tala commenting that she’d lost a tenner on us.”

Belle snorted. “At least Zak and I only lost five each.”

“I hardly think it fair you two are betting with insider knowledge.”

There was something in his voice that had suspicion stirring. “I hope you’re taking your own advice there, Ranger.”

“Maybe.” His voice ran with amusement. “And maybe not.”

I couldn’t help grinning, even as anticipation stirred. “Then what day have you placed money on?”

“I can hardly tell you that when I’m carrying a competitor.”

“Hey, I’m the other half of this bet, remember,” I grumbled lightly. “Besides, a girl does need advance warning so she can get ready.”

“That depends on where we might be going,” he said. “And whether the girl is pretty perfect as she is.”

“Oh, very smooth, Ranger,” Belle said, even as she silently added, if that doesn’t make you believe the man is seriously into you, nothing will.

I never doubted the attraction, Belle, just his willingness to get over me being a witch.

And last night—and our kiss—had certainly squashed any fears in that regard.

We finally came out of the shadowed forest and the chill wind once again hit. The clouds had grown much darker during our time in the forest, and the smell of rain filled the air. A storm couldn’t be too far away.

Aiden stopped at his truck and carefully deposited Belle on the ground. She dropped a quick kiss on his cheek and said, “Thanks.”

He grinned. “I’d say anytime, but you’re not exactly a lightweight.”

She snorted and lightly punched his arm. “I’ll have you know this beautiful body is all muscle.”

“And muscle weighs more than fat.” His gaze skimmed her. “You certainly haven’t much of that, but I do prefer my women a little more rounded.”

I thrust my hands on my hips and said, with mock sternness, “Meaning what, Ranger?”

He raised his hands, his smile growing. “Hey, no insult intended, because blind Freddy can see your weight distribution is in all the right places.”

“Meaning mine isn’t?” Belle said, rather mildly.

He glanced at her and slowly backed away, blue eyes sparkling in the growing darkness of the day. “I think I’d better shut up before I get myself in deeper trouble. Ladies, the truck is open and the seats are awaiting.”

Once we’d both stripped off his coats, I shoved them and his pack onto the rear seat along with ours, and then climbed in. As we were heading back down the dirt road, the clouds finally unleashed, and the rain was so heavy the wipers couldn’t cope.

“Isn’t it supposed to be summer?” Belle grumbled. “Or does that whole season skip this area entirely?”

“Our hotter months tend to be January and Feb,” Aiden said. “Although tha

t’s extended into March and April in more recent—”

He stopped as the incoming call sign flashed up on the truck’s computer screen. He pressed a button on the steering wheel and said, “What’s up, Tala?”

“Everything.” Her voice was grim. “We’ve got another goddamn body.”

Chapter Six

Aiden swore softly and then said, “Where?”

“Just beyond the boundary of the Marin compound, over at Picnic Point.”