“A what?”
“If you’re uncomfortable watching this with me, I can ask Erica to join us. This is a workspace. My workspace. And I want you to feel safe and comfortable in it.”
The angst in her eyes faded away and she leaned against the cushioned back of the chair. “That is the most respectful thing anyone has ever said to me.”
He shot her a brief smile. “Erica or no?”
“I’m fine without her. You?”
“I’m good.” He hit the play button and they spent the next eight and a half minutes viewing the very graphic sex video.
Sin wasn’t aroused from the lackluster screwing, but he was well aware he was watching it with Evan. Once, he’d referred to her as his Evan. Yes, it had been in the confines of their kink world, but for those few hours they spent, week after week, she felt like someone he wanted to make his.
He paused the video and slid his gaze to her. When she peered into his eyes, the air became charged, the desire to touch her so strong that he curled his hand into a fist.
“I’m not sure how we’re going to prove that isn’t me.”
“By getting Birdie to tell us who it is.”
“And if he won’t?”
“Then, we’ll find that woman.” Sin rewound the video. “Did you know he was cheating?”
“No.”
“Did you see this woman at their holiday party?”
“No, but I could have missed her. There were a lot of guests.”
“Let’s watch it again. If we can ID the location, we’ll have a starting point.”
“Got it.”
He started the video. While watching it again, she told him to pause it.
“Do you see that emblem on the wall?” She leaned closer and her sweet fragrance wafted in his direction. He loved how long her hair had gotten, the luscious waves cascading down her back. “It’s hard to see, but I think there’s something there.”
“I don’t see it.” He lightened the screen and pointed to a spot beside the bed. “That?”
She wrapped her silky fingers around his hand and guided him to a different spot. “No, that. It looks like a Bengal tiger with a crown on its head.”
He warmed from her soft touch. Their eyes met and the need to kiss her had him glancing at her mouth. Her lipstick-free lips were cherry red and ripe for kissing. Don’t go there. When he turned back to the laptop, she removed her hand, leaving his cold from her absence.
After studying the still shot, he said, “A friend of mine owns a kink club in Miami Beach. He asked me to come down during the remodeling phase. That looks like the logo he had painted in every room.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket.
Knock-knock.
“Come in.”
Erica entered carrying a large bag. As she lifted out the to-go boxes, Sin introduced the two women. “Evangeline Worthington, Erica Doyle. Erica is my newest associate.”
After the women shook hands, Erica laid out two place settings. “Something to drink?”
“I can grab a water.” Evangeline started to rise.
“You guys keep working,” Erica replied on her way out. “Be right back.”
Sin dialed. “Rico, it’s Sin. Well, get his ass up. This is important.” He tapped the speaker button, then regarded Evangeline. “Dig in while it’s hot.”
Evangeline scooped scrambled eggs and hash brown potatoes onto each plate. She peered into one of the boxes. “What is this?”
“Filet Mignon tips.”
“For breakfast?”
“Hey, Sin. It’s Rico. What’s goin’ on, my friend?”
“You’re on speaker and I’ve got a client with me,” Sin replied. “You still using that tiger emblem in your clubs?”
“Yeah, you thinking of something like that for yours?”
“My club’s on the market if you want to make me an offer.”
“Sure, man.”
“I’ll have my broker call yours. Listen, I need to fly down there and check your surveillance tapes.”
Rico inhaled, then blew out a harsh breath. “You wanna tell me what for?”
“I can’t discuss it over the phone.”
“That’s cool, man. I trust you. I’m closed tomorrow and Christmas day. When you thinkin’ of comin’?”
“Not those days.”
Rico chuckled. “Ask for me when you get here. Oh, dude, one more thing. Everyone here wears a mask, you know, for privacy.”
“Got it.”
“Hey, man, Merry Chr—”
Sin hung up as Erica returned with a pitcher of water and two crystal goblets. After filling the glasses, she closed the door behind her.
“What’s your schedule like after Christmas?” he asked.
“Wide open.”
“Good. We’ll head to Florida right after the holiday.”
Evangeline’s phone rang. “It’s my sister. I’ve gotta take this.” She answered. “Hey, Hannah.” She sauntered to the window and Sin forced himself not to admire her backside. “Are you back from the doctor? How’s the baby? That’s great, honey. I’m in a meeting. I’ll stop by later.” She hung up.
“Don’t discuss this with anyone.” Sin slid a steak tip into his mouth and chewed.
“I’ve gotta tell my sister that’s not me in the video.”
“I know you two are close, but we have to keep a tight lid on this.”
“How did you know we’re close?” she asked, then returned to sit beside him.
Sin forked potatoes, then lifted his gaze to hers. “I make it my business to know everything that goes on in this town.” He tossed a nod toward her uneaten food. “No good?”
“It’s fine. My stomach’s in knots.”
Sin put down his fork and wrapped his fingers around her shoulder. “I’ve got this. No worries. You trusted me once. Can you do it again?”
To his surprise, a light pinkish hue covered her cheeks. The rosy color reminded him of how her skin would flush with color after sex. He wanted to run his fingers down her soft skin, but he squeezed her shoulder and removed his hand instead.
“That was personal,” she said. “This is professional.”
“Equal halves of the same whole.” He waited for her to speak. This wasn’t going to work unless she trusted him to do his job, no matter where it took them.
After a pregnant pause, she murmured, “I trust you.” Though her voice was quiet, intensity shone from her eyes. The magnetic pull felt impossible to resist. But, that was not what this was about. So, he pushed out of his chair and stood behind his desk. Had to put some distance between them. “I’m including three members of my team on your case. Ready to get started?”
She offered a tight nod. Sin buzzed someone, then eased back down at the head of the conference table. When a familiar-looking man from the stakeout walked into the room, Evangeline rose.
“Jacoby Jones.” He shook her hand before sitting across the table from her.
Two women entered, one of them Erica Doyle. The second was also from the stakeout.
“Maria Sanchez. I go by Sanchez, but answer to either name.” Instead of a handshake, she offered a warm smile as she rolled out the chair beside Jacoby.