Page 43 of Cops and Robbers

“I’m surprised you recognize it.” She rocked back and forth from heel to toe. “I didn’t expect to grow as big as I did.”

“Really?”

“I just wanted to do a couple of insider jobs, but Bonnie suggested I create an image. To gain more notoriety. After the creator of RNA Boutique saw that I used her lipstick, she jumped on the opportunity. I still think Bonnie set that up. It’s her favorite shade.”

The sadness in her voice crept across his skin, igniting his protective side. “Who is Bonnie to you?”

“She’s my Coheart…a Fallen’s butler in a way. When I reincarnate, she and Clyde protect me until my memories return at puberty. They keep my affairs in order…that sort of thing.” She scuffed her shoe against the elevator bottom. “And she’s done things for me that no one should have to do. Now she drinks to bury those burdens.”

He placed his finger under her chin and lifted until she met his gaze. “You know you can trust me, right? Tell me anything.”

The elevator dinged their arrival, and the door slid open.

“Not this.” She stepped away from him. “You already rejected me once.”

Her words pierced his armor, and her walking down the hall twisted his heart into a lump. Cursing, he exited the elevator.

Midnight’s dark hood flashed through his mind. Could it be Bonnie?

Considering Bonnie’s state of being the last time he saw her, he couldn’t picture it, but Midnight was someone Kate knew; he was sure of it. And if Kate was protecting Midnight’s identity, there had to be a reason.

The thought that she didn’t trust him with the information stabbed at him, especially after the conversation in the car, but he was also holding her at arm’s length when it came to his team. Shaking the image from his mind, he strode to their room.

The keycard shook slightly as he unlocked the door. Walking into the earth-toned king room, he held the door open for her. She stepped in behind him, gazing around at their new accommodations. Raz emptied his pockets onto the dresser near the television.

“You trust me not to steal that?” she asked with a scoff.

Her spine had gone straight, arms crossing her chest as if she had already finished their conversation. Confidence covered her like a perfectly wrapped chocolate bar. Candy wasn’t nearly as intimidating, though.

“I’m going to try not to piss you off this time,” he said. “Or hurt you. So, no. I don’t believe you’re going to steal it.”

She snorted a laugh. “It’s all good. I’m a big girl. I was an itch you needed to scratch, but you don’t want a criminal. I’ll take a shower and be out of your hair.”

“Stop putting words in my mouth and let me speak.”

She paused midturn to the bathroom.

“I never meant to make you feel rejected or hurt,” he said. “I left…I left because I want you. Too much. And I don’t want to scare you away.”

Her head tilted, eyes narrowing. “Why do you think you’d scare me?”

“I need you in a deeper way than just sex. And if I take that step with you, we might not be able to step back.”

She stilled, a thief waiting in the shadows. “What do you mean?”

How am I supposed to explain this? “We’re soulmates.” Yeah. Nice work, slick.

“Excuse me?”

He ran his fingers through his hair. “That came out weird. It’s new to the Fallen and dragons. Our soul was ripped in two when you…we? Fell?”

She blinked at him.

He groaned. You’re making it worse. “That’s beside the point. My dragon wants to Mark you. Link our spirit energy together.”

“Okay.” Her expression twisted with confusion and curiosity. “Can’t say I’ve heard that before. And I’ll admit it sounds…daunting, especially given our current working arrangement.”

“It’s just you and me here. Nothing else.”