Page 94 of Soul Sucker

“Come in?”

Vadim appeared. “Are you okay?”

“Why shouldn’t I be?”

He leaned against the closed door and studied her. She was pleased to see that for once he looked less than perfect. His tie was askew and the starched collar of his white shirt had wilted in the heat.

“You just had to deal with another murder victim.” She opened her mouth and he held up his hand. “Ella, you can say what you like, but Iknowyou.”

“Biblically, you mean?”

“Biblically, psychically and emotionally.” He hesitated. “I know this is hard for you.”

“Sure it is, but what good will I do anyone if I make a big deal out of it? Those dead women need me to be strong—to stand up for them.”

He inclined his head. “I don’t doubt you’ll do your best to bring their killer to justice.”

“Thanks.” Ella let her gaze stray back to her screen. “Was there something in particular you wanted?”

“Just this.” He moved so quickly she hardly had time to blink before he hauled her out of her chair and put his arms around her. He kissed her forehead and she elbowed him in the side.

“What are you doing?”

“Holding you.” He didn’t let her go, just looked down at her. She felt him enfolding her mind.

“Then stop it, you idiot.”

“No.” A corner of his beautiful mouth kicked up. She narrowed her eyes at him but he still held her.

The desire to rest her head on his shoulder and just let go was almost as overwhelming as it was horrifying. Tears crowded her throat. She shoved her hands between them and pushed at his chest.

“If you make me cry at work, I’ll never forgive you.” His shields slammed up so fast she winced.

He stepped away. “I apologize, Ms. Walsh. That was the last thing I wanted to do. I assume you’ll be putting off the investigation at the Bonettis’ for another night?”

She sat down before her knees gave way. “I’m still going. I might take Sam along. He needs to start doing more fieldwork, so you don’t have to come.”

“I’m damn well coming.” Vadim stalked toward the door, his expression icy. “Don’t try and skip out on me. I don’t want to use our bonded link, but if you try and shut me out, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” He shut the door so hard it rattled the frame.

Ella stared after him. She’d offended him but what had he minded most—being shut out of her next mission, or out of her mind? With a groan, she rubbed her hands over her eyes. Didn’t he see that she couldn’t cave at work? Did he expect her to cry all over him? She had no experience being in a relationship, especially not one with an OCOS supplied mate who could read at least some of her thoughts without even trying.

She opened her desk drawer and found a bar of chocolate. It looked a little battered, but it would do. When she’d fortified herself sufficiently, she’d go and find Sam and update him on the Bonetti case. Vadim would be accompanying them; she had no doubt about that. A flicker of remorse made the chocolate suddenly tasteless. This mating business was new to Vadim too and he hadn’t asked for this. Crap. She probably owed him an apology.

* * *

Vadim slammedthe door of the small conference room and briefly closed his eyes. His flexed his hands. The temptation to blast something into oblivion tingled in his fingertips.

“What’s up, Vadim?”

Liz was sitting on Alexei’s vacant desk, long legs swinging, coffee cup in her hand.

“Ah, hi, Liz. I didn’t realize anyone was in here.”

“I saw that.” She cocked her head to one side. “Let me guess. Is Ella driving you mad?”

“She…” Vadim hesitated and Liz looked at him expectantly. He reluctantly concluded he could share some of his frustration, even if it was just about work.

“She what?”

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