“It’s okay, Riles.” Humor lit Eric’s entire face. “I know what you meant.”
Except he didn’t. Not really. Truth be told shedidlove him. It just didn’t seem like the right time to say it.
They needed to stay sharp. Keep their entire focus on the case. But after...
After, I’m going to find the strength to tell him.
Leaning in, Eric dropped a sweet kiss on her forehead. “I’d better go before Agent Douchebag thinks we’re in trouble and decides to burst in here and save the day.”
Right. She’d almost forgotten Agent Killion was waiting for Eric to join him.
That should make for an interesting night.
The plan was he and Eric—along with the rest of their unit—would keep an eye on the area surrounding Riley’s apartment building in hopes the bastard would show.
Eric had also convinced his brother Derek to join in the fun, just in case. Riley had tried to tell him it was overkill, but Eric argued, reminding her the guy could hack into any computer or phone system known to man.
Given how unhappy he was with the plan already, Riley had relented without any further argument.
“Agent Douchebag?” She chuckled.
“What?” Eric shrugged.
Riley placed her palms on his chest and smiled. “Noah’s just doing his job, Eric. Same as we are. Don’t be so hard on him, okay?”
“I don’t trust him.”
“Well, I do. And trustmewhen I say, he’s a whole heap better than Agent Crenshaw ever was.”
That man couldn’t catch arealkiller if the perp walked right up to him and confessed.
With a tiny smirk, Eric placed his hands on her hips and leaned back in. “As long asNoahstays focused on the case and not you, we won’t have a problem.”
“Why, Mr. West. Do I detect a hint of jealousy?”
“Fuck yeah, I’m jealous.” He pulled her body flush with his. “Told you before, baby. You’re mine.”
All her girlie parts began to tingle, especially when he went for one final kiss goodbye.
“Lock the door behind me.” He stepped into the hall.
“Yes, Dad.”
“I’m serious.” The well-meaning man gave her a pointed look. “And if anyone but me tries to come in here, shoot them.”
“Anyone?”
“Anyone.” His lips curved with a mischievous grin. “Especially if it’s your new buddy, Noah.”
With a laugh, Riley shut the door and locked it before heading for a nice, hot, long-overdue bath.
While lying in a sea of bubbles, she thought about the case...and Eric.
You’re mine.
His words—and the ferocity of his scorching kiss that followed—had been running through her mind since they left that isolated room to rejoin the others.
He’d sounded so fierce. So definite. Like there was no other option but for her to belong to him.
