Page 13 of The Secrets of a Sin

“Sounds more professional to call you Detective Pierce.” I find myself lingering over his scar again, tracing the jagged flesh until I notice his eyes on me again.

“Perhaps.” He nods. “But it’ll be easier to trust me if you can call me by my first name.”

Confused, I tilt my head.

“Why do I need to trust you?”

“Well for starters you're sitting stiff as hell in your chair and clearly don’t want to be here.” He points out.

My mouth drops slightly, and I purposely drop my shoulders to loosen myself up.

“Obviously I don’t want to be here when I feel like I’m being interrogated like a suspect.” I say through clenched teeth, which causes his mouth to twitch.

“You aren’t a suspect. I know you didn’t do anything.” He confesses and I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest. “Now relax, no need to be all hostile with me.”

Okay, maybe I was being sort of a bitch but what did he expect?

“How do you know I didn’t do anything?” I ask curiously, watching as his eyes narrow slightly.

“Call it intuition.” He smirks.

Intuition my ass.

“Huh, well go ahead then. Ask away.”

We go back and forth for about an hour. I answer his questions the best I can, and he watches me with a close eye the whole cross-examination. Every now and then, I’d find myself admiring his form, wondering what his skin would feel like against mine. It’s been so long since I’ve been in front of an attractive man, and I was soaking it all in. My body vibrated with aches that were nearly impossible to ignore.

Damn this curse to hell.

“I think that is all I need from you today, Charlotte.” He rose from his chair, shoving his hands in his pockets. Not only was he built like a fighter, but he was tall too. I’m sure the top of my head wouldn’t even make it to the bottom of his chin.

“Will I be seeing you again, Detective Pierce?” I lift my chin, meeting his stare and once again feeling the undeniable ache.

“Eager to see me again already?” He teased, causing my eyes to roll.

“I’m eager to shower.” I lift from the chair, and his eyes subtly take me in. I must look like complete crap, dry blood on my hands and face, a nappy ponytail and no makeup.

Definitely nasty.

“I’ll walk you out.” He motions his head towards the door, and I follow at a safe distance behind him. Any closer and I might attack him.

And sadly, that’s not a joke.

He opens the door and ushers me out. I quickly walk past him, and I immediately get a whiff of his scent.

An all-male kind of scent that makes my knees shake.

Principal Welch’s eyes immediately land on me in franticness as I step out into the hall.

“We're finished.” Detective Pierce declares behind me. I can feel his warmth sink into me from his closeness, so I swiftly move to stand beside Principal Welch.

“You okay?” She whispers as her hand rests on my arm.

Nodding, I keep my eyes on Rolland as he speaks to the other officers.

“Thank you for your sort-of cooperation, Ms. McKinney.” He grins as he nods at me. “Ms. Welch.” He navigates his eyes to her, and I feel her hand tense on my arm.

“I’ll be in touch.” He directs his statement to me then stalks off down the corridor.

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