Into The Spirit

by Marie Harte

  “We dressed up in suits and ties and went…”

  “Wait,” Eve interrupted him. “That can’t be right. How could the police miss an important fact like each of these girls had cars and they too were missing?”

  He frowned at her question. “Some of the cars were never registered, a few were stolen and the others… Well let’s just say that’s still being looked in to.”

  She gasped lightly, “You mean a cop might have…”

  “It’s still being looked in too.” He ended the discussion. “Do you want to listen to the rest?”

  She snapped her mouth shut and nodded silently.

  “Like I said Miles and I got dressed and went up to random girls and told them we couldn’t do anything at the time but would like to call them later and meet up. Every girl gave us her cell number. When we’d called them later that day and suggested a place to meet, everyone with a car had shown up. That was when we met Amy. As it turned out the last john that had asked her to meet him at a later time, jumped in a waiting car and taken off when she’d shown. When I asked why, she’d thought it was because her pimp had driven her to the meeting point. That was when we’d realised we were right about the isolated meeting point and learnt there were now two targets to hunt. This made sense, because in every case no body or car was found.”

  “One to drive the first car and one to drive her car,” Eve pointed out as she began toying with the handle of the knife.

  Alex casually slid the knife away from her and stood, crossing to her dresser. “Yes.” He put the knife down and walked back to the bed. “We focused on the cars again. We scanned the net for several makes and models of cars we knew were missing and got several hits from a couple of dealers. We ended up searching the entire list and most of the cars were at one of two dealerships. After that Miles and I each went to a dealership and had found the cars on their lots. All VIN numbers were different, but the make and models were identical.”

  He sat down on the bed again. “Are you convinced yet?”

  “It’s too soon to tell, keep going.”

  He scowled when he heard the interest in her voice.

  “We called in a trace for both owners of the dealerships. As it turned out they were both from the same small town in Serbia and both had fought in Bosnia during the early nineties. And both of them placed a number of calls to a wrecking yard midway between their dealerships. We traced the owner of the wrecking yard and he was also Serbian and fought alongside his two partners. Everything fell into place after that.”

  Eve had a horrified look on her face. “They hunted down girls, killed them and then sold their cars. How does the wrecker fit in?”

  “He chopped up the cars they couldn’t sell, for parts and disposed of the bodies. Initially, we didn’t find any remains, only the tongue studs and DVDs with each of the girls mur—”

  Eve cut him off shaking her head. “I don’t want to know anymore. I believe you.” She stood and moved around him in a wide circle.

  “I told you it wasn’t nice,” he said following her to the bathroom.

  “I know,” she answered quietly. “The other two? What happened to them?”

  He didn’t answer her, he didn’t have to. “You killed them,” she stated, her back still towards him.

  Before she could enter the bathroom, Alex grabbed her by the waist and turned her to face him. “You okay?” he asked, slowly pulling her closer.

  “I…I think so.” Her thin brows puckered together. “I’m feeling a little confused.”

  “Why?” He shifted her back from the door. She didn’t seem to notice.

  “The thought of people out there like that scares the shit out of me. Now, I know about you and your unit, and how you protect us from evil people like that. I think that scares me more than the murderers, because you are better than they are, yet I’m glad you’re out there protecting us.” She looked at him as he continued to lead her away from the bathroom. “See…confused.”

  Stopping next to the bed Alex pointed out, “You’re not scared of me now.”

  Eve glanced around. “Wait…how did you do that?”

  He held tight when she tried to pull away. “You’re not scared of me now, or you would still be on the bed.”

  “Yah and you would still be insulting me.” She crossed her arms in a huff.

  “I’m not sorry about that. I needed you to lose the baking weapons. I didn’t come here to get beaten into a pie,” he teased.

  “Why did you come?” She threw her arms in the air.

  He felt like laughing at her dramatic gesture but didn’t. He slid his gaze over her face. Enjoyed the way her cheeks turned pink like her lips. He then focused on the green flecks in her eyes. “I told you I would come knocking on your door if you were to break the law and you did.”

  Her eyes grew wide when she remembered their conversation. “But I didn’t…”

  “Yes you did. When you left Memorial.” He pulled her closer and slid his hand through her curls to the back of her head. “You should know better than to run out into traffic, that white hatchback almost turned you into road kill.”

  Eve gasped, “You saw that?” He smirked at her. “But I…that shouldn’t count…”

  “It counts.” He looked at her lips and as though she knew he needed to see it, she ran her tongue along the seam.

  “But you didn’t knock.” She pushed lightly against his chest, a pathetic last attempt to save herself. He lowered his mouth brushing his lips against hers feeling the tingle that only she caused. “This is me knocking.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Eve inhaled as Alex pressed his lips to hers. It was wonderful, this nervousness he caused. It had been so long since the last time a man had kissed her. Then again, the last time—she could even remember. Alex was a truly gifted kisser, he made her lips tingle the way he caressed them with his own. Her legs began to shake. He slid a hand down to her lower back and pulled her so close their bodies were touching. She felt her breasts press against his chest as he bent over her, the muscles of his shoulders hard under her fingers. His new body was taller and easily overshadowed her.

  I like my women tall and blonde. She unexpectedly felt small and inferior. Well she wasn’t tall or blonde and had no desire to be. She pushed against his shoulders until he pulled away. His eyes opened as he licked at his lips.

  He frowned at her sharp intake of air. “There was no way I was that bad.” He gave her a wicked smile.

  “Your eyes…” She couldn’t finish. Alex’s features were taking over Cade’s. How was that possible?

  “What about them?” He straightened.

  Eve blinked up at him still stunned by what she saw. She swallowed. “They’re…blue.”

  “Yes, and…?”

  “They’re glowing.” She realised, quite suddenly, that Alex wasn’t angry or irritated in anyway. So why were they glowing?

  “And that bothers you?”

  She pulled away, separating herself from his warmth. “A man with glowing blue eyes really isn’t that appealing to me.” She couldn’t help but give him the dig.

  He raised a golden eyebrow. “Really. That’s good to know. What do you find appealing?”

  “Why do you care? I’m not your type, remember.”

  “I remember.” He studied her briefly. First her body, then her face. It was odd, it seemed like he was reading her body. “Just because you aren’t the normal type of woman I’m attracted to, doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to you.”

  As he fixed his intense eyes on her, she began to feel small again. She snorted and stepped back. “I think the merge has scrambled your noodle.” She skirted around him and into the bathroom. “I’m not blonde.” She grabbed the door and began to swing it shut. “And even though I’m not as tall as you would like, I’m certain I would be able to wrap my legs around you. Not that it will happen now. I’m having a shower.” She closed the door but not before catching the blue flicker in Alex’s eyes.

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nbsp; Alex sat on the edge of the bed staring at the door to Eve’s bathroom for five minutes. He had listened to the water run, had imagined Eve’s naked body wet and soapy. He had stopped himself from following her for five goddamn minutes.

  Fuck! He scrubbed at his face. What was he doing? He shouldn’t be wasting his time here. He needed to find out where Miles was, he needed to get into his main apartment and pick up his rifle and a few other supplies, and he needed to make sure Jillian was okay. What he needed wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted Eve. He wanted to join her in that shower, watch the soapy water slide over her body.

  He sat forward, rested his elbows on his knees and tried to block the image. It didn’t work. He stood and moved to the bathroom door. Would she be pissed if he joined her without asking? Probably. Would she kick him out? Maybe. The most important question was—would he leave if she asked him to?

  No. He knew he wouldn’t. He would stay and use his mouth and body to convince her otherwise.

  Leaning into the door he braced his hands on the frame listening to the water. His decision was made when he heard her sigh. He swore as he pulled his shirt over his head and kicked off his boots.

  The warm water was doing a good job of easing her stiff neck. She’d had no idea she was so tense until she was covered by the warm spray. She did know that Alex was the cause. It was either the kiss that caused it, the insults, or the fact his new body…Cade’s body was just that little bit taller—she had to look up at him when he stood so close to her.

  Their whole conversation had been confusing. He’d said he wanted her but she wasn’t his type. It was like he didn’t want to be attracted to her. Well, she didn’t want to be attracted to him. He was a dangerous man—his life could easily destroy hers. Closing her eyes she let the water work its magic until the memory of Alex’s kiss had her wondering if he was still in her room. She opened her eyes and jumped when she saw him standing in front of her. Standing naked in front of her. How had he got in…she hadn’t even heard him enter…

  “I was just wondering why you were frowning.” He smoothed the skin between her eyes with the back of his finger.

  Her entire body burned from embarrassment. She opened her mouth to tell him to get out but answered him instead, “It seems like you don’t want to be attracted to me.”

  He studied her then shook his head. “I don’t want to be attracted to you. You have Noelle. I don’t date women with families. But this attraction to you is different. It’s stronger than anything I’ve ever felt, and nothing seems to override it.”

  She lowered her eyes. “You should probably leave.”

  “Do you want me to leave?” He raised her chin so she was staring into his face. Alex’s face. She could see his features—the scar running through his left brow, his bright blue eyes, even Cade’s blond hair seemed to darken to Alex’s black. She blinked up at him amazed, while he stared back waiting to hear her answer.

  “No, I don’t want you to leave.” Her faced burnt with the admission, but not as hot as her body when he proceeded to push her back and take his time looking at her. She had never stood in front of a man like this, allowing him to look at her when she felt vulnerable. Of course, the other men she had been with weren’t the same type of man as Alex. The others would ask, he would take. Her body tightened in anticipation of Alex taking.

  When she couldn’t stand another minute of his gaze she inched closer and caught his attention. “What I do want is for you to fuck my brains out. I think I would really like that.”

  He gave her a wicked grin as he traced her waist and hips then roughly pulled her forward covering her mouth with his.

  Alex warmed her front as the water warmed her back. His heat seeped into every pore and surrounded every nerve and she thoroughly enjoyed it. His mouth was soft, yet demanding, wanting her to give as much as he was. He moved his hands, one to the back of her head, the other to her behind. He tugged her forward, sealing their bodies together. Her breasts flattened against his chest, the coarse hair tickling her already stiff nipples. Eve couldn’t stop the moan that escaped when his hard cock rubbed against her belly. Shit, this felt so good, so natural. She couldn’t remember why she was nervous of him to begin with.

  As he held her pinned against his body, she licked at the seam of his lips. His response was to inhale and swear under his breath. She opened her eyes and met his glowing gaze.

  Eve couldn’t help but smile when his nostrils flared and he pulled at her hair tilting her head back. His mouth roughly covered hers and she opened her mouth, eager for his tongue to enter.

  Never had he been so turned on by the slightest of touches. It took all his control not to swing Eve around, pin her against the wall, and slam into her wet body. That might still happen, if they didn’t slow down.

  He savoured the rich taste of her mouth, enjoyed how she slid her tongue seductively against his. He honestly hadn’t expected Eve’s response to him to be so…agreeable. Especially, since she thought he had come to kill her and Noelle. He wished he knew where she came up with that ridiculous idea.

  Not wanting to break their kiss, he continued to hold the back of her head as he ran his other hand over wet skin, exploring her lush body. She moaned as he moulded her rounded behind. He ran his hand up her back. God, her skin was smooth. She felt as good as she looked, all soft and curvy. Her large breasts were tipped with rosy hard nipples and the flare to her hips and small waist gave her a seductive shape. He cupped a creamy mound, squeezing the fullness, taking pleasure in the size. She drew in a shaky breath when he circled her nipple with his thumb.

  Separating himself from her mouth, Alex kissed his way to the tender skin under her ear and tasted. Goosebumps appeared on her skin from the slight touch. He moved to another spot on her neck and kissed her again. This time he felt her body quiver. He repeated the kiss and stroked her skin with his tongue. Eve turned her face to his. Her wet lips brushed over his, causing his mouth to open and she slipped her tongue inside tangling with his. The kiss was tender and enticing, yet intensely passionate, by the time he pulled away, Alex was out of breath and struggling to stand.

  His heart pounded and his cock stiffened. Damn, she was hot, with her swollen mouth and heavy eyes. She was as turned on as he was. “We need a bed.”

  She smirked up at him, stroking his chest. “We do?”

  Alex’s laugh was deep and very sexy. He reached behind her and turned off the water. Pulling her from the shower, he handed her a large towel and grabbed one for himself. She barely had time to dry herself before he was dragging her out into the bedroom and towards the bed. She stood with her back to the bed as Alex began to crowd her. His eyes were dark and his face intense, he looked like a wild cat hunting his prey. It both excited and frightened her. She slipped onto the bed and scooted back. He grabbed her hips and pulled her forward. “Where are you going?” He moved between her legs.

  Eve leant back onto her elbows. “On the bed.”

  He pinned her to the spot with his eyes. “You looked nervous all of a sudden.”

  “I did?” It was kind of a lie, but she was excited too.

  He bent over her, forcing her to lay back on the bed, her body now open and stretched out before him. “But you’re not now, are you?” It was a cross between an order and a plea. Of course, neither was necessary. She didn’t want to stop anymore than he did.

  She curled her hands around his neck and pulled him down. “No,” she breathed against his lips just before she slid her tongue into his mouth and tasted the sweet heat. He stopped before too long and trailed his lips across her cheek to her neck again and she shivered when he ran his tongue along her pulse. As he moved his hand to her breast, his mouth followed, the wet trail, causing her to tremble. Lifting his head, he very gently caressed her breasts. The touch was so painfully tender, that it caused a heavenly pressure in her chest. “Beautiful.” He lowered his head tormented the hard nipple with his breath. She inhaled sharply. “I’m glad you found something abou
t me to like,” she teased lightly.

  Locking eyes with her, he cupped her now aching, breasts firmly in place. “I’ve found more than just these two beautiful creations.” Then, watching her expression, he took an oversensitive nipple into his mouth and swirled his tongue around the hard tip. The muscles in her stomach clenched, as a high like no other flew through her damp body.

  Closing her eyes she moaned, arching up against him. She ran her fingers through his short hair, trying to hold him in place. This was crazy, this feeling. She was swamped with such a ravenous need, just when he kissed her, God only knew what would happen when they finally made love? Her nipples tingled under his warm mouth. Her body burned hotter when he kissed and licked the rest of her breast, taking care not to miss a single spot before moving to lick and tease the other one.

  Eve felt her insides coil tighter and tighter each time his mouth touched her skin. She wanted more, she ached for more. As Alex lavished attention on her nipple, she felt his fingers trail down her stomach and slide between her legs, stroking her swollen core. She moaned again and pulled at him lifting her hips searching for his touch. Alex must have noticed her need because he didn't spend time teasing her, he simply slipped a finger deep. Her back arched automatically. “Better?” Her groan was husky as he kissed the smooth skin between her breasts.

  Pushing up onto his elbow Alex watched Eve. She arched her hips again as he palmed her slick lips, the same time as he slid his finger in and out of her tight opening. He scanned the length of her body, watching how she moved under his touch. My God, this woman was sexy, the way she moved, the way she kissed, the way she touched. He grew harder just watching her. “Alex,” She pleaded, pulling him down again and brushing her mouth against his. She petted his chest, grazed his stomach with the back of her hand, before gripping his cock. “Stop teasing me.” She ran her hand down the hard length. “I need you.”