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“Come on. I’ll let him know we’re here.”
Ducking out of his car, I contemplate the vast building across the street that will seemingly be my home away from home for the coming days.
Its red brick façade spans the entire length of the tree-lined cobblestone street. The only indication that it’s anything other than a residence is the large doors leading inside and the currently unlit spotlights dotting the walls.
When we reach the entrance, Detective Fratelli looks up at the burly staff member as he flashes his badge. “Detective Joseph Fratelli, South Brook P.D. We’re here to see Vaughn Burton.”
The barrel-chested man nods, gesturing us inside. “I’ll have someone let him know. He’s expecting you.”
As we walk through the opening foyer, the detective’s cell rings. He checks the screen, then lets out an expletive. “I need to take this. Go on inside.”
Then he strides back out onto the cobbled street, leaving me alone to venture farther inside.
None of the cleaning staff glance up from their work as I amble past them, my eyes taking in the beauty of my surroundings.
Dozens of seating areas with loungers that look more like beds are enclosed by sheer drapes, undoubtedly giving guests the illusion of privacy. Long bars line either side of the space with unlit neon blue signs readingRaptureabove the shelves of liquor bottles.
I can only imagine what it looks like in all its glory.
“We’re closed, Miss.”
A deep voice behind me makes me spin around, my hand flying to my chest in shock.
There’s a tall man wearing a black cowboy hat staring down at me. His piercing blue eyes are shockingly bright against his deeply tanned face.
His lips are pressed together, and there is not a hint of emotion on his features. “Excuse me. I have an appointment to see Mr. Burton.”
He quirks a disbelieving brow. “I doubt that.”
Squaring my shoulders, I stand taller and pop a brow of my own. “Please tell him that Wren Caputo is here to see him.”
“Wren Caputo?”
I nod sharply before thrusting my chin up in challenge.
The cowboy blinks once, then twice before a dazzling smile overtakes his features, turning him from good-looking to drop-dead gorgeous. He chuckles deeply inside his broad chest. “Oh, this will bepriceless.”
He turns, jerking his head for me to follow. “Follow me.”
I trail after him, suddenly anxious as I glance about in search of Detective Fratelli, altogether certain that this isnota good idea.
I follow my companion through a hidden side door and down a maze of corridors until he leads me up a red-carpeted staircase.
Once we reach the top, I follow the cowboy into a large, very masculine office.
“Wait here, Miss Caputo. I’ll be right back with Vaughn.”
* * *
VAUGHN
“This shit is going to stop, Lucia, or I swear…”
I trail off, fists clenched almost as hard as my jaw while I stare at the uncompromising face of my second-in-command.
She arches a brow. “You swearwhat, bossman?”
Nostrils flaring, my upper lip curls in disgust at the nickname Iknowshe used forhim. Her eyes are unwavering as she crosses her arms in defiance.
