Page 26 of The Sinner's Touch

Happened between him and Kade? Angel’s ears perked up. What was she talking about?

“That was a long time ago, Lily Bells, and Kade and I got past it.” The steel in Nikoli’s tone shut down any questions either girl would have asked. “Angel, you have groceries in the fridge for at least a week. Is there anything else you think you need?”

“You didn’t have to do that, Nik. I could have gone after work and picked them up.”

“I know, but why put yourself more at risk than you have to? This guy is serious business. It’s not good to take chances. I’m surprised Kade’s even letting you go to work.”

“Your brother, as arrogant and bossy as he is, can’t stop me from working. I have bills to pay.”

“You think he’s bossy and arrogant?” Nikoli’s eyes zeroed in on her.

“Annoying bastard, too,” she said darkly.

“Ohh, now, what is this? Do I detect more than hostility, perhaps?” Nikoli’s voice turned sly. “Perhaps a little attraction?”

“Your brother is the last person I would ever want anything to do with.”

“Did he do something to you?” Nikoli’s expression darkened. “If he did, I’ll beat him.”

The phone rang before she could reply, and Lily bounced up to answer it. She frowned but then said something into the phone before hanging it up. “Are you expecting a package, Angel?”

“No.”

“Someone from the front desk is on their way up with a package for you. It was dropped off a few minutes ago.”

“Who knows you’re here?” Nikoli stood, his eyes growing more and more alert.

“No one except Kade and the detective from last night. Not even my boss knows I’m here.”

They waited silently until a knock sounded at the door. Nikoli opened it and took the package, thanking whoever delivered it. It was a simple brown box, like any mailing box you’d buy at Walmart or the post office. It was addressed to Angel with the apartment number emblazed on a printed label.

Nikoli set it down on the kitchen island, inspecting it. His bent his head, listening.

“What are you doing?” Lily joined him at the counter.

“Listening for ticking.”

“Good Lord, it’s not a bomb, Nikoli.”

“It might be,” he grouched.

“You’ve been watching too muchCastle.”

“Kate’s hot.”

“Castle’s hotter.” Lily gave him this innocent smile that belied the devilment in her eyes, and Angel found herself laughing despite the seriousness of the situation. The two of them were too cute. If she wasn’t as fond of Nikoli as she was, she could almost hate them for being so happy when her own broken past was currently mocking her every time Kade so much as entered her line of vision.

“Let’s just open the damn box.” Angel walked over to the knife block and pulled one so she could open the box. She picked it up and turned it upside down to open it. She didn’t want to slice through the address label. She was a bigCriminal Mindsnut herself, and at times like these, she was glad she’d picked up on a few things. Like not damaging address labels.

As she flipped the box back over, a small white cloth fell out with a handwritten note. Her hands started to shake even before the strands of red hair tumbled from the pristine fabric. She recognized the writing on the note. It was the same as from the night before.

“What the fuck?” Nikoli reached for it, but Angel stopped him.

“Don’t touch it. Call your brother.”

“What…”

“It’s him.” Her voice started to shake as badly as her hands were. He found her.

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