Page 76

‘This is Kane McLaren – her son. And no, she’s not here.’ He couldn’t bring himself to elaborate, not yet. ‘What’s this about?’

‘I need to speak to Mrs Sordina personally.’

‘I’m sorry, you can’t.’

‘I have to. It’s an urgent matter.’

‘She’s not . . . here.’

‘Can you tell me where I could locate her, please? As I said, it is a matter of urgency.’ The man’s voice was firm.

‘Where are you?’ Kane ran a hand over his eyes.

‘I’m at police headquarters in Smith Street.’

‘Look, I’m in Darwin, I’ll come in to see you, okay? I can’t . . . I can’t talk now.’

‘Very well. I’m on the sixth floor of the NAB building. Say, about nine?’

‘Fine.’ Kane disconnected and put his mother’s phone on the table. He leaned back and the tired sofa sagged beneath his weight.

‘Is everything okay?’ Ellie shook her head. ‘Sorry, stupid question. I know it’s not.’

‘That was the police. They wanted to talk to Mum.’ Kane shook his head and looked away. ‘What now?’

Ellie reached out and her fingers held his arm gently. Kane looked down at her hand against his skin, uncertain of this feeling that was rising in him. Something about Ellie touched him, bolstered his confidence. He relaxed his shoulders as the warmth of her fingers travelled up his arm and eased the tension. His gaze swept over her and he was surprised when the warmth turned into the unexpected flaring heat of desire. Her eyes were wide as she looked at him, and tinged with dark shadows.

‘Thanks for being here, Ellie.’ Kane dropped his head slowly and rested his forehead against hers. ‘You didn’t have to come, but I am really glad you’re here with me.’

Ellie leaned into him and he spoke honestly. ‘I’m shattered. If I don’t get some sleep, I’m going to be an absolute cranky bastard and there’s so much to do tomorrow . . . I mean today.’

‘I probably should get some sleep too. It was good of Jock to give me the extra day off. I’ll need to leave at noon to head back to work.’

Kane brushed his thumb across her cheek and let it linger on the soft skin. ‘You probably didn’t need to book two rooms. I could have bunked here on the sofa.’ He pushed himself to his feet and looked down at her. ‘But it’s been good having you here with me.’

Ellie stood and slipped her hand into his. ‘Stay.’ A smile glimmered in her eyes and her mouth tipped up on one side. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t mind if you want to lie down here with me. It’s crazy to go next door.’

Rational thought fled and Kane’s heart kicked in his chest. This was dangerous territory. Her hand trembled in his and the intensity in her expression hit him low in his belly.

‘I’d appreciate that. Being alone is not too appealing this morning.’

Ellie led him into the bedroom and pulled back the cover on the large bed. The air-conditioning was humming in the space next to the window. She kicked off her sandals and lay on her side and he stood looking down at her for a moment, before he sat on the side of the bed and took his shoes off.

Ellie snuggled into him and he put his arms around her. The need rocking through him was muted by the exhaustion that overwhelmed him. Kane closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him as Ellie’s hair tickled his face.

It seemed only a short time later that Kane woke with the sun shining through the thin curtains and hitting him squarely on the face. He lay there for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. Ellie still lay beside him, her soft curves pressed hard against his chest. He closed his eyes again and took comfort from her closeness; fighting the urge to run his hands down her sides and trace the curve of her breast with his finger. She moved beside him and when he opened his eyes again, Ellie was watching him; her pale blue eyes intense and fixed on his face. He returned her gaze steadily. There was no need for words. She lifted her hand and brushed the hair back from his forehead. Kane reached up and snared her fingers in his, holding her close so she couldn’t move away. Desire and uncertainty ran parallel inside him.

‘How do you feel this morning?’ Her voice was a whisper, and she, too, seemed a little unsure of herself.

‘I’m okay.’

As they stared at each other, the mood shifted between them.

Kane lowered his head and took her lips gently. When her lips opened beneath his, he reached around and cradled her head in both palms. He could feel the slow heavy beat of her heart against his chest, and he held back, willing to take whatever path she chose. Ellie’s soft sigh puffed against his mouth. Slowly Kane lowered his lips to her neck and her breath quickened as he trailed his mouth to the indent at the base of her throat.

Lower. She arched against him with a soft cry as he closed his hand around her breast.

He was lost.