Page 46 of Fight for Me

Her body felt his absence when he withdrew. Her gaze caught his as she slid down his body until her toes touched the floor. She couldn’t look away, his eyes ensnaring her.

As proper a gentleman as she’d expect, he didn’t speak of it but bustled her back into his car and headed across town.

“I have a favor to ask,” she said.

“Anything.”

In a few sentences, she outlined what had happened earlier today with Madeleine and Abdul. “Is there anyone you know who could help her?”

“Those situations are always dicey,” he said, “but yes, I know a few people who specialize in that area and would be willing to take her case based on my recommendation. I’ll have someone call you.”

Anne breathed a sigh of relief. It was nice to have friends in high places. “Thanks so much. She seemed desperate.”

“It’s the right thing to do, which is important to me.”

They pulled up to her apartment and Blane went to turn off the engine. She reached out, stopping him with a hand on his arm.

“I’ll take it from here,” she said.

“Haven’t we been there, done this?” he asked. “I’m not letting you go alone to your door.”

“I’d rather you did tonight.” She glanced up into his eyes. “If you came up…well, I’ve already said no once tonight and I’m not sure I could say it twice.” It was much too easy to imagine him in her bed. She softened her words with a smile. “You can watch from here and I’ll flash the lights when I’m inside.”

Blane looked reluctant. “You’re testing my chivalry. But I’ll agree, if you kiss me again.”

Anne smiled. “Decisions, decisions.”

Leaning over, she pressed her mouth against his, one hand cradling his jaw. His skin was smooth from aftershave, his lips warm and soft. It was a soft, sweet kiss and she moved away before it became something more.

“I’ll call you,” he said as she opened the door.

“I’ve heard that before,” she quipped.

The bitter wind cut right through her dress, and she shivered. She hurried up the walk and into the building, sparing a glance back to see him watching her from the car. After unlocking her door, she flashed the lights and watched his car pull away from the curb.

Tonight went better than she’d thought. She enjoyed Blane’s company. A lot. They had an electricity between them that wasn’t something you came across every day. When he’d asked her to stay, she’d been tempted more than she thought she would be. Something told her he’d be amazing in bed.

She had just reached the landing that led up to the last flight of stairs when a man stepped out of the shadows. Anne jumped back, startled. Then she recognized him as the man Blane had introduced her to tonight—Alan Smithson.

“Can I help you?” Her tone was frosty. She didn’t like being ambushed.

“I have something you might want,” he said cryptically. He held out a thick manila envelope.

“What is this?” She gingerly took the package from him.

“I thought you might want to know who really killed your adopted brother. Especially when it concerns the man you spent your evening with.”

Anne’s eyes widened.

Was this the break she’d been looking for? She’d spent the past year talking to and begging and pestering and generally putting out any feelers or favors she had to find out what had really happened to Matt, who’d been murdered in what the police had termed a “mugging gone bad.” Except nothing had been taken. Not even his Rolex.

Matt was seven years older than her and had been recruited by the Department of Justice straight out of Yale. He couldn’t talk about his work but had mentioned a promotion. She’d seen him last at a family dinner. Then…nothing, except the police on her parents’ doorstep.

Smithson didn’t say anything more, just put on a hat and moved past her down the stairs. In a moment, she heard the building’s front door open and close. She hurried up to her apartment with the envelope.

Stepping out of her shoes, Anne sank down on the couch, rubbing her toes. The shoes were gorgeous but hellishly uncomfortable. With some trepidation, she reached for the envelope she’d left on the coffee table.

Should she tell Blane what happened with Alan? She trusted Blane, despite what Alan had said. It was ridiculous that he’d had anything to do with Matt’s murder. Blane would know what to do—

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