“Yes, but it is also our job to protect humans.”
Logan shifted in the chair again. “I’m not sure protecting them from themselves is a rule.”
“You can protect Heaven your way as much as you want. When she is in this building, drugged, and a guy tries to kidnap her, I have to protect her.”
Logan nodded. “Who is going to protect her from you?”
“I am not the problem.”
Logan cocked his head to one side. “So you say.”
Relief filled Darius when someone knocked on the door. He’d been saved by the arrival of coffee. “Come.”
The door opened. “Here ya go, boss. Just the way you like it.”
He rose as the waiter set the coffee, mugs, and pastries on the desk. “How are the kids?”
“Growing like weeds in a cow pasture.”
Darius wasn’t sure what that meant. He removed a twenty from his pocket and gave it to the man. “Thanks.”
Slipping the bill into his pants, the waiter nodded and closed the door behind him.
Darius poured the coffee and offered Logan a cup.
“Thanks.” Logan lifted the mug to his lips and sipped. “Are you assigning me another human?”
Darius had to be careful. He couldn’t insult Logan, although he didn’t want him prying into the relationship between him and Heaven. “Do you want to be assigned to someone else?”
Logan drained the cup and set it on the desk. “I’m not sure. I don’t feel comfortable observing you and her.”
Darius understood what Logan said. He should report Darius for wanting to screw Heaven. If Logan wanted to fuck a human that Darius was assigned to, he’d feel the same way. “Then why don’t you go to Heaven’s Gate and rest.”
“You will watch her for me?”
“Yes, she is part of my job, because she works at the casino. This way you don’t have to feel guilty.”
Logan rose. “Fine, cousin, I’ll go to Heaven’s Gate. Take care of not only her but yourself as well.”
****
At dawn the next morning, Heaven raced her bike down the chilly streets on her way to the casino.
After tipping her hand yesterday, she needed to move up her timetable to get the evidence against the boss. She couldn’t wait any longer for him to trip up. If Darius examined her every move, shortly, he’d find out what she was really doing.
She needed to sneak into the boss’s office without security noticing. Easy peasy.
The boss never came to the casino this early, although if he caught her, he would order a hit on her. He’d show her the same mercy he’d showed her older brother.
As she walked through the casino, she reflected on Andy. Always the screw-up. She adored him anyway. He’d been there for her, threatening the kids who picked on her at school. Their bond was indestructible. When Andy got mixed up with drugs, things changed. He never came near the family again. Then he died.
Heaven felt responsible for his death. She’d brokered the deal with the DA for her brother to work undercover. She needed to prove he wasn’t the screw-up the family thought. She would stick up for him by clearing his name.
She hurried toward the private elevator, gazed around, and stepped in. Maybe the security guards wouldn’t observe her on the way to the boss’s office. Even if they did, she would be in before Darius came in for the day. If he got a report on her, she’d handle it when he confronted her.
Tucking her helmet under her arm, she cracked open the door. The empty room invited her in. She hurried inside and closed the door behind her. The boss would never allow cameras in his office. Heaven was sure she could slip in and leave without Darius observing her.
She placed the helmet on the desk and started to open the drawers. They were filled with candy wrappers. She took a pen from the desk and poked around the wrappers. There was nothing to incriminate him.
The bottom left drawer was locked. She slipped out her lock-picking kit. Before she could open the drawer, the door opened.
The boss stopped in the doorway. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Heaven’s heart pounded in her chest. She should have gotten a bottle of scotch from the bar for a cover story. Too late to second-guess her actions, she mumbled, “I—need a new computer. I thought I’d get the type you use.”
He stepped into the office. “What are you snooping for?”
She took a calming breath. “I wanted the brand of your laptop.” She slowly reached for the helmet. “You have the best. I want the best.”
He sneered as his fingers hooked into his belt. “What are you willing to do to get the best?”
She’d never backed down from an asshole before, and she wouldn’t now. “Excuse me?”
“If you’re any good at making me happy, I could buy you a computer.” His eyes lit up. “I could make sure you’re in the girlie show, too.”
Rage took hold of her. She threw her helmet at him. “You prick.”
He ducked as it whizzed past his head. “Bitch. You’re going to pay for this.”
Heaven crossed the room and grabbed him by the suit lapel. “I’m going to make you pay for this.”
Two men appeared from behind the boss and captured each of her arms.
“Throw the crazy bitch outta here,” screamed the boss.
She kicked out, but she couldn’t reach him.
She sensed Darius before she saw him behind the other men. “Take her to my office.” His low, commanding voice sent dread through her.
The two men led her out of the office and down the hall toward the elevator. When the doors opened, they indicated she enter first and followed her inside. Before the doors closed, Darius joined them. He faced the doors of the elevator. No one spoke.
Fear squeezed the air from her lungs. In a few minutes, Darius would interrogate her. She’d need a great explanation for her actions.
A few floors below, the doors opened. Darius stepped out. The men escorted her after him. Even in his five-hundred-dollar suit, she could see the outline of a tight ass and muscular thighs, and she licked her lips.
He opened the door to his luxurious office. The men ushered her inside and signaled for her to sit in the chair in front of the desk.
Darius stepped around the desk and sat down. He motioned to the men to let her go. “Go get her helmet.”
The door clicked behind them, leaving her alone with Darius. He scrutinized her like a hungry wolf, stalking game. Fear coursed through her veins. At any sign of weakness, he’d pounce. He was used to people crumpling at his silent treatment. Little did he know she’d been raised by the queen of silence. He wouldn’t shake her.
They sat quietly before he finally spoke. “What did you think you’d win by doing that?”
She glared at him, refusing to answer. She wanted the boss to confess, to admit he murdered her brother to save himself. She’d never confide in the man protecting him.
Anger darkened Darius’s eyes.
Despite the fear growing inside her, she still refused to answer.
“Throwing your helmet at him is assault.”
Heaven shrugged.
“Your tough act doesn’t impress me.” When his chin rested on his hands, he appeared even more reflective. “I’ve read your file.”
She wanted to pitch something at him, but with his compulsive tidiness, he had made sure there were no suitable weapons on the desk between them.
His eyes warmed to the color of desert rocks at twilight.
Damn, she wanted to hate this guy, not get lost in his eyes. “You can read.”
Darius frowned. “I can call the police and have them lay assault charges against you.”
Heaven could tell by his tone he wasn’t bluffing. He’d lay the charges if she didn’t back down. “He killed an innocent man, and you’re defending him.”
“I’m doing my job.”
Heaven crossed her arms.
His eyes darted to her breasts. Her nipples tightened, and she gulped. She
needed to hate him as much as she hated the boss, but every time she looked at him, she wanted to fuck him.
He leaned back in his chair. “Do you want to tell me what he did?”
She’d learned body language in the PI online course. She wouldn’t be fooled by his phony posturing. “I just did. He murdered an innocent man.”
Concern flashed in Darius’s eyes. “Can you prove it?”
“To you or the police?” Standing, she said, “You’re no better than he is.”
He pointed toward the chair. “Sit or I’ll lay the charges.”
His matter of fact tone made it clear she had no other choice. She slumped into the chair.
“You have proof? The man was innocent? The boss ordered him murdered?”
She lifted her chin. “I will.”
Darius moved forward and rested his elbows on the desk. “You’re on very dangerous ground.” He stated a fact, not threatening.
“Tell me something I don’t already know.”
“If you can’t prove it, he can sue you for libel.”
“And?”
“He’ll win.” Darius shook his head. “You won’t like what happens then.”
“Why are you pretending to care about me?”
His expression softened as he leaned back in the leather chair. “I’m not pretending.”
She wanted to believe him, to trust him, but his loyalty lay with the casino boss. Not her. “Bullshit.”
The corners of his lips curled up. Amusement flashed in his eyes. “Language.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. You’re the head of security for a casino.” She flipped her hand at him. “You’ve heard worse.”
He laughed as his eyebrow rose. “True.” He ran his hand over his chin. “Heaven, please.”
The way her name slowly rolled off his tongue sent quivers of pleasure through her. She imagined them naked on the couch that ran along the side of his office. Him whispering her name against her ear as he drove deeper inside her.
His wide shoulders and tight muscles in the formfitting suit made her pulse quicken. She involuntarily licked her lips. Usually, the GQ type didn’t appeal to her, but the dangerous undercurrent surrounding him drew her to him like a gambler drawn to the slots.
His phone rang. He raised a finger to his lips and answered.
“Fine.” A simple word, but when spoken by Darius, it contained such authority everyone understood.
Slipping his phone back into his jacket pocket, he said, “Let’s get to your problem.”
“You’re right it is my problem, not yours.”
His eyebrow rose again. “I have to get involved when you threaten him.”
“So, you enjoy being his faithful hound.”
When Darius’s eyes hardened, she realized she’d gone too far. But no way would she back down.
“We both know the real reason you’re here is to go after the boss?”
Damn, she’d fallen into the trap. “No.”
“You just said you were going to prove he killed or ordered an innocent man killed. What is your connection to this man?”
Refusing to tip her hand to him, she propped her elbows on the desk, giving him a great view of her cleavage. “No. I need the job. I told you I’m going to become a lawyer, and I’m going to put bad people behind bars for good.” She stared at the top of the desk between them. “I just let my emotions get the better of me.”
He rubbed his chin with his thumb. “How do I trust your emotions not to overpower your logic again?”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Hope I die if I lie.”
He sighed. “Believe it or not, I’m trying my best to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“He admitted it.” The way the lie rolled off her lips surprised her.
“He what?” His brows rose on his forehead. “That places you in danger.”
His marble exterior cracked, allowing her to penetrate that hard exterior and see into his soul. Maybe his concern about her was genuine after all.
“When I find the proof, I’ll make him admit it.” She thumped her fist on the desk. “Believe it.”
He didn’t move a muscle. He showed no sign of comprehending what she’d said, although she could tell he processed the information as his gaze locked on hers. “I do.”
A knock on the door startled her.
“Yes.” Darius’s tone was all business again.
The door opened. One of guards came into the office carrying her helmet.
Seeing her chance to escape, Heaven rose, grabbed the helmet, hurried past the guard, and dashed out the door.
“Leave her.” Darius’ bark followed her as she sped down the hall.
She needed to get away from the blond giant oozing raw sex appeal and keep away from him. Even though she wanted to taste his lips, to feel his strong arms around her, his heart beating against her chest. His thick, long dick throbbing against her clit and thrusting inside her. Her pussy tightening around him, squeezing until they both exploded in bliss.
Heaven hurried toward the elevator. She wanted to run, to get away as fast as she could, but she paced her steps. She wouldn’t let him or his boss intimidate her.
It was all Darius could do to stop himself from running after Heaven. He punched the button on his desktop. The wall opened, showing a bank of monitors. The elevator doors opened. Heaven sagged against the glass wall as the doors closed. Her breasts quivered under her soft, silk blouse.
His dick twitched. This woman aroused him in a way no other women did.
He had to keep his guard up. Her red-hot temper made her unpredictable—hard to handle and hard to control. He imagined that passion turning into steamy sex as they rolled on the desk.
The elevator opened on the ground floor. She zipped up her leather jacket, hurried out of the building, and walked around the parking area to get to her bike. She mounted her bike and roared down the street.
Realizing he stared at an empty screen, he turned away.
Most people backed down from him. He admired the way Heaven stood her ground. She was feisty as hell.
It was his job to protect his boss, the hotel, and all the people who worked here. His head said Heaven was a liability. His dick said she was delicious. Unfortunately, he wasn’t paid to think with his dick.
His cell rang. He yanked it out of his suit pocket. “Yeah?”
“Do you have a verdict?”
He waited patiently for the caller to take a breath. “Too early to tell.”
“I want an answer soon.”
Tapping his fingers on the desk, he passed time as the caller ranted. “Of course.”
Anticipating the end of the call, he answered, “As soon as I get that information, you’ll get the information.” He whacked the button disconnecting the call.
After all the years he’d been a watcher, he knew his job and didn’t need to be micromanaged. He’d find the evil soul and send it back to hell. He always did.
Logan should have kept his mouth shut at sanctuary. Darius might have to send more than one being to hell.
Chapter Four
Driving into work the next day, Heaven wondered if she should go right past the casino. After yesterday’s stupid outburst, she might not be doing the right thing. If she ran into the boss, he’d fire her. If she ran into Darius, he’d make her sit in his office. If the DA found out about the foolish thing she’d done, he’d stop using her investigative services.
All her life, she’d blamed her uncontrollable anger on being a redhead. The truth was, she enjoyed raging. Now, she could lose the only link to her brother’s death because of it. She mentally kicked herself for being an idiot.
She parked her bike in the usual place and took a deep breath to calm her nerves. With no time to reflect on her mistakes, she understood the DA expected the information. She had no other choice but to deliver it.
Relief flooded through her as she walked down the hall to the locker room without security stopping her. Ma
ybe Darius wasn’t scrutinizing her anymore.
When she opened her locker, a folded paper propped up on the shelf caught her attention. Who had been able to open the combination lock? She scanned the room but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Gingerly, she picked the folded paper up and opened it.
Heaven,
If you have a problem, please bring it to my attention. Any further outbursts will result in termination.
Darius.
She crumpled up the note and threw it in the garbage, then kicked the locker beside her. “How dare you?”
Damn him to hell and back. After his lecture on trust, he broke into her locker to threaten her. Trusting him was out of the question. She’d never tell him anything else ever again. It was safer that way.
No matter how much her skin begged for his heat, she couldn’t think of Darius anymore. Besides, she worked best alone.
After dressing in the usual scanty uniform, she checked the schedule pinned on the wall. She hated to do food runs to the customers.
Even though she wanted to go to the boss’s office again, she headed for the kitchen.
When Heaven arrived at the pick-up area, the chef called out to her. “Hey you, take this up to the high rollers’ table.” He placed a covered plate on a tray.
Before she lifted the tray, she tried to pull the halter top closer so she didn’t expose so much of her breasts. If Darius wanted to observe her today, too damn bad. She wasn’t going to put on a show for him anymore.
She propped the tray on her shoulder and walked down the hall. Regardless of her resolve, the idea of Darius watching her, zooming the camera into a close up of her breasts or her ass, made her nipples pucker. But no way would she encourage him any further.
She’d never believed anyone viewed her as a sex object. The way his eyes lit up every time he gazed at her meant she excited him. He wanted her, and she would use that to her advantage to get the evidence.
In the meantime, even though her every pore wanted him, wanted her to trust him, her brain told her to use him.
At the high rollers’ room, she breezed past security, making a point of bending over as she placed the food on the table in front of the man tapping his cards. The tips were better if she gave the customers a show.
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