Page 12 of Built of Illusions

Roman gave her a salute and the two headed out the door, leaving her with Nico. The space seemed smaller, which was ridiculous as two large men had just left.

Nico walked to one of the photos she’d put on the wall. “Is this from Midnight Lake?”

She smiled. “It is. There were so many beautiful sights up there, I think I took a million pictures.” It had been her favorite Christmas ever.

“You’re got a hell of an eye. Your photographs are spectacular.” He moved to stand in front of a sketch she’d framed. “But I like your drawings even more. You make the object or the person come alive. The picture isn’t static. What medium do you prefer to work in?”

She laughed. “That’s like choosing only one favorite flavor of ice cream.”

He grinned and took a step toward her, eyes on hers. Desire snapped through her veins and filled the room.

Like a predator, he moved closer and Josie didn’t move, anticipating finally tasting his lips.

Nico’s phone rang with a sharp buzz and he swore. He yanked out the phone. “Rivera.”

His frown deepened and he rubbed his forehead with his hand as he paced and listened. Josie couldn’t hear the other part of the conversation, but it was obviously not a happy call. Nico didn’t have many tells, but right now he was broadcasting frustration. Her stomach tightened at the thought of the kinds of calls he would get. With his job, there would be a lot of unhappy ones. Could this be connected to the women she’d seen on the board?

“On it. I’ll be on the first flight.” He shoved the phone back in his pocket. “Sorry about that.”

She shook her head and swallowed hard. “Did he kill another one?” She hadn’t meant to ask. It was none of her business. She wasn’t in law enforcement.

Nico’s eyes darkened. “Maybe. I need to go, Josie.” He looked around her space and smiled at her. “You’ve got a great place here. Have you installed new locks?”

She nodded.

He watched her from across the room for a long moment and the desire crackled again. Finally Nico closed his eyes and shoved his hands in his pockets. To keep from reaching for her? That was a happy thought.

“I’ll be back in a day or two. Call me if you need anything. And make sure you lock the doors.”

She nodded again, although she’d never initiated a call with Nico. He’d only ever contacted her for work. “Thanks again for today. And for the ride last night.”

He smiled and that sexy smirk was back. “You’re very welcome, Josie. I had fun.”

His phone rang again and he pulled it out. “Rivera. Hang on a second.”

He held the phone against his chest. “I’ll see you soon, Josie.”

Apparently having turned into a bobblehead, she nodded and moved closer to the door.

Nico’s gaze tracked to her lips and back up. When she lifted a hand to brush her fingers across her mouth, he grinned and then backed out the door. “Lock up behind me.”

She flipped the deadbolt and leaned her forehead against the door.

After she caught her breath and slowed her heart rate, she turned and moved to her table. Time to sculpt out her feelings.

Chapter 5

The Way I See It

The breeze was bitter and scents of tobacco, drugs, and garbage filled the air of the parking lot. None of it was enough to cover the metallic tang of blood.

Nico and Roman had run through the airport with no time to spare before boarding the flight to Vegas. The local FBI office had called them in after one agent had realized this woman fit the profile of the others.

Latina. Early thirties. Long, curly black hair. Beautiful. Working in some kind of artistic venture. Dance in this case. A show girl. Rita Garson had finished her rehearsal but wouldn’t be onstage for the night. Or ever again.

The local techs had taken stock of the evidence, but hadn’t moved anything. With the flight being less than ninety minutes, they’d agreed to hold on so Nico and Roman could see it all firsthand. The locals had covered her until their arrival. Nico had seen plenty of death, but it was never easy. He contained all the emotion running through him and kept his posture relaxed.

Rita lay on her back, spread-eagled on the asphalt. Her eyes were wide with terror and her face and chest were slashed multiple times. The deep ligature mark on her neck showed she’d been strangled. Probably from the front. You saw him, didn’t you, Rita? I hope you’ll find a way to tell me who he is before he strikes again.

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