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I’d heard the words more than once while training at the police academy, the saying one I would never forget. I was a fool for buying into the fear. I pushed away the strangling demon, standing at my full height. There were no monsters lurking in the darkness, only beasts crowding my mind.
I laughed softly, turning to head back to the house when I sensed the presence; however, this time I wasn’t afraid. As I turned my head, my eyes were able to lock on another pair, only they glowed in the darkness.
* * *
The whistles started the second I walked into the office. Granted, none of the other detectives had ever seen me in a dress. Even the few Christmas parties I’d attended, I’d remained in my normal work clothes—pants, an unflattering shirt, and a jacket.
“Vava voom!” one of the detectives called out, making a crude gesture that allowed me the joy of promptly lifting my middle finger in his direction.
“Sensitive,” another hissed.
I merely gave the asshole a hard glare, continuing to head toward my desk. I hadn’t noticed Max’s presence, although I’d felt him almost immediately after walking into the room. A single bead of perspiration trickled between my breasts, a clear indication that I hadn’t been able to purge the man from my system.
He was apparently my kryptonite.
I ignored the rest of the crew and slid onto my seat, only seconds later darting a glance in the direction of where Max stood merely twenty feet away. He’d watched and from what I could tell by his expression enjoyed my arrival.
And the men fawning over me.
Max slowly inched closer, swaggering like some demi-God. Who the hell did he think he was? When he reached my partner’s desk, which was backed up against mine, only then did I hear a sound coming from his massive chest.
A raspy growl.
I stared into his eyes, unblinking. They were completely normal, the light adding a hint of cobalt blue to the otherwise dark intensity. I had to chalk off the morning’s experience to my lack of sleep and nervous stomach.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his face pinching with concern.
“Fine. Just a long night going over evidence.” Whether or not he believed me, I didn’t care. I shook my head, firing up my computer. I wanted to get this over with.
“What do you have, a hot date?” he finally asked as he moved to sit on the edge of my desk.
“You are welcome to use Mark’s chair so you don’t have to be so close,” I commented, trying to remain as nonchalant as possible.
“I don’t have access to your computer systems.”
I almost whispered the word ‘yet,’ but I kept my mouth shut.
“Interesting. It would appear that you have other plans for the day. I thought we were working on the case.”
“While it’s none of your business, I have a lunch meeting that I was unable to get out of.” I heard the disdain in my tone and noticed almost immediately that every other detective seemed far too interested in what we were doing. I shifted the cursor, moving quickly to the pictures that had been taken of the various crime scenes. “You might want to take a look at these.”
He leaned over, dangerously close, allowing me an intoxicating whiff of his scent. He wasn’t the kind of man to wear cologne, but he didn’t have to. Everything about him reeked of testosterone and pheromones. I gripped the mouse with enough force I was afraid I’d crush it. Why did I continue to think anything sexual about the man?
“You look beautiful. I hope he’s worth it.”
The comment seemed far too inappropriate, even though we’d had sex more than once. I shifted closer, pointing toward the computer screen, my mouth dry. While he was my partner, I had no intention of telling him about my earlier scare or what had to be hallucinations. I didn’t need to be taken down another notch or two.
Max was instantly intrigued, even placing his hand over mine and forcing a change to another series of pictures. The instant electricity was startling, a second bead of perspiration threatening to give away my nerves. I was fully aroused, my panties instantly damp and my nipples aching. I bit back any kind of reaction, doing everything I could not to inhale his… delicious smell.
“I can understand why other officers continue to believe the attacks are from an animal,” he said quietly, keeping his voice low.
“I’m no fool, Max. For an untrained eye, you might think that but take a look at the way the bodies are positioned.” With his hand still attached to mine, I flipped through a series of images, only stopping on each one briefly. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”
He eased back, chuckling under his breath. “You’re good, Detective. I missed what you were saying at first. The bodies were placed in the same manner, almost in a ritualistic approach.”
“Exactly.” I was suddenly excited, my breath skipping.
Exhaling, he rubbed his jaw and I was cognizant he had the most sensual two- or three-day stubble, only adding to his provocative image. “This changes… everything.”
