Page 11 of A Captive Situation

I almost groaned out loud.

“Worthing.” A smooth feminine voice—one that I used to love, the rasp from her when I’d been dick-deep in her, but now it grated on my nerves—called out from behind me.

Chatter around the front of the station quieted.

That was because of me. I was assuming more people had heard about my resignation.

The woman from the subway continued to stare at me, her eyes narrowing, and then recognition flared. Her mouth opened, gaping a little. A small bit of panic flashed too.

I winced, not really liking seeing that reaction, but I was forced to turn my head as my ex was walking toward me.

I shifted back a step. “Brant.”

Laila’s face tightened, slowing in her step just a bit before she steeled herself and continued until she was at my side. She knew how to stand and position herself. Laila Brant could wear an Easter Bunny costume and still come off seductive. I knew how she did, but I wasn’t giving her that attention. My eyes stayed on her face, so I caught how her mouth flattened briefly before it kicked up in a slow smile. “Retired life must suit you. You look good.”

I narrowed my eyes, cocking my head to the side. “Funny. I don’t hear the dulcet tones of my cousin. What? She pass out in a cell back there?”

Laila’s smile shifted to a genuine grin before we both heard what I knew was missing.

“—the meaning of this! I know people, you know. Do you know who I am? Who my family is? I can make one call and I’ll have your badge. I’ll have all of your badges—” Her screech got louder as she was brought out from the back.

I shifted on my feet in time to see my cousin being led through the door that separated the holding cells from this main area. Another cop in uniform was bringing her out, and as soon as he saw Laila, he looked relieved, fitting his key to my cousin’s cuffs.

My cousin swung her wild gaze around until her eyes landed on me. They went wide and she almost stumbled over her giant-ass high-heeled boots, trying to get to me. “Jake! Jakie!Jake!”

I growled. “Shut the fuck up, Viv.”

She did, clamping her mouth shut before her body wavered backward.

Laila shouted, a hand shooting out at the same time.

My cousin started to fall.

The uniformed cop caught her, panic fleeting over his face before he swung that still-panicked gaze toward Laila. “I didn’t—she was going to fall on her own.”

Laila went over, waving him off. “Don’t worry, Officer Porath. You can go back to your other duties. I got her from here.”

He eyed my cousin, looking relieved as he could step away. “We’re releasing her?”

Laila took Viv’s arm, drawing her from him. “We got it handled.” She indicated me and his gaze trailed over. Recognition flared over his face, having him snap to his fullest height, his back going straight. “Detective Worthing—err ...” His frown was fierce.

Laila grinned, bringing my cousin toward me. “It’s just Mr. Worthing now, I believe.” Her eyes found mine, a hint of something deeper appearing. “Or is it Don?”

The uniform was confused, but Vivianna heard and tipped her chin back, a raucous laugh trailing out of her throat. Jesus. She was all skin and bones, wearing ... I didn’t even know what she was wearing. Leather leggings with some animal-print corset top? And were those feathers wrapped around her like a shawl? I had no idea. She looked ridiculous. But she continued to laugh, annoyingly, before she finished it with, “Not Jakie.” She snorted, still laughing. “You’re joking, right? Everyone knows that was just a joke. A whole farce—” She cut off, seeing my face. She stammered, the blood draining from her face. “S-sorry, Cuz. I, just—you’ve always been a cop. I mean ... though, Justin was the golden boy of the two of you—”

“Shut up.”

She flinched, going white again, looking as if I’d slapped her. “Sorry, Jake. I—just—”

I turned my back on her, focusing on Laila. Knowing—feeling—the subway woman watching the whole exchange.

I heard Vivianna add behind me, quietly, “I loved him too.”

I cringed, but not the time or day. I asked through gritted teeth, “I’m assuming you have strings attached?”

Laila had been watching me carefully, but her face blanked a moment. “Uh. Yeah.” Her forehead wrinkled as she thought. “Rehab.”

“What?” Vivianna croaked. “No fucking way—”

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