Page 215 of Vicious Temptation

I grab a table by the window and keep an eye on the sidewalk as I wait for Remi and that pretty little head of curls to come into view. The shop isn’t too crowded yet, but the heat outside has drawn more people in over the past few minutes, so I’m glad I got here early.

It isn’t long before I spot them as they round the corner, hand in hand.

I can tell something’s off with Zara. She doesn’t have her usual bounce, and when Remi points toward the ice cream shop, Zara barely reacts, offering a slight shrug as they continue toward the entrance.

The bell chimes when they step inside.

Remi spots me immediately, but my attention remains on Zara. She keeps her head down until Remi gives her a gentle nudge.

When those big brown eyes finally lift to mine, her entire face brightens.

“Officer Thiago,” she says. “You’re Remi’s surprise?”

“I guess I am.” I push away from the table, walk over to them, and lean down to steal a quick kiss from my girl. When I pull away, Zara’s eyes widen.

“You have been kissing him.”

Remi and I look at each other, neither of us bothering to answer as Zara darts toward the display case, suddenly determined to inspect every flavor.

“Is she okay?” I ask.

Remi watches her for a moment. “There was an incident at dance today involving another little girl. Zara wouldn’t tell anyone what happened, so all we have is the other side of the story.”

“Which is?”

“She clocked the girl with her dance bag, and they kicked her out of the intensive program.”

“Fuck.”

“Yeah.” Her attention remains on Zara. “Seeing her cry broke me. Girls can be cruel, even at that age. But Zara…she isn’t. Whatever happened, I know she didn’t start it. And it took everything I had not to go back in there and demand more answers.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because she asked me not to.” Remi looks at me. “So I’m giving her time.”

“Then let’s make her day a little better,” I say. “And yours. Let’s get you that weird-ass ice cream.”

She shakes her head, but some of the worry leaves her expression. “Another reason to hate you, Braga.”

I grin. “Hate me harder.”

“Hold still, Officer Thiago. I’m almost done.”

I do my best to obey, even as my neck protests the angle Zara has me bent into. Standing behind me on Remi’s couch, she divides my hair into yet another tiny ponytail while Remi watches from across the room.

I’m fairly certain I look ridiculous, and the amusement on Remi’s face confirms it.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Oh, absolutely.” She grins. “I’m never letting you live this down.”

After several more gentle tugs and two final ponytails, Zara pats the top of my head.

“All done,” she announces proudly. “What do you think?”

I cross my eyes, trying to focus on one of the tiny curls that dangle over my forehead.

The moment I saw Zara walk out with a hairbrush, a spray bottle, and a tub of gel, I knew they weren’t meant for her. All it took was one flutter of those big brown eyes and the sweetest little “please,” and I was a goner.