Page 40 of Raging Inferno

Presley pulled the seat belt across her chest and buckled in. “Damn. I even tried to tone it down. I’m afraid delicacy and diplomacy aren’t my strong suits.”

“You weren’t rude,” Dominic assured her.

“Thanks. I feel a little better. I need to call my bosses and tell them about my suspicions.”

Dominic glanced at her as he started the engine. “Do you think they’ll be able to get the samples?”

“I have absolutely no doubt.”

Presley called her office and requested a conference call with her bosses, Luke Colton and Logan Bradley. She explained what was going on, starting with her cousin’s death and then the fires that killed Margy Binder, Nancy Babcock, and her husband. They came to the same conclusion that she had—something wasn’t right. They immediately offered full support from the company. She’d known they’d assist with the toxicology reports but hadn’t expected they would consider it one of their cases. She was blown away.

Presley hoped she wasn’t jumping to conclusions and seeing things that weren’t there. Having Luke and Logan back her up went a long way in reassuring her. They were two of the most brilliant minds in the business.

“Let us know if you need another agent to assist. We can have Kayne Serruto or Jalen Ellis there,” Logan told her.

“Thank you. If things keep happening, I’ll take you up on that offer.”

They talked for a few more minutes, and then she disconnected.

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but it sounded like they believed you,” said Dominic.

Presley exhaled. “They did. I trust both implicitly, so knowing they came to the same conclusion makes me feel better.”

“What are our next steps?”

It warmed her that he’d said “their steps” and deferred to her. In her former job, first as a cop and then a detective, the men always tried to take over. No matter if her ideas were brilliant and insightful, they dismissed her. That was one reason she loved working with Luke, Logan, and the other agents. None of the men were threatened by a woman taking charge. They were a team.

“My office will acquire samples from Margy and Nancy to ensure they weren’t drugged.”

“You think they’ll be able to crack Dr. Anders’s hard shell? She seemed pretty determined to keep them to herself.”

“Oh, they’ll get it done. COBRA Securities is an unstoppable force.”

Dominic chuckled. “Good to know.”

“I also need to figure out who would want the women dead. Who would benefit and why?”

“Whatever I can do to help, let me know.”

She almost told him that his presence was what she needed. His calm competence grounded her. Plus, she enjoyed spending time with him. Like her coworkers, he wasn’t threatened that she was a woman. And, goodness, she was so aware of his scent, strength, and handsomeness. Everything about him was a turn-on.

“Actually, there is something you can help me with. If you don’t mind stopping at a motel, I can book a room.”

#

Dominic braked at a red light and turned to Presley. “You’re already set up in my guest room. Plus, Margy’s funeral is tomorrow. We can go together. There’s no need to get a hotel room.”

If he were a wise man, he would drive her to the Hyatt Regency and drop her off. The more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. She was intelligent, competent, and beautiful. He was rapidly growing fond of her.

Dom hadn’t been a monk in the years since Lainey died, but he’d refrained from forming a connection with anyone despite the dogged persistence of many determined women in town. He didn’t want Gia becoming attached, only for the relationship to fizzle out. Plus, he didn’t want her to witness a slew of women warming his bed. That’s why he’d been shocked when he had invited Presley to stay with them.

Dominic wanted to believe he was being benevolent in offering Presley a room, but he couldn’t lie to himself. He felt a deep connection and craved being near her. She would only be in town for a short amount of time. Those minutes, hours, were precious, and he planned on consuming as much of her as she’d allow.

The only problem was that Gia was becoming attached to her too. She’d been so reserved and mistrusting since Lainey’s death. To see her opening up to a woman was encouraging. His most important want in life was for Gia to be happy. She was when Presley was around. The flip side of the coin was that she would be upset when Presley left. Was it worth it for his daughter to have a few days of bliss? Honestly, he wasn’t sure. What a conundrum.

“I hate to keep imposing on you and Gia,” Presley said, breaking into his thoughts.

“You aren’t. I offered.”

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