“Yeah, I did. Sex was no longer an agony, but it was a far shot from enjoyable.” She bobbed her eyebrows. “Whole different story with your oh-so-amazing brother.”
“I figured.” It felt both strange and natural to have this discussion with Sterling. “The last thing I want to do is spook Kennedy, you know? I want her to feel safe with me.”
“She does. Guaranteed.”
“Yeah? You really think so?”
“She’s smart, right? She would have moved on already if she didn’t trust you.”
At least that was something.
“Here’s what I’d do,” Sterling said. “Build on that trust. Like the way you kissed her goodbye today? Totally took her by surprise, but she didn’t mind. It just wasn’t something in her wheelhouse. I doubt she’s let any guy get close enough for an affectionate peck. Do that a few more times.”
Not a problem. “And?”
“Trust opens the door to other things. Right now, she’s got her guard up, even with you. I mean, a smart woman doesn’t want to take the chance on being hurt twice. So while she doesn’t think you’d do anything heinous to harm her, she’s still protecting herself. When she lets down those walls, she’ll notice things.”
“Like?”
“Like your very fine physique and sexy attitude. Actually, she’s probably already been clued in on that, she’s just not sure what to do about it.”
Reyes felt heat burn up the back of his neck. A compliment from Sterling was a damned uncomfortable thing.
Either she didn’t notice his unease, or she flat out didn’t care. “You know how to seduce, right? I mean, you are Cade’s brother, so I assume—”
Affronted, he growled, “Knowing how and thinking I should are two different things.”
In a soothing tone, Sterling explained, “I’m not saying to come on hot and heavy. That’d be all wrong. Just help her ease into things. I know if she gives you a back-off signal, you’ll respect that.”
“Yes.”
“So there you go. When she realizes she likes the contact, that a kiss isn’t an ugly, unwanted thing, that it makes her want more, then you can deliver. Little by little, though, okay?” She landed a friendly punch to his shoulder. “I know this family has some superior genes coursing through the bloodline, but a guy is a guy is a guy. Don’t think she’s all enthused when she might not be. Wait until she makes it clear it’s what she wants.”
“I wouldn’t pressure her.” For some reason, it was important to him for Sterling to understand that.
“I know that, Reyes.” Briefly she touched his forearm, as if to emphasize the sincerity of her words, then she retreated again. “I guess that’s why you want to spar? Have some pent-up frustrations to work out?”
Something like that. “Just keeping my edge.”
“If you say so.”
Which translated to: You are so full of it.
He liked Sterling, he really did. If nothing else, she always kept it real.
* * *
NOW THAT THEY were alone, Madison launched right into work. “Over the past month, our local Human Trafficking task force teamed up with the state and did a huge sting. They not only rounded up a bunch of missing kids, they got multiple traffickers.”
Freezing in horror, Kennedy breathed, “The kids are okay?”
“They are now, yeah. Many of them were runaways and such, and they’re getting help. Some were being groomed to be prostitutes, but for most, it hadn’t happened yet.”
Thank God.
Madison scooted closer. “Not every situation is like yours.”
“I know that, but they’re all awful.”
“I agree. But what I meant is that sometimes the kids are coaxed into it, not forced. They have someone taking care of them when no one else has—and sometimes just because they think they’re misunderstood and they’re rebelling against their parents. Being out with a ‘protector’ who ensures they have food and pretty clothes, it’s seductive. Then the sexual favors start, and pretty soon, once they’re used to that—”
“The trafficker asks for more.” Kennedy hated them all. Each and every one of the monsters who preyed on the vulnerable, either through emotional control or physical abuse.
“Yes.” She touched Kennedy’s hand. “But they’re rescued now, and the ones responsible will be prosecuted. What I need you to do is look through these images and see if you recognize anyone.”
Kennedy took the laptop from her and settled back on the couch. Photos of men, and a few women, both facing forward and in profile, filled the screen. “How did you get these?” They looked like official police photos.
Madison smiled but didn’t answer. “Click on each image to enlarge it.” With a pat to Kennedy’s hand, she stood. “I could use a cup of coffee and maybe a few cookies. You?”
“Sounds good. You want me to make it?” She now felt fairly comfortable in Reyes’s home. A dangerous thing, that. A part of her knew she should be expending every ounce of free time trying to figure out how to leave; instead, every day she became more settled.
“No, you look through those. I’ll be right back.”
An hour later, with a looming headache and eyestrain, Kennedy admitted defeat. “I’m sorry, but I don’t recognize any of them.” Which only meant there were too many horrible people in the world.
“That’s okay. It was worth a shot.”
Another hour passed while they talked and strategized. Kennedy liked Madison. The woman was far too pretty with her fawn-colored hair and wide hazel eyes that matched Reyes’s. She had to be six feet tall, slender but toned, and though she had a fragile femininity about her, Kennedy believed she could do serious damage.
Never would she underestimate any of the McKenzies.
When the doorbell rang, Kennedy nearly leaped off her seat.
“Oops.” Madison glanced up at the nearest monitor. “I was enjoying our visit so much, I didn’t even notice someone approaching.”
Far less cavalier, Kennedy’s heart lodged in her throat, making her rasp when she asked, “Who do you think it is?”
“Oh, look. He’s staring right into the security camera. Isn’t that clever of him?”
Kennedy gaped at her.
“It’s hidden, you know, but he spotted it.” Finally realizing that Kennedy was frozen beside her, Madison smiled. “No worries. It’s just Detective Albertson. What a surprise.”