Page 89 of Vicious Temptation

“What does that mean?”

I bring the car to a stop several feet before the spike strips and stare through the windshield at the line of cruisers blocking the highway.

“Apparently, Philadelphia PD really wanted to spend some time with me tonight.”

“Remi.” The concern in her voice wipes the smile from my face.

“I’m fine, Val.”

“What happened? Did they catch you?”

I glance in the rearview mirror as two more cruisers pull in behind me, boxing me in completely.

“You could say that.”

“Baby, tell me where you are, and I’ll come get you.”

The doors ahead start to open. Officers step out with their weapons drawn, using the cruisers for cover as more lights flash inside my car.

My pulse picks up again when the first gun points my way. I may have treated this like a joke, but I’m not stupid enough to forget that armed cops are a very different problem than one in my rearview.

“Yeah, I don’t think they’re going to let you drive up and get me.”

“What the fuck did you do?”

“Nothing that bad.”

“Remi Isabel Cain, what did you do?”

A voice blasts through the speaker outside. “Driver, turn off the vehicle and place both hands where we can see them!”

I stare down at the steering wheel for a moment. Getting arrested isn’t exactly new territory for me, but this is definitely the most dramatic anyone has ever been about it. I shut off the engine.

“Val?”

“I’m here.”

“You still love me, right?”

“Oh my God.”

“Driver, open the door and slowly step out of the vehicle!”

I do as they say and climb out with my hands raised while at least a dozen officers watch me like I might pull a grenade out of my ass.

“Remi, talk to me,” Valentina demands through the speakers.

“Face away from us!”

I turn around.

“Walk backward toward the sound of my voice!”

“You know,” I say to Val as I walk, “remember when you suggested shitty movies and dinner?”

“Yes.”

“I’m starting to think we should have done that.”