Page 48 of Play With Me

“Cool it, you guys. It’s showtime.”

Sophie and Jax disappeared behind a corner to take the back stairs, and I hurried back downstairs, where Lola was chatting in the hallway with Emma.

Lola looked up as I made my way downstairs.

“Did Emma fill you in?” I asked.

“Yes, she did.”

“And?”

“And I think you did good, Madman. I also think that I should check out this lead on my own.

“You’re saying that because you’re afraid to work with me.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“Prove it.”

“You know, the more you smart-mouth me, the less I like it. I’m not afraid to work with you.” She looked strong, confident, and beautiful, as always. I’d never met such a kick ass-woman who could take my breath away while at the same time drive me nuts.

“Good. Then there’s no reason we can’t do this together.”

Sometime during our conversation, Emma decided to leave.

“Mark my word, this little trip will not end well for us.” She pointed her finger between me and her. She looked cute when frazzled. Was she nervous because she’d have to spend so much time with me? I took advantage of her moment of weakness and grasped her by her hips, bringing her closer to my body.

She sighed and relaxed her shoulders, whispering, “You almost died in that crypt. I can’t go through that again. Your sources about Xavier are good, but you’ll be a distraction. And distractions can be fatal.”

“I’m not giving you this information and letting you go on your own.”

“I know. I just don’t want anything to happen to you. If what Emma says is true, those territories are dangerous.”

“In other words, you’re saying that you care.”

“Possibly. I mean, I wouldn’t want anyone to die.”

Yeah, she definitely cared. I leaned in for a quick kiss, murmuring against her lips, “Are you afraid I’ll jeopardize the mission because I won’t be able to keep my hands off you?”

I felt her still. This trip would give us the alone time that we needed to rekindle.

“You will keep your hands to yourself.”

“I can affirm that will be impossible.”

“Brook, if we’re going to find Kate’s father, we really need to concentrate.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

Lola’s attention shifted lower to where Sophie was standing by her hip. I pushed away from Lola as if I’d been burned.

What part ofstay cleardidn’t Sophie understand?

“Hi.” Lola’s surprised face turned into a curious one, and I wondered why.

“I’m Sophie. This is my Uncle Brook.” Sophie pointed up to me.

“Hi, Sophie. Yes, your uncle told me about you.”

---