Page 36 of The Art of You

“It wasn’t like that. It was for work. We were undercover.”

Damn her knowing smile. “And any other ‘for work’ moments happen?”

“You can put down those air quotes.” At least she had me almost smiling, something I didn’t think was possible after she dropped the bomb that someone had photoshopped me out of Bella’s life. “Nothing. Well . . .”Fuck.“There was a gas leak at her place the first week in June, and she stayed in my guest room.” Before she could give me shit, I offered up, “It was innocent.”

“And does anyone else call her Bella aside from you? I noticed most refer to her as Izzy.”

My lips slammed into a tight line. Because way to pull off a quick kill shot with that one. I also didn’t know what to say. I’d never really thought about it, and I didn’t remember being pressed byanyCosta as to why I’d one day up and changed her nickname.

“I’ll take that as a no.” The woman before me was definitely the experienced Fed and not my friend, which was exactly what I needed. Someone objective with a new set of eyes to look over everything. “And at the party Friday night, anything happen that could be misconstrued asmore? She went as your plus-one. Her stalker could’ve been there, watching you two.”

“I’m sure whoever is behind that photo was on the guest list, but are they tied to the case?” That was the mindfuck I couldn’t unfuck in my head right now.

“You didn’t answer me.”

Dammit.I relented with a deep, dramatic sigh that hurt my chest. The seat belt had abused my shoulder and upperpectoral muscle when it’d locked up to save my life. I liked the color purple, just not on my skin, and sure as hell not on Bella’s.

“Still not an answer.” Arms over her chest, there went her dark brow, shooting up in question.

“Constantine was watching us over cameras while we were there. So, what do you think happened between me and his sister?” In truth, if someone had a better angle of us than Constantine had, they’d have seen Bella testing my willpower. I’d wanted to take her over my knee and slap that cute ass of hers for pretty much grinding against my cock while we were dancing.

Trouble.That woman was the definition of it lately in testing my limits. But I promised myself I’d behave, because breaking her heart wasn’t an option. And as of fifteen minutes ago, I’d basically written that same promise in blood by offering it to Constantine.

“I’m just trying to get a full picture so I can figure out what happened,” she said when it was clear I had no plans to expand on what may or may not have happened on that dance floor. “I’m sorry to do this.”

“It’s why you’re here.” I frowned. “I assume you’ll be asking her even more questions than you’ve asked me.” God, I hated this. “This is messy, isn’t it?”

“It’s complex, to say the least.” She patted my good arm. “But lucky for you, you have me to uncomplicate things.” She forced a small smile I wished was more confident. “Let’s go chat with the others, so I can get to the city and start chasing down leads.”

Right.The two of us started for the back door, and I found myself hesitating before opening up.

She glanced at me. “What is it?”

“You told me on the phone Friday night you had good news, what is it?”

“Ah, you don’t need to hear that now.” She waved me away, lifting her chin as a directive to open the door. “We can talk about that when we’ve wrapped up this case. Or, well, maybe cases.”

“I could use some good news.” I let go of the door, facing her. “I need something to dial my anger down. It’ll help me think better if I can see more than red.”

“Good point.” Mouth closed, she released a soft breath through her nose. “I found her. Well, actually, she found me.”

It took me a second to comprehend what she was saying. “Wait.” Was she serious? “Your sister’s alive?”

She allowed her eyes to reflect her emotions, wearing them as prominently as I’d been wearing my pain. “Mya’s been living in New York, too. She used to be a reporter—don’t hold that against her—then she got into a similar line of work as you. She had no idea she’d been kidnapped when she was three. All those years . . .” She took a moment to clear her voice. “She was working a major case over the summer and stumbled upon the truth, and that’s how she found me. She’s with our parents now in Italy, but I, uh, finally have my sister back.”

“Holy shit.” I pulled her into my arms for a quick hug. “This is incredible.”

“I just came back from Florence last month after having a chance to spend time with her. She’s amazing, smart, and beautiful. A total badass. And hopelessly in love with an Army veteran.”

I hugged her one more time, because this was the epitome of a big deal. “I’d love to meet her one day.”

“You will. When things die down for her, and I ensure you don’t go to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, and we make sure your girl is safe here and?—”

“Not my girl.” She’d snuck that verbiage in pretty fast and almost pulled one over on me.

“Yeah, right, you keep saying that.”

“Maybe you should believe me.” I lifted a brow, and she shrugged. “Why didn’t you want to tell me this in the car Friday night?”

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