"It's hard to loosen up when people are trying to kill you 24/7.”
"Maybe you should get into a different line of work."
"I like what I do."
She smiled. "So do I.”
She wasn't talking about manufacturing high-end jewelry. That was just a cover. I suspected she liked the thrill and power of running the cartel stateside.
I liked the chase.
She liked the thrill of not getting caught. And right now, I had nothing on her.
"Maybe I will take your advice,” she said. “Maybe I will walk away from all of this.”
"That would be the smart thing to do. An even smarter thing to do would be to turn state’s evidence.”
She lifted an eyebrow. "Testify against my father?”
"I'm sure the state’s attorney would be willing to agree to a generous deal.”
"Remember what I said about blood, deputy. I will never turn on my father.” She smiled. "But it sure would piss him off if we spent the night together.” A devious smile curled on her plump lips.
Catalina was damn near irresistible. Raven hair, smoldering tawny eyes, full lips, classic features, and the kind of figure that could make a man do stupid things.
I was feeling pretty stupid at the moment.
"The FBI is probably watching us,” I said. “I'm sure they’ve tapped your phone.”
"I got a new phone. And I'll get another phone tomorrow. And a new one the day after that. They can play their games. I can play mine.” She paused. "I'm offering you an opportunity to get close to your suspect. God knows what secrets I might reveal after a good orgasm.”
The heat turned up a little. Suddenly, my collar felt tight, and my heart beat faster.
"It's a tempting offer.”
"I just want to help you do your job,” she said with a devilish smirk.
"As much as it pains me, I'm going to have to decline."
"See, that's what I like about you. You're a man of principle. You have discipline. It just makes me want you all the more.” She sighed. "I guess we'll just have to love each other from afar." Then she added, "But if you prefer to get up close and personal, I'll be at the Seven Seas in the Coconut Cabana tonight. Just give the secret knock, and I might let you in.” She wiggled her fingers goodbye. "I'll see you around, Deputy."
She spun around and sauntered toward the door.
I watched her go, mesmerized by those hips, then gave another glance around to make sure there weren't any threats.
The band finished their song, and Jack howled into the microphone. "Thanks for coming out tonight! We love you. We've got one more song, then we’ve got to ramble. This is “Invincible.”
Dizzy thundered a power chord, and I weaved through the crowd, past security, to the side of the stage.
The band pummeled the audience with earsplitting goodness, then darted off stage sweaty and exhausted.
Groupies rushed toward them, but the extra security staff kept them at bay.
I escorted the guys to the green room. We filed in, and I locked the door behind us.
The space was decked out with tubs of ice-cold beer, whiskey, wine, and other fine liquors. There were plenty of snacks and sandwiches.
The guys toweled off and high-fived each other. It was another great show. The crowd stomped their feet and cheered, begging for another encore. But this was it. The end of the show for tonight.
