Page 86 of Soul Sucker

“Because it doesn’t feel right.”

“Do you think we were set up?”

“It’s possible.”

“By whom?”

“That’s a great question. But if someone or something managed to get in here and disrupt SBLE security, Feehan needs to know about it.”

She met his gaze and he couldn’t look away. Without further thought, he reached for her, only to have her step back.

“Don’t.”

He dropped his hand to his side, his fingers curling into a fist. “I’m not sure if I can stop myself.”

“We’re at work.”

“Then come back to the hotel with me at lunchtime.” He couldn’t believe he’d just said that. He wasneverthe pursuer.

She shook her head and an inhuman growl attempted to work its way out of his chest. Her brown eyes widened.

“I’ve got to go on a case.” She swallowed hard. “Maybe you could come back home with me tonight instead?”

“I’d be honored.” He inclined his head. “Now shall we go and tell Feehan about what happened on Friday night?”

“If we must.”

He wanted to take her hand, but instead, turned on his heel and went back into the conference room holding the door open for Ella to pass by him. Her denim-clad ass bumped against his groin and he was instantly hard. Thankfully, he was wearing dark pants so he hoped no one would notice.

“There’s something Ms. Walsh and I think you should know,” Vadim announced.

“You’re getting married?” Alexei’s smile was a mixture of sweetness and pure malice.

“Yeah, right.” Ella snorted. “Last Friday night, Morosov and I were the last people here. When we met at the elevators, I found the stairwell was off-limits thanks to maintenance.”

“Wait a minute,” Feehan interrupted. “I wasn’t told about that.”

“Neither was I,” Ella added. “Or I would have left earlier. Morosov persuaded me I could face the elevator for a few seconds, so I followed him into the car. Just as the doors opened at the lobby level, the elevator shuddered and fell back down the shaft.”

“Holy cow!” Sam whistled. “Did you freak out?”

“I did. Luckily, Morosov kept his head and we managed to climb out of the service hatch, and back up to the lobby.”

“We were wondering why no one had mentioned it,” Vadim said. “Don’t you receive security reports, Mr. Feehan?”

“I do. I saw nothing about any of this.” Feehan took off his glasses and stared at Ella and Vadim. “Are you quite sure?”

Ella put her coffee down. “Do I look like the sort of person who would make stuff up about being stuck in an elevator with an irritating Russian?”

Feehan held up a placatory hand. “No, of course not. I wonder if we can review the security tapes?”

“Why don’t you do that while I go and sort out this little problem for the Bonetti family on Folsom Street?” Ella picked up her backpack. “The owners think they have a poltergeist. One of the waiters isn’t so sure.”

Vadim grabbed his jacket. “I’ll come with you.” She was already moving. “You don’t need to do that.”

“Yes he does,” Feehan raised his voice to her departing back. “You need someone with you at all times.”

Ella’s answer and gesture was luckily too far away for Feehan to register, although Vadim got the gist of it. He kept after her, taking the elevator as she took the stairs and meeting her in the lobby.

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