Open Wounds (Harbour Bay #2)(68)

“It’s not in your best interest to take the blame for their murders. Especially since you had no control over the matter at all.”

Kellie pulled away, discreetly wiping her eyes. “Coleani’s a monster. His men are no better. I’m not the only one, you know. There’s been at least eight more women that Burton has hurt, all probably sanctioned by Coleani.”

Darryl leaned forward and kissed her softly, allowing her to feel the sweetness and emotion in the action, silently telling her that he planned to keep his promise to her. He took her hand and pulled her toward the sofa and sat down before tugging her onto his lap.

She put an arm over his shoulder and placed a hand on his chest as she leaned into him. He stroked her cheek, feeling her softness. He nuzzled her neck and she shivered. He loved how responsive she was to his touch. He placed his bandaged hand on her knee as Kellie tilted her head to give him better access. He took advantage of what she offered and she let out a moan.

He tightened his arm around her back as he slid his hand up her thigh. Her breath stuttered and she melted into him. He’d only meant to distract her from her morose thoughts but he was quickly losing sight of his good intentions. Kellie always had that effect on him. He breathed in her scent. She smelled delicious. He rested his head against hers.

“You drive me crazy, you know that?”

She let out a soft chuckle. Her breath tickled against his jaw and he shuddered. “Right back at you. What am I going to do about you? You’re extremely distracting.”

He grinned and snuggled against her, loving the feeling of her pressed against him. It reminded him of the other morning. He could get used to lazy moments like these when time seemed to slow down and they were the only two people in the world. When he imagined the future he saw them together curled up as they were now. Maybe a fire burning before them in the winter.

His heart swelled. “I like that it isn’t just me.

He felt her smile, her lips moving against his neck. What was going through her mind? Did she regret her desire for him? Would she walk away when the case was over? What would he do if he couldn’t convince her to give him a chance?

He pushed away the dark thoughts dampening his mood and focused on the case.

“So, about those women…”

Kellie pulled back to look him in the eye. She had obviously forgotten she’d made the remark but he hadn’t. She took a deep breath then started telling him everything she’d discovered.





Chapter 33



Darryl watched as Kellie nervously tucked her loose silky strands behind her ears. It was clear she hated being the centre of attention. Today she had gone for the casual look with blue distressed jeans and a black square cut fitted shirt, her feet in a pair of silver pointed heels. All he could think about was getting her alone and admitting he’d made a mistake by telling her they should keep their distance.

The past few days had damn near killed him. Knowing she was just a few floors above had been a bittersweet torture. The desire to hold her and breathe in her scent had him constantly fighting himself. Even now just hours after holding her he wanted her back in his arms. She needed this time just as much as he did. For them to both to evaluate how they felt. So much had happened in their short acquaintance that even he struggled to understand how his feelings could be so strong.

One week. That was how long he’d known Kellie. Yet, it felt like a lifetime.

Last night had been a turning point in their relationship. They’d let down their barriers and for a brief time had forgotten about Dick Coleani and the case. He’d told her of his family, of the exploits he and his brothers had gotten into over the years that had turned his mother’s hair prematurely grey.

He’d coaxed her to talk about her past, hoping it would be therapeutic for her. He hoped to understand her situation better, to give her the support she required. She told him of the fears she had, the dreams she wished for, and in return he’d done the same. They had fallen asleep in each other’s arms and for the first time in his life, he’d felt complete.

And more in love with Kellie than ever.

She cleared her throat and looked at her audience. Donovan, Dean, and Nick all stared back at her with rapt attention.

“After Coleani left the other day, I continued investigating on my own.”

Donovan launched out of her chair. “You did what? Are you f*cking stupid, Kellie? Have you no regard for your safety? You’ve already got Burton leaving calling cards at crime scenes in warning. Next time it’ll be a personal visit.”

Kellie flinched under her anger but held her head high.

“Wait, what’s this about calling cards?” Dean asked, his gaze flicking from one female to the other.

“Burton took a locket from her as a souvenir and planted it at the crime scene yesterday,” Darryl explained.

Dean raised an eyebrow, and Darryl didn’t need to explain further. He’d been there the day Kellie had discovered Burton worked for Coleani. He’d witnessed her collapse and knew how deeply it affected her. Darryl knew Dean wasn’t happy Kellie was still working the case, but he kept his mouth shut.

Nick swore savagely.

“You’re playing with fire,” Dean told Kellie.

Darryl gave her credit from not wilting under his hard glower. He looked every bit the dangerous man he could be.