Page 21 of The Sinners Touch

“You’re the only person I know who drinks milk with just a taste of coffee.” A short laugh escaped. “Remember the morning I brought you coffee with creamer in it? You turned up that pert little nose of yours and demanded I go out and buy real milk.”

“Creamer is nasty.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust and took a sip. “Is there anything to eat?”

“No. Lily cleaned the place out. They’re getting it ready to put up for sale.”

“That’s right. They’re leaving Boston after graduation. New York, I think.”

She really did know his brother. He wasn’t used to Nik having female friends.

“I can order either Chinese or pizza. I know a few places open all night. Tomorrow, we can get some real groceries.”

“Pizza. Explain this whole police protection thing. I have to work tomorrow night, and I have finals next week.”

He pulled out his phone and found the number for the pizza place. “Typically, you get two police officers who will go wherever you go.”

“So, no one’s trying to keep me locked up in the Ivory Tower?”

“No, Angel, no one’s holding you prisoner. I would prefer you stay away from the bar until we catch the guy, though. It’s a risk every time you go outside, but more so when you go to the one place he knows you’ll be, where he can watch and plan.”

“I have to work, Kincaid. I have bills to pay.”

He put up a finger while he placed the order for pizza. He laid the phone down on the counter before answering her. “That’s what I thought you’d say. When I can’t be here, you’ll have two plainclothes on you at all times.”

“You don’t have to be here at all. In fact, I’d prefer it if you weren’t.”

He worked to rein in his temper. She had been through a very horrifying experience and needed patience, not a full-blown fight with him. “We’ve already had this conversation. You’re not getting rid of me. Deal with it.”

Angel narrowed her eyes and fought the urge to do him bodily harm. Kade had always been bossy, but now that he was older and used to having more authority, he’d gotten worse.

“About earlier…” He cleared his throat, looking anywhere but at her. “I’m sorry. I had no right to do that.”

“No, you didn’t.” Her voice came out small and quiet. He didn’t need to know every nerve in her body sang when his skin had met hers.

“It was that damn closet.”

Another smile slipped out despite her best efforts. It was so rare to see him this out of sorts. And over sex.

“Just don’t do it again, okay? Neither of us wants to be here, so if we can keep it professional, I’d appreciate it.”

“I can do that.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You said you had finals next week?”

“Yeah?”

“What did you end up studying?”

She took another sip of coffee, debating whether getting into an actual conversation with him was wise. Rage still curled in the pit of her stomach, but another part of her struggled to break free of its prison. She craved his attention. It couldn’t hurt to have a civil conversation with him, could it?

“I studied business management. I graduate this May.”

“Business?” He fiddled with his coffee mug.

“I want to own my own bar.”

“Not a strip club?”

Her eyes narrowed at his tone. He’d never made any secret that he hated her stripping. He didn’t respect anyone who did. It was the biggest bone of contention between them.

“You know, Kincaid, I was thinking of a bar with strippers.”

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