Page 126 of Vicious Temptation

“Details, details.”

Catching the edge of her jacket, I pull her toward the food truck. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, baby.”

“I don’t date cops.”

I pull her back against me and bring my mouth to her neck. “But you’ll fuck one.”

“Don’t be insufferable, Braga.”

I laugh into her hair as she tries to squirm out of my grip. She can call this whatever the hell she wants. I’m not going to argue with her.

At least not tonight.

We place our order at the window and grab one of the nearby picnic tables beneath a tent strung with multicolored lights. The owners have sectioned off the seating area, giving the place a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

I discovered this spot after one of my nights at the pier. It was well past midnight, and I was starving. Few places are open that late, so finding this family-owned food truck was a pleasant surprise. They serve some of the best pastéis I’ve had outside Brazil. One bite of the flaky crust and savory filling takes me straight back to summers in Rio.

The only thing that makes it better is sharing it with good company.

While I wait for our food, I glance over at Remi. She’s sitting alone at one of the tables, picking at a loose thread on her shorts. She catches me looking and holds my gaze for a second before turning away like she couldn’t care less.

I smile to myself.

A few minutes later, our order is called. I pay, grab the tray, and turn around, only to find Remi no longer alone. A tall woman stands beside the table, her back to me, and I recognize her before she even turns around.

Elena.

What the fuck is she doing here?

I start toward them, already running through every reason she might have for showing up. None of them are good. She knows I’m with Remi and exactly where we are, despite my ignoring every call and message she's sent tonight.

And now she's approached her without warning.

My hand slips into my pocket, fingers gripping my knife’s handle before I realize what I’m doing. Elena is my handler, but she’s an operative first.

I cross the remaining distance between us, unable to shake the possibilities running through my head.

“Remi...”

The moment I speak, Elena turns, a smug smile already on her face.

“Officer Braga. I thought that was you.”

I should respond, but my attention goes straight to Remi, checking her face, her hands, and every visible inch of her.

She catches it immediately, and her posture tenses as she glances at Elena, then back at me. “Thiago?”

There’s a question in my name, but I give her a small nod.

“Commander.”

I set the tray down, release my grip on the knife, and take the seat beside Remi.

“What brings you out here?” I ask. “Pretty far from home.”

“Oh, probably the same as you.” Elena smiles. “Good food. A break from the city noise. The perfect way to spend a Friday night.”

Her attention shifts to Remi. “I see you’re in good company, so I won’t impose and take up any more of your time.”