A Little Harmless Submission 6

by Melissa Schroeder

  “What are you doing here?” he asked as he set her back on her feet.

  “Gave a friend a ride. He had an appointment here, so I thought I would stop by and say hey.”

  “You’re looking good.” And it was true. She had been his longest relationship since moving to Hawaii, a little over three months. She had wanted more and he hadn’t, but they had parted on good terms.

  “Thank you, as are you.” She stood back and looked at him. “I’ve been hearing rumors from my friends.”

  “And what would those rumors be?”

  She gave him one of her cheeky grins. He had always felt a stirring of heat when he saw them but now, nothing.

  “There was a lot of chatter last night at the club that you’d met a new woman and that you were very infatuated. I was hoping to meet her, make sure she’s up to my standards.”

  He couldn’t stop the smile that curled his lips or the little spike in his heartbeat at the thought of Maria. Especially the way he’d left her that morning. She’d been so sweet, cuddled in his bed. He had wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed with her and snuggle the day away.

  “Ah, so they were right. I heard she’s from the mainland.”

  “Yeah, here for a few weeks on vacation.”

  “I went by the club to see you last night. Was sort of surprised you weren’t there with this new mystery woman.”

  “We decided to stay in.”

  She studied him for a moment and then her smile widened. “It looks good on you.”

  “Looks good on me? What are you talking about? Have you been smoking any of the White Sage? I knew that stuff was pot.”

  She laughed. “No it isn’t, and you know it. You know I use it to cleanse an area before I give Reiki. Being infatuated, maybe a little in love. It suits you.”

  He scoffed, trying desperately to fight the worry that had been in his head all day. If he didn’t admit it to himself, maybe he could keep himself from falling in love. “I just met the woman.”

  “You were always a ‘settle down’ kind of guy, but I figured that you couldn’t until you found the right one.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Listen, I don’t need any of your ‘woo woo’ stuff today. I got a nasty case that is getting worse by the day.”

  She sobered at the mention of the killings. “Everyone is pretty spooked out there.”

  “You need to be careful. Even being at the club isn’t safe. Don’t go off—“

  “Oh, God, you sound like my brother. We have already moved on if you are talking to me like that.”

  “I’m worried about you.”

  “I’m fine. I’m settled.”

  Something in the way she said it caught his attention. “You’ve met someone.”

  When she smiled, it was bright, and it was full of newfound love. “Yes. I have.”

  He was happy for her, but there was a little niggle of doubt in the back of his mind. “This guy, did you meet him at Rough ‘n Ready?”

  She shook her head. “No. I’m not ready for you to meet him, but I promise he’s trustworthy.”

  Something in his gut was bothering him. Something that he knew without a doubt wasn’t jealousy. “Just because he’s a cop doesn’t mean he’s trustworthy in the dating department.”

  “Oh, now you really do sound like my brother. Worse, you sound like my father. You know I’m a good judge of character. I dated you for a while.”

  “That’s not proof.”

  She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “You were always too hard on yourself. When are you going to accept that you’re one of the good guys?”

  He shook his head and opened his mouth to try to gain a name from her, but she stopped him by pressing her fingers against his mouth.

  “Stop. I’ll give you a call as soon as I’m ready.”

  She gave him another kiss on the cheek and then slipped out of the conference room. He stood there for a while, fighting the need to follow her. There was something off about this, something that stuck in his gut. He was about to do that when his cell rang. He recognized Maria’s number immediately.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey, I got the info on the other women. Every one of them had some kind of altercation with police in the six months leading up to their murders.”

  Irritated, he bit back a curse. “I can’t believe they didn’t figure that out before now. I can’t believe I missed it.”

  “Not easy to find. Not all of them ended up in the permanent files, and not all of them had the dealings in their own city. None of them were arrested for anything, though. Nothing that would raise a red flag.”

  “But something should have told us.”

  “Yeah, because the FBI and the HPD are both perfect and never make mistakes.” He could hear the laughter in her voice.

  “I thought you’d be pissed.”

  “I am. I should have caught it. I was looking at the big picture, so it was easier than say, well, you. Your main objective is to catch the guy killing your residents. “

  “So what’s the plan now?” he asked as he saw his chief walk by and motion for him to come to a meeting.

  “We need to go back to the club. Hiding in your house isn’t going to cut it.”

  Rome knew that. The best way to get the killer’s attention would be to attend the club nightly. It was asinine, but he didn’t want another man looking at her. It wasn’t as if he had some kind of claim to her, but taking her to the club just didn’t sit well with him. He could lie to other people and say it was the danger of the situation, but deep in his gut, though, he knew it wasn’t true.

  “Rome?”

  Her voice brought him back to earth, out of his musings. “Okay. We’ll go tonight. I gotta go to a meeting and then I’ll be able to break away.”

  After hanging up with her, he headed off to the department meeting, his mind still on the night ahead. His cop instincts knew Maria’s plan would work, and soon. Their guy knew a lot about them, about every case. He would know Rome was investigating and that he was involved with a sub. More than likely, he was casing Rough ‘n Ready looking for his next woman. With Maria in the crosshairs, there was a good chance he would zero in on her.

  Rome just hoped he didn’t lose his sanity or his focus on the case. He didn’t want another mistake like before. Of course, having an agent as good as Maria would definitely keep things squeaky clean. The investigation would probably not be a problem.

  His heart, now that could be a major problem. Amy was right. They all were. He was falling for Maria, and hard. He knew it was more than her looks. She was perfect for him in that department, but there was something else, that elusive vulnerability he saw last night…it made him want to risk loving again. He doubted she showed many people that side of her. The fact that she did so for him made him feel special.

  Jesus, he had to get a grip on his emotions. Or he would be talking to Evan and Micah like they were on an episode of Dr. Phil.

  “Carino, get your ass in here,” the captain yelled.

  All worries about Maria and what would actually come of their relationship faded to the background as he hurried into the captain’s office.

  · · · · ·

  Three nights later, they were at the club again, and Rome was getting antsy. The case was getting under his skin. There hadn’t been a peep out of their guy in days. Worse, he was really having a hard time being at the club every night with Maria.

  She did nothing more than accompany him to the club. She did not flirt and behaved like the perfect sub. Rome, though, was ready to beat the living hell out of anyone who looked their way. He couldn’t help the need to touch Maria. He wanted everyone to know who she belonged to. In all his years as a Dom, he had never been so territorial. The double-edged sword was that every time he touched Marie, his frustration rose. Just being this close had his libido running hard.

  “Do you want anything to drink?” Maria asked. She had to lean closer, her body rubbing up against his. Her scent captured h
im, as did the heat of her body. Just thinking that reminded him of the way it felt to slide into that tight little pussy of hers. Nothing had ever felt so right as when he was inside of her.

  “Rome?”

  He drew himself back from the edge.

  “I’ll take a soda.”

  She gave him a look, but there was no way either of them would drink. Even after going over all the information they had, there didn’t seem to be any interest from anyone. Not over the top, like someone who might be killing girls would. The sexual tension mixed in with the tension of the case had him ready to scream. Hell, they’d made love before coming out, and he wanted her again.

  “Maybe he’s laying low, someone who stalks but doesn’t talk to you.”

  He nodded as he scanned the floor again. It was crowded, even for a Friday night.

  “You’re looking too much like a cop.”

  He frowned at her. “I am a cop.”

  She sighed and tugged on his collar until he leaned down. “You’re supposed to be on a date with a woman you can’t keep your hands off of.”

  She smiled when she said it, and he knew she was trying to lighten the mood. Especially his. He’d had a bad day at work with his normal work, then dealing with this case. It was starting to give him an ulcer.

  “I just don’t know what to do,” he said, his tone filled with aggravation.

  “How about have your drink and wait? It’s all we can do. Other than look into backgrounds.”

  His phone rang, and when he pulled it out, he saw the dispatch number. He knew it wasn’t good.

  “Yeah, Carino here.”

  “We have a woman, dead over in Hawaii Kai.”

  “Okay, I’m on my way.”

  He turned it off and slipped the phone back in its holder. She was looking at him expectantly. “They found a girl. Not sure if it’s one of the killer’s.”

  Maria nodded, and when she didn’t move, he leaned down, caging her in by placing a hand on either side of her on the bar. “You can come.”

  She shook her head, regret filling her eyes. Knowing the kind of investigator she was, he knew it was probably killing her not to go. “If it is linked, it would be odd if you brought your...friend.”

  He sighed, knowing she was right. And she was safe enough at the club. That he knew. But there was something that told him not to leave her alone. He glanced around the room, but there wasn’t anyone really watching them. They’d garnered a lot of attention when they’d returned, mainly because she was half naked, but he knew that it was normal.

  “It might give us an opening.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  “Yeah, I get that. Go to work, Carino.”

  He chuckled as he leaned in and gave her a kiss. She wasn’t expecting it, and why should she? They had shown some affection in public, but this seemed more normal, as if he were her boyfriend leaving her behind for the job. It was a simple kiss, barely a brush of his mouth over hers. But the warmth of her breath against his flesh sent a wave of heat sparking through his blood. Her bemused expression made him feel a little bit better about leaving her behind.

  “You got the key to my place?”

  “Yes,” she said with just a little bit of sarcasm. And why not? He was acting like an idiot.

  “I’ll call.”

  She nodded, and he turned to walk away. As he made his way through the club, he could feel the stares, knew that some of the men would move in on her. He told himself she could take care of herself.

  “Hey, what’s up?’ Micah asked him at the door.

  “Gotta call.”

  “Someone we know?”

  He shook his head. “Not sure. But they find a single woman, possible rape and murder, they know to call me now. I told Maria I’d call as soon as I knew.” He looked back to see her talking with Dee, both of them perfectly safe.

  “I’ll keep an eye out for your lady.”

  He glanced at Micah. “Thanks. And she’ll need a ride home if I can’t get away.”

  Micah nodded. “It might give her a chance to get chatted up with you gone. You tend to give off the ‘pit bull guarding the henhouse’ feeling around her.”

  He sighed. “Just make sure she’s safe.”

  He glanced one more time at her. She smiled at him and waved, giving the idea that she was just a tourist there for fun for anyone watching. Then he turned and left, his mind on the work ahead, but his worries on the woman he had just left behind.

  · · · · ·

  “Anyone sitting here,” a deep, Australian accented voice said from beside her. She turned and at first couldn’t think.

  A tall, blond god stood beside her. His skin was dark, as if he spent a lot of time out in the sun. He had one of those strong jaws, and from what she could see, a body that would make a nun want to sin. His icy blue eyes were oddly mesmerizing. Good lord, what did they do? Go out and find every hot nationality there was in the world and bring one guy into Rough ‘n Ready from each continent?

  “Miss?”

  She shook her head. “Sorry. Not used to the time change even after close to a week. Seat’s free.”

  He nodded and slipped onto the stool.

  “Drinking water?”

  She nodded.

  “Planning on a little play?”

  She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “No, since my date is gone.”

  “Doesn’t mean you can’t have a little bit of fun before he returns.”

  She couldn’t believe his audacity, but when she turned to face him, she couldn’t help but return the smile he offered her. He was gorgeous, that’s for sure, and definitely dangerous. But he had one of those little boy smiles that told you he got just what he wanted from women.

  “I have a feeling Rome wouldn’t be too happy.”

  “Hmm.”

  “Hey, Eli, back on the island for a bit?” Dee asked.

  He smiled at her. “Yeah. Just the weekend.”

  “You flew all the way here from Australia for the weekend?” Maria asked.

  He laughed. “No, love. I live on the Big Island.”

  She nodded and took a sip of water.

  “I’ll take a soda, Dee.” His eyes twinkled as he settled his elbows on the bar. “You’re looking especially fine this evening.”

  Dee laughed and shook her head. “I thought you learned last time not to flirt with me.”

  “No one will ever tell me that flirting with a woman is dangerous.”

  “Maria, meet Elias St John.”

  “Nice to meet you, Maria. Did you just move here?”

  She shook her head. “Just visiting.”

  Dee gave St John his change. “Thanks, love. Have you seen Isabella? I was supposed to meet up with her tonight.”

  Dee frowned. “Bella Sullivan?”

  He nodded.

  “No, sorry.”

  She moved down the bar to a new customer.

  “So, we’re both drinking non-alcoholic beverages and are free for the evening.”

  She laughed. “First of all, Rome got called to work, so I’m not really free for the evening. You were chatting me up before you even knew your date had left you out to dry.”

  A flash of something she couldn’t discern brightened his eyes before he tamped down on it. It had been hot and lethal. She knew without a doubt this was a man you didn’t mess with. He might let everyone think he was just a laid back kind of guy, but he wasn’t. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that this man could be deadly when he wanted to be.

  “It’s odd, that.”

  “That she stood you up?” she asked lightly. He nodded. “Happens all the time.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. People turned and looked at them.

  “Sorry, that was a right good joke. Yes, it happens to other people, not me.”

  “Let me guess? No one ever calls you modest?”

  “Nope. But then, I don’t see a reason to.”

  His gaze stuck on someone behind her.
She turned around and noticed a tall brunette watching them. He refocused on Maria. “So I take it the answer is still no?”

  She nodded.

  “Well, I’m off for the hunt.”

  The way he said it sent a chill of ice slicing through her blood. She fought the shiver that sliced through her at the words. With considerable effort, she summoned up a smile.

  “Have fun.”

  He offered her that boyish grin. “I always do, love.”

  He sauntered off, his gaze on the rather tall woman with the long, dark hair.

  “He’s not in here that much. He runs a ranch on the Big Island.”

  She glanced at Dee and nodded. “There was just something there that bothered me.”

  “What?”

  She shrugged. “Not sure. I’ll check him out, though. Shouldn’t be too hard to find stuff on him.”

  “As I live and breathe, Maria Callahan in Rough ‘n Ready.”

  She turned toward the deep, southern voice and swallowed. Her old lover, Malachai Dupree, stood inches behind her, a big smile on his face.

  Well, crap. Now she really was in trouble.

  Chapter Twelve

  By the time Rome made it to the scene, something prickled at the base of Rome’s spine. There was something wrong. As he made his way up the walkway to the house, he realized it was early in the evening. None of the other killings happened this early. It was usually the dead of night that they found the victim. This was a residence in a pretty decent part of Honolulu. That fact alone had his gut churning.

  When he walked up to the crime scene, he was greeted by a patrol officer. Rome showed his badge.

  “Detective Carino.”

  The young officer nodded. “She was found by her mother.”

  He glanced over at a sobbing woman. A female officer was talking to her. Rome had a really strong gut feeling this wasn’t The Dom. It felt wrong, very wrong. Just the fact that the woman had been found in her home should have been the biggest clue. Their killer liked to dump them in the worst parts of town to humiliate them. The moment he walked in, he realized he’d been right. The living room was filled with blood. It was splattered over the walls. The smell of it tinged the air.