Page 28 of Midnight Rebel

“Of course,” I say, pushing my conflicted feelings aside. “What do you need me to do?”

Colt’s shoulders relax, but the worry doesn’t leave his eyes. “Keep your eyes and ears open. But be careful. If someone’s trying to frame the Riders, they might not stop there.”

I nod, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through me. This is bigger than I thought and potentially dangerous. But as I look at Colt, I realize I’m all in.

As we stand there, the weight of the situation hanging between us, I notice a shift in Colt’s expression. The worry in his eyes gives way to something warmer, more familiar. It’s the same look he gave me this morning when we woke up tangled together, blissfully content.

He runs a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. “You know what? I’m done with all this serious stuff for now.”

“Oh?” I raise an eyebrow, curious about where he’s going with this.

A mischievous glint appears in his eyes as he takes a step closer. “Yeah. I’d much rather focus on how I had you moaning my name.”

Memories of our night together flood back, sending warmth cascading through my bloodstream. “Colt,” I breathe, thrilled by his boldness.

He grins, pleased with my reaction. “You know, keeping you safe is my priority,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “But pleasing you? That’s quickly becoming my favorite hobby.”

Heat floods my cheeks, but I manage to hold his gaze. “I’m down with that,” I say huskily. “It’s a very good use of your time. And you’re very good at it.”

His eyes darken. “Nah, I think I need more practice. I’m rusty.”

“Already?” I tease, falling easily into our familiar banter. “After last night’s thorough demonstration, I’d say your skills are anything but rusty.”

A growl rumbles in his chest as he suddenly pulls me into a private room—the parlor, I think—all antique furniture and gilded mirrors and closes the door behind us. Colt kicks the door shut behind us, pressing me up against it.

“You take me to the best places,” I quip breathlessly. “Show me the sights.”

His lips curve into a wicked grin. “You want to see the sights? Here, I’ll show you something.”

Heat pools in my belly as his hands start roaming. “That’s worth writing about.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” he murmurs against my neck.

As things are heating up, we hear voices in the hallway. It sounds like a tour group—or maybe a couple checking out the venue for a wedding.

“Colt,” I gasp, pushing half-heartedly at his chest. “We’ll get caught.”

He grins, completely unrepentant. “Let them gawk. We’ll put on a show worth watching.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t keep the smile off my face. “You are incorrigible.”

“You inspire me,” he replies before capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

Colt’s hands roam my body, setting every nerve-ending alight. The quick progression of our relationship catches me off guard. A week ago, I was solely focused on my career, on breaking this story wide open. Now, I’m falling hard and fast for the man at the center of my investigation.

The realization should make me want to run far away from Midnight Falls and never look back. But as Colt’s lips trail fire down my neck, all I can think is how right this feels.

The heat in his gaze sends a shiver down my spine. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m in way over my head. But for once, I don’t care. Whatever comes next—be it scandal, heartbreak, or the story of a lifetime—I know one thing for certain: I wouldn’t change a thing about how I got here.

Chapter 9

Colt

Autumn’s laughterignites a primal hunger within me. Her eyes, alight with mischief and desire, render coherent thought impossible.

I need her—now. After locking the heavy wooden door, I press Autumn against it, my lips trailing down her neck.

Her skin is warm and soft under my touch. Her pulse speeds up as I lick and nibble my way across her skin.

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