Page 146 of The Piece You Stole

The driver cuts their engine and, a second later, shoves open their door.

A car door slams, and the crunch of footsteps move up the front path toward me.

For fuck’s sake.

I lower my hand from the smart lock keypad and turn to confront a man in a green dress shirt with short dark blond hair, intelligent large brown eyes, and not the least of all, a gold police badge that looks like it’s been polished to within an inch of its life pinned to the front of his black belt.

No uniform or squad car means I’m staring down a detective.

The intelligence in his eyes means I’m not facing a stupid one.

That makes him dangerous. It’s not even six in the morning yet, so this can’t be a casual visit, and there’s only one reason a cop would pay us a visit. Saige.

“What the fuck do you want?” I snarl.

Not the best way to introduce yourself to a cop, but I’m fucking sick of uninvited guests.

His expression doesn’t move and inch from calm steadiness. If he were a shifter, he’d be an alpha with that level of control. “I’d like a few words with Miss Leo. I understand it’s early, but it’s important.”

It couldn’t have passed him by that I’m out here in sweatpants, a dark glower on my face, and a guy just tore off as if hell hounds were chasing him down, yet he wants to speak to Saige?

This guy is definitely trouble.

My eyes narrow as I cross my arms over my chest. The only way he’s getting into the house behind me is through me. “I’m assuming you have a warrant.”

The hint of a smile tugs one corner of his mouth up, but I’m not buying his act. The only friendly, smiling copsalwayshave an ulterior motive.

“I’m not here to arrest anyone or search for anything illicit. Drugs or otherwise.”

“She isn’t here,” I lie.

The cop smiles a little as he nods, but he isn’t looking convinced. “I’m not here to make any accusations. Just ask a couple of questions. That’s all.”

“You can tell me your questions, and I’ll pass them along when I see her.” I scratch my scalp. “Can’t saywhenthat will be but cross my heart and all that.”

The cop eyes me. I eye him back as I wait for him to get the message that I’m not letting him take one step into the house.

In the silence, a female voice drifts through the door.

“Aden, just answer one question. Please. I’ll ask five, and you can pick the one you want to answer.”

Saige.

The cop’s gaze sharpens, so I know he has to be hearing Saige.

“I promised a bath, and I always deliver. Save the questions for later.”

And presumably, for someonenotme, I can practically hear Aden think through the door.

The cop’s expression doesn’t change. But after a long moment, he nods as if he’s come to some realization and lifts his hand.

I prepare my lunge. He puts one finger on the gun in his holster, and he’s dead.

He pauses, regards me a little longer, and then dips his hand in his pocket and withdraws a white card, which he holds out toward me. “Someone has been at the station asking questions about Miss Leo. A lot of questions. Since you seem so concerned about her safety, you should be aware of that. My card. In case you have any trouble.” He pauses. “Unless you’ve already had trouble this morning.”

“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” I eye him a little closer. Guy has to be in his late twenties or early thirties. He’s not ugly, and Saige is beautiful. And in trouble. If he’s here on some mission to play hero…yeah, he’s not going anywhere near Saige. Not a fucking chance. “So, some guy walks into the station you think is looking to cause trouble and you let him walk right back out again? Isn’t that a big part of your job? You know, dealing with trouble?” My gaze rests on the badge. “Or is that just a pretty ornament you use to pick up girls?”

The front door swings open, and a hand settles heavily on the nape of my neck, nearly driving me to my knees.