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Dev left the suitcases in the middle of the living room and came to stand beside Kiana. He slipped an arm lightly around her waist and whispered, “Why?”
She leaned into him. “I’m here, surrounded by beauty and comfort. I’m safe while Meredith is missing, and Tish is lying in a coma in the hospital.”
“You’re working on helping them,” he pointed out, his arm tightening around her. “We’re going to find Meredith and the person behind the attacks.”
“When?” She turned, rested her hands on his chest and looked up into his eyes. “As far as we know, Meredith has been missing for a week. The clock is ticking, and we still have no clue where she is.”
Dev dropped a kiss on Kiana’s forehead. “Then let’s take a quick tour of the house, raid the refrigerator for something to eat and drink, and then sit down with Meredith’s tablet to see what we can find.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Sound like a plan?”
She nodded, her gaze meeting his. “Yes.”
Because her face was still tipped up to his, Dev couldn’t resist one more...kiss. He brushed his lips across hers in a light touch, not meant to start anything, just to provide comfort.
But once his lips connected with hers, a fire ignited in his groin. It took all his willpower to raise his head.
Kiana’s hands slid up his chest, wrapped around the back of his neck and pulled him back down. “Don’t start something you can’t finish,” she whispered and kissed him hard.
When his teeth parted, her tongue slipped past and grazed his in a sexy caress that made his blood burn and his body ache.
When they finally came up for air, Dev cupped the back of her head and breathed against her ear, “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”
She leaned into him, her breasts warm against his chest, his cock pressing into her belly.
God, he wanted this woman. Despite her announcement that she didn’t want a relationship and didn’t want him to hit on her or fall in love with her, he couldn’t help himself. She was smart, feisty, brave and beautiful.
He could easily fall for this woman.
But he was there to help find Meredith, not to break down Kiana’s defenses and make love to her.
He set her at arm’s length and stared down at her. “My apologies. You did say I wasn’t to hit on you.”
Her brow furrowed, and she raised her hand to her lips. “I did, didn’t I?”
His lips quirked. “I’d say I won’t let it happen again, but I can’t make that promise. There’s something about your lips that I can’t resist.” He bent and brushed his mouth across hers. “See? Irresistible.” He stepped back and let his arms fall to his sides. “Come on. Let’s check out this place. It might be the only time I get to stay in a movie star’s mansion.” He took her hand and led her through the rooms, determined to keep moving. He was afraid that if he stopped, he’d start kissing her again. And, if she let him, he’d keep kissing her. And, oh, the places they could go from there made his blood burn with an unquenchable desire.
Not good. Not good at all.
She’d been quite clear that she wanted none of that nonsense.
Funny, but her words said one thing, and her lips just the opposite.
Yeah. That kiss hadn’t been all on him.
She’d wanted it, too.
Dev grinned at the possibilities.
Chapter 8
Kiana stood on the balcony outside the master bedroom suite, staring out at the Hawaiian night, wishing her friends were okay and that she could enjoy this setting with no cares in the world.
“Meredith would love this place,” she said, reminding herself of her purpose, the reason she’d come back to Oahu.
Dev chuckled. “Hell, who wouldn’t? Remind me to thank Hank and Sadie for opening their home to us. And to ask if I can come back when I have more time to swim in the pool and lounge in the hot tub.” He leaned on the rail, staring out at the view. “Like you, I feel guilty resting in the lap of luxury when Meredith is still missing and Tish hasn’t woken from the coma.” He straightened. “We’ve seen the house and given the tablet enough time to charge. Let’s hope it gives us a clue as to where to look for your friend.”
Kiana led the way to the ground floor, where she’d left the tablet charging near the front entrance.
Dev gathered the tablet and charger while Kiana carried the journal. Together, they walked through the living room into the kitchen and laid the items on an island bar.
