Page 84 of Trap ’N’ Trace

Kat’s frown deepened. “So the police took her word against yours.”

“They did. At first, anyway. I was about to be sentenced in criminal court. Lucky for me, the lead detective on the case was a crafty old sonofabitch and figured out Crystal’s game. Turned out she’d sold the bracelet to feed her cocaine habit. When her parents asked what happened to the bracelet, she needed a scapegoat. Me.”

“I take it you didn’t go to jail.”

“No. The detective threatened to arrest Crystal for filing a false police report if she didn’t admit to her lies. Eventually, she came clean. I figure she was humiliated by the police then incurred the wrath of her family for losing granny’s diamonds. The worst part was that my parents almost lost their store.”

“Why?”

“Lawyers. We went through three because they all thought I was a lost cause, and no lawyer wants a reputation for losing cases. They only stuck around long enough to suck my parents’ bank account dry. My folks had difficulty stocking their shelves and their reputation was dragged through the mud by what happened.”

“That’s awful.” Anger flashed in Kat’s eyes. “Your parents almost lost their livelihood and you almost went to jail for a crime you didn’t commit.”

The tug on Dayne’s heart was totally unfamiliar to him. “Don’t be angry for us. The store survived, and during all the legal proceedings I got hooked on law enforcement. That’s what led me down the rosy path to Quantico.”

“Are you saying I should forgive Crystal for what she did to you and your family?” Her look turned skeptical. “I think that ship has sailed.”

“I agree.” He nodded solemnly. “How do you feel about everything that happened tonight?”

“Honestly?” She let out a tiny huff. “Exhilarated. And guilty. My mother would have been shocked at my behavior.” She giggled, an altogether feminine sound. “Perhaps it was time someone put Crystal in her place, but she really was only crying for attention.”

“Maybe.” Then again, her cry to the police had nearly stolen his freedom. Sympathy from him would be a long time coming, if ever. “You’re kind for saying that.” One of the kindest people he knew. He winked. “Your mother would be pleased.”

“I hope so.” The sadness in her eyes told him how much she missed having her parents in her life.

The stalwart determination not to let anything more happen between them was in dire jeopardy of being blown to hell. Because dancing with her only worsened the growing ache in his heart and his head. Because holding Kat in his arms this way…

Would never be enough.

…

Kat stood near the ballroom doors, saying goodbye to her guests. From his tactical position twenty feet away, she noted Dayne alternating his focus between his conversation with Charlie Worthington and Max Rocher, and her.

She shook a few hands, said a few words, occasionally glancing at Dayne and trying not to relive every moment of dancing in his arms.

The warmth of his hard body against hers. His fingers skimming her bare back, scorching her skin and reminding her of things she shouldn’t think about. She’d wanted to press her lips to his strong neck then lick and suck on his skin, tasting him like a yummy dessert.

Betty Graham landed a quick kiss on her cheek, knocking her out of her stupor. “Thank you for a most entertaining evening.”

“It will be difficult to top this one.” Senator Graham dropped a kindly peck on her other cheek.

“I’ll do my best. Hopefully, with a little more decorum next time.”

“Nonsense.” Betty waved her hand in her typically dismissive gesture. “You were perfect as always.”

Just thinking about tomorrow’s society page headlines made her nauseous.

Charity Ball or Cat Fight?

Billionairess Gone Wild!

She pressed a hand to her forehead. Her mother would have a fit, but it was far too late to take anything back now.

After a few more guests departed, she yawned and made her way through the thinning crowd to Dayne. Seeing her approach, he said something to the other men and headed toward her.

“Are you ready to blow this joint?” she asked.

“Yeah.” He grinned.