Page 96 of Be Very Quiet

Reese nodded to an alcove away from the hustle and bustle of the busy hospital, and she followed. She looked up into his blue eyes, and the surrounding noise stopped. She didn’t hear the names paged over the intercom or the clamor of conversation. It was as if they were alone in their own world.

“Great job on the case.”

“It was all Luca,” she insisted. “He was the leader.”

“Don’t downplay your contribution.”

“I’m not, but it was a team effort.”

“You took the shot.”

Reese had been there when she’d been forced to kill Wanda Bunker after the woman’s estranged husband had murdered their children. He knew how it had gutted her to take the grieving mother’s life. Suicide by cop, he’d repeatedly told her, but it hadn’t made the aftermath of pulling that trigger easier.

“Christian did, too, so we don’t know which bullet killed him.”

“Doesn’t matter. You stepped up. I’m proud of you.”

His praise did funny things to her insides.

“I’m impressed by how COBRA Securities does business and, my gosh, the resources. It looks like you ended up with a great company. I’m glad.”

“It is, and thank you.”

He stared at her for so long that she was about to pull him down for a kiss when he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.

All the cliché romance novel descriptions of love happened at once: sparks ignited from his touch, fireworks went off inside her brain, and somewhere, a choir hummed an enchanting hallelujah. She moaned and pressed against him, wanting more, wanting him.

She whimpered when he broke contact, and a thumb caressed her kiss-swollen lips. “Take care of yourself, Audria.”

She could only watch as he smiled before turning and walking away. “You too,” she murmured, knowing she would probably never see Reese Reneau again once she left Miami.

#

The doctor signed the papers to release Luca the following morning. Christian and Audria arrived, and they drove to Liliana’s condo to freshen up. She was so happy to find Smoke when she opened her door. The cat was just as delighted to see them, meowing and twining around their legs. They gave him the attention he needed before heading to the bathroom.

Liliana helped Luca shower since he needed to keep his stitches dry. She reveled in the task of washing his muscular, perfect body, though he made it hard by trying to reciprocate with one arm.

She batted his hand away from her breast. “Luca, we don’t have time.”

“I’ll always have time for you, babe,” he said before kissing her.

She almost gave in.

Dressing was another trial. Instead of cooperating, he wanted to fool around. She managed to keep him in line, and ten minutes later, they were on their way to the police station.

Liliana knew it would take time, but she didn’t expect it to last most of the afternoon. They spent hours giving their statements and going over minute details. It was exhausting reliving the ordeal over and over again, and it served as a constant reminder that Shonda was gone. Liliana was beyond relieved when they were finally allowed to leave.

Dinner was at a trendy restaurant on the beach. This time, when Liliana ordered a glass of wine, the others joined her. Time passed with delicious food and good friends. She was able to eat a little, something she didn’t think possible after the horror of the last twenty-four hours.

When they returned to her condo, Liliana undressed Luca and insisted he lie back while she did all the work and made love to him. He didn’t seem to mind her taking charge one bit. In fact, he seemed to revel in it.

She needed him too much, and it didn’t last long. After they both shattered in ethereal bliss, she collapsed against his good side and listened to the steady beat of his heart. His hand stroked her hair.

“I’m sorry about your studio.”

“I’m not.”

“You aren’t?” He sounded surprised.

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