Page 37 of Claimed by the Lawman

He dropped the pad and pen. “I’ve checked around and the only shop I could find within fifty miles of Bohannan that does branding has never seen Susy before and has never done an M on anyone.”

“So, then it was done outside of a licensed artist?”

Kace nodded. “That’s my guess.”

“And why do you think she could have been involved in human trafficking?” There was a new quiver to her voice.

“Let’s save this for later.” He got up, needing to talk about something else. Tyler had been through enough. “I have something for you.”

“For me?” Question filled her gaze although the shine remained.

“I’ll be right back.” When he came back he handed her a small white box with a bright red ribbon that she pulled to open. “I figured it was only right that I bought you another bottle since I cracked the one you had on your vanity.”

She smiled and lifted the perfume bottle from the paper nest. “That’s awfully kind of you, but you didn’t have to.”

He gave a slight shrug. “Yeah, I sort of did.”

Placing the bottle on the table, she stood and took the three steps to him. She looked up at him and his heart skipped several beats. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.

“I don’t know what I would have done these last few weeks if I didn’t have you.” She brought her hand up to cup his cheek and an electrical jolt passed between them.

“Tyler…”

The magnet grew stronger. Her eyes turned a darker shade of blue as she stood on tiptoe and kissed him. A low growl escaped his throat as all restraint broke and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him. Her mouth opened, allowing him entrance and he took his opportunity to taste her, sample her sweetness. His body hardened and he ached to take her right there on the couch, but something stopped him. She’d been through something that made her vulnerable and he couldn’t take advantage of her, even if she seemed willing. It was a hard battle as he took a short step back, seeing her confused expression.

“Kace?” His name fell off her lips like honey.

“Not tonight, sweetheart. Tonight, I’m Sheriff and you’re the victim.”

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