Page 35 of Built of Illusions

Nico started to move, slowly thrusting in and out. Each stroke deeper and harder.

Her body moved with him and in moments, she was spiraling higher and further. Her finger nails gripped his ass and pulled him in even tighter.

Nico’s throaty growl had her skin erupting in shivers and then she flew into the most glorious orgasm ever.

He swore, thrust even harder and then with a shout, he followed her into the kaleidoscoping stars.

Chapter 12

Big Picture

Nico sighed when Josie walked into the kitchen wearing a long flowy dress and carrying her purse. He’d hoped he could talk her into staying at his home for the day.

Instead of saying that, he placed a bowl of berries on the counter beside the apple loaf he’d defrosted the night before.

Josie grinned as she sat on one of the stools at the island. “Looks delicious. Are you the baker?”

He handed her a small plate. “Not this time. Mom stuffed a few breads in my freezer last week.” She always did that when she was worried Nico was running on too much work and too little sleep.

“But you do bake?”

He nodded and grabbed a slice and some berries. “It’s relaxing. Just don’t always have time for it.”

“I remember you making crepes up at Midnight Lake for Christmas breakfast.”

Nico smiled. “That’s my dad’s influence. They always took turns making weekend meals. And they made sure every kid who lived in their house for any time had at least passable skills in the kitchen.”

Josie’s smile was soft. “I remember all of you Rivera-influenced people cooking up in Vermont. Very nice. Did you all learn together?”

The wistfulness of the question had his heart aching for her again. She hadn’t been so lucky growing up. “Sometimes. Those times occasionally ended in flour fights though.”

“And I just bet you had to clean up your own messes.”

“Damn straight. What’s your specialty?”

She grinned. “I make a mean grilled cheese. And my lasagna is a thing of beauty.”

“Sounds like I need a taste test one day.” And not just of her, although he wanted that taste again as well.

Her head titled and her smile was genuine. “Any time.” If he was a lucky man, she wasn’t just talking about her lasagna.

They ate in silence for a few minutes before the air tensed. Not in a good way. He wasn’t going to like whatever she was about to say.

Josie stood to put her dishes in the dishwasher. Her body language was stiff and she didn’t make eye contact. “I need to see your board again.”

Every cell in his body demanded Nico say No way in hell. But he knew better. Both as an investigator and as a man. This wasn’t his choice to make. “I know.”

She turned from the sink, brows furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”

He picked up his own plate. “I know you’re a smart and compassionate woman. You said you wanted to help. For you, that means seeing those women again. Learning about them, finding a way to know the bastard who killed them. I also know you’re extremely determined and even if I said no, you’d find a way to make it happen.”

She smiled at that.

He leaned against the counter and studied her seriously. “I also know it’ll cost you to look at those faces again.”

Her smile dropped and she nodded. “I know, but I can’t let that stop me.”

“I figured you’d say that.” He moved forward and tugged her into a hug. Her warmth and goodness seeped into him, fortifying him for the task ahead. The task of keeping her safe and catching this asshole.

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