“Keep in mind, the only time I don’t want to have sex with you is right after we have sex.”
She smiled. “How do you know how to help me?”
“I had to go through this myself.”
“So, you blamed yourself for Beth’s death?”
“I blamed myself for not protecting her, for not keeping my wife safe. But, this isn’t about me, it’s about you. What do you like to do when you’re not working?”
She didn’t want to keep him up into the wee hours, so she kept her comments brief. “I love to cook, especially on the weekends. But I don’t cook big meals for myself. I love taking yoga classes, but I haven’t done that in a while. And…I’ve wanted to take racing lessons at Summit Point, but I would need a sports car to do that.”
“Those are great. Tell me about your sexual preferences.”
“Vanilla sex is always fun, but I like role playing on occasion and my club profile was accurate. I like sensory play and deprivation. How ‘bout you? What do you like?”
“You. So damn much.” His kiss was heartfelt, and the passion kept them anchored to each other. Desire spread like wildfire, devouring the landscape with its scorching heat.
As the kissing continued, sex would have been a natural, next step. Instead, he slowed the embrace down until it ended.
They gazed into each other’s eyes. This man was the epitome of strength and danger. He was fearless and ruthless, and yet, she was drawn to him in such a powerful way.
“I can’t wait to do all those sexy things to you.” He pulled her onto him and held her close. “While I’m gone, consider doing something that would make you happy. Something just for you. Like taking a yoga class or cooking a big meal.”
“I will.” She snuggled close. “Thank you for caring.”
PROVIDENCE WOKE BEFORE DAWN. “Be safe,” she murmured before kissing Dakota goodbye, and heading down the hall to her bedroom.
Her chest tightened when she heard him leave. She didn’t agree with his methods, but she would wait until the right time to voice her opinion. All that mattered was his safe return home.
After breakfast, she read Sammy a story, grabbed the FBI badge, and headed out to speak with the husband and wife team at Larke Realty.
“Elaine Jones for Kelly and Kevin,” she said to the receptionist.
A short time after being led into a small conference room, the Borensteins entered. Kevin set his laptop on the table. After introductions, Providence showed them the surveillance video where she’d spotted them outside the convention center at the same time Matt was leaving.
“Yes, that’s us,” Kelly confirmed. “Poor Matt.”
“Did you see Matt at any point throughout the evening?”
“I didn’t,” Kevin said.
“After the banquet, I’d gone to the bar in the atrium to get us drinks and I heard him ranting about Dakota,” Kelly said.
“We’ve known Dakota for years,” Kevin said. “He’s a well-respected broker and a total pro to work with. I don’t believe for a minute he killed Matt Hastings.”
“Can you tell me anything about this woman?” Providence pointed to the masked woman with Matt.
“I saw her—and the man she was with—at the bar. He was the only person with a mask that covered most of his face. Kevin and I have been realtors for years, so we knew most everyone at the banquet, but we didn’t know them.”
“Kelly, did you see Matt leave?”
“No, but I spotted him outside on our way out.”
“Was he with the same woman from the bar?”
Kelly paused. “I think so, but I was paying more attention to Matt than to her.”
Providence made a note. “Why?”
