Page 48 of The Sinner's Touch

“Viktor’s company?” Angel clutched the letter opener like a lifeline. This guy was not the serial killer, but he was still someone she didn’t know.

“Yes, ma’am. Viktor sent us to protect you.”

“How did you get in?” Angel sank down in the desk chair.

“Agent Kincaid brought me up and let me in.” He moved farther into the room. Good God, but he was a big man. Taller than Kade and wider. Handsome wasn’t quite the word. Hewas as sexy as Kade, but she saw nothing but lighthearted mirth in his expression. He reminded her of a big old teddy bear. Truthfully, her first thoughts were of Johnny Depp’s pirate character inPirates of the Caribbeanwhen she looked at him. Could he even be brutal enough to be a bodyguard? She doubted it.

“I heard a crash?”

He laughed. “That was me. I was in the bathroom and knocked a glass off the counter. I had just finished cleaning it up when I came out and saw you go in here. Thought I would introduce myself.”

They both heard the front door open and Kade call out. “Watkins?”

He turned and stepped outside the door. “We’re back here.”

When Kade joined them, he looked tired. Had he slept at all? Angel bit her lip.Stop worrying about him. It’s not your job to do that anymore.

“Angel?” Kade stared at her questioningly. She looked down to see she was still clutching the letter opener like weapon. “Everything okay?”

“I startled her.” Jasper shot her an apologetic grin. “If you don’t need anything else, I’m going to go get my men stationed then find a delivery place. I’m starved. I’ll be Miss Lemoraux’s shadow, but while she’s in the apartment with you, sir, I’ll be outside.”

“Thank you, Watkins.” Kade nodded and turned back to her once Jasper had left. He arched a brow. “Planning to use that on me?”

“What?” Oh, the letter opener. She let it fall back to the desk, the clatter loud in the silence. “No, of course not.”

“Are you hungry? Lily left lasagna in the fridge.”

Her stomach did the talking for her when it rumbled loudly. Kade laughed and came over to the desk, holding out his hand. “Come on, let’s get you fed.”

She let him pull her up. He squeezed her hand and led her back to the kitchen, only letting go when he turned to the fridge. She took a seat at the island, watching him. Something was different.

“Would you like a glass of wine with your dinner?” He popped a plate in the microwave.

“No, thank you.” No drinking around Kade. It always ended up with her in his bed. “Did you make the mess on the couch?”

He made a face, and she smiled slightly at his aggravated expression. “Yeah. Nik’s going to murder me. That thing probably costs more than I make in a year.”

“He owns his own company?”

Kade’s expression turned guarded. “Yeah. He doesn’t advertise that, though, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t, either.”

“Of course not.”

The microwave beeped, and he collected the plate and some silverware. “Here you are, my lady.” He set the plate in front of her with some flourish, his dimple winking at her when he smiled.

“What are you doing?”

Kade fetched her a bottle of water. He tried his best to adopt the most innocent expression he could. “Being civil?”

“No, you’re not.”

“I’m not?”

She shook her head. “You’re being charming.”

“Am I?” He leaned against the counter.

“Yes, so stop it.”

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