Page 86 of Shallow Remains

As he stood, one of his deputies appeared in the doorway. “Got the info on that plate you asked about. The car was rented from a company down in SeaTac. Registered to a Lindsay Alastor.”

He didn’t know her. “How long ago did she rent it?”

“Nine days ago. Unsure when she came to the island. Driver’s license says she’s from Miami, thirty-one years old.”

“Great, thanks.” He made a note of it in his file then went to reception. The man he’d been begging for since August was standing at the reception desk talking to one of the deputies.

Rafe smiled, a measure of relief sliding through him. They’d worked together on cases for several years in Seattle. This was going to make his life so much better. “Axel. Good to see you, man.”

Axel turned to him, returned the smile and stuck out his hand. He was two years older than Rafe, almost as big, and a former Army MP who had become one of Seattle’s most reliable detectives. “Sheriff Torres. Two words I never thought I’d hear myself string together.” His hazel eyes twinkled.

Rafe shook with him. “Sounds good though, doesn’t it?”

“There’s a certain ring to it, I guess.”

Rafe clapped him on the shoulder. Axel had taken a prolonged leave of absence due to personal circumstances and had only agreed to resume his career because Rafe had specifically requested him. Or personally begged him, whatever. “Really glad you’re here, brother.”

“Me too. I’m ready to get back in the game. So, heard you could use a hand around here.”

“I’m gonna need both your hands.”

“Easy, you gotta at least buy me dinner before you start talking like that.” That wry twinkle Rafe remembered was back. “What’ve you got for me?”

“Right this way.” Rafe gestured toward his office and told him about the most recent events, including what was going on with Maddy.

Could be a coincidence, but he thought Willow had mentioned there was a newcomer named Lindsay at her yoga class.

Alastor. Unusual surname.

In English, it translated to vengeful.

FORTY-FOUR

Maddy had never believed this kind of bliss and connection could exist in the real world.

She reached a hand back to wind it around Lachlan’s nape, her whole body clenching as he thrust into her from behind in a steady, controlled rhythm that had her teetering on the brink. His hand was pressed between her thighs, the pad of one finger rubbing along her most sensitive spot until she couldn’t think. She embraced the pleasure, let the climax roll through her as her ecstatic cry rang through the quiet room.

Behind her, Lachlan growled low in his throat and buried his bearded face in the crook of her neck. He drove deep, groaned her name, and shuddered with his own release.

She relaxed as the pleasure ebbed, sank into the plush mattress with a contented sigh. Pale morning light filled his bedroom. With him pressed flush to the back of her and his heavy arm around her, she was warm and cozy and comfortable.

Sex was way better than she’d thought it would be. She was glad she’d waited though. On an instinctive level she knew it wouldn’t be like this with anyone else.

She snuggled harder into his big body, loving how safe and protected he made her feel. He was like a human furnace. “Do you really have to go?” she murmured, planning to stay exactly where she was and slide back into sleep.

His quiet chuckle ruffled the back of her hair. “Believe me, I wish I didn’t. But if I don’t show up, I’ll have to refund the cost of the trip and risk some really negative reviews that would tank my five-star rating.”

“Damned money,” she muttered. Life would be so much easier if people didn’t need it to get by.

“I know. Evil stuff.” He sighed, kissed her cheek, and gently eased away from her. She grumbled, tugged the blankets over her. Lachlan laughed softly. “Not really a morning person, are you?”

“Not this early. And not when I just had an amazing orgasm and I’m all warm and sleepy and comfy.”

“So it’s my fault.”

“Completely your fault.”

“I’m taking that as a compliment.”