The warmth from his touch spiraled down to her abdomen. “How exactly would you change that?” Good God. She was going beyond flirting to challenging the man. While she may not know him well, there was no doubt he’d accept a challenge. He was that type of guy.
Downing the rest of his glass, he poured another. “Not in any way you’d like, sweetheart.”
Her hand tightened around the flute. “This whole situation with Ruby’s death and how she died has to be difficult for you.”
“My mother’s murderer was caught.” Seth flattened his free hand on the white tablecloth. “Whoever killed Ruby is just a copycat.”
“Unless Eddy Johnson wasn’t really the killer.” Mia took a sip of the expensive bubbly, allowing it to cool her throat. “He never stopped proclaiming his innocence.”
“He was guilty and crazy as hell,” Seth said flatly.
“Okay. Well, then, why do you think Ruby was killed in the same manner?”
Seth shrugged. “I assume the killer wants the police off track with the questions about the old case. Whoever killed Ruby wanted Ruby dead. We don’t have another serial killer running loose—no matter how much you need to catch one to get your job back.”
“That’s a low blow,” she said.
“I’m sorry.” He didn’t look sorry. He looked irritated and suddenly very uncomfortable in the expensive tux. Like a panther forced to wear a collar when he was too wild to tame.
Mia set down her glass. “Was Erik the father of Ruby’s baby?”
A rustle sounded from behind her. “Why don’t you ask me that extremely rude question?”
Erik Volk looked almost as dashing as Seth in a black tuxedo. He stepped closer to the table, his arm around a brunette wearing a tight, black sequined dress.
Mia sat back. “Were you the father?”
“No.” Erik nodded at his brother. “Seth, you remember Shelly?”
Seth half-rose from his seat, his face settling into unreadable lines. “Of course. It’s nice to see you, Shelly. Mia Stone, please meet Shelly Wentworth.”
So this was the ex. Mia couldn’t see her with Seth.
Shelly held out a slender hand to Mia. The woman shook it like a fish, and Mia quickly released her hand.
“It’s so nice to see you again, Seth,” Shelly murmured, her thickly made-up eyelashes fluttering. Diamonds glittered from her ears, neck, wrists, and fingers. Probably enough to pawn and feed all of eastern DC.
Erik drew a chair free from the table. “Mind if we join you?”
“Yes.” Seth retook his seat. “We were having a private conversation.”
Erik gently nudged Shelly into the seat. “We don’t mind.” He leaned over and whispered into her ear. “I’ll fetch us a couple of drinks.” Then he strode away and soon disappeared back into the crowd.
Benjamin stalked through the double doors with a twenty-something blonde on his arm. The woman had white-blond hair and dark eyes. She was tall with a lot of leg and a very narrow waist. In a gold dress with her pale skin, she looked like a goddess.
Benjamin paused next to Seth. “Seth, your date is finally here.”
Mia stilled. He had a date?
Seth threw her an apologetic look and rose. “Hi, Emily. It’s been a long time. This is Mia, Shelly, and of course, you know Erik.”
Emily smiled, flashing perfect teeth. Her pink lips curved in what appeared to be amusement at the entire situation.
Ben patted her hand. “Emily’s father would like a word, Seth. Darling, have a seat here with Mia and Shelly. I promise Seth won’t be long.” Casting Mia an inscrutable look, he settled Emily in Seth’s chair.
Mia sent Seth a you’re-kidding-me glare. What in the world was he up to dancing with her like that and having a date?
“I’ll be right back,” he growled and turned to follow his father.
