Forbidden With Me - Leigh Lennon Page 0,62

head.”

I approach, wrapping my arms around her. “And a boyfriend who will want to get laid by your sweet pussy any chance he gets.”

She doesn’t hide the fact she’s in my room when her laughter reaches points of hysterics, and I silence her with a kiss. Because this girl is so much trouble, but wanted trouble, in my life, I only laugh with her.

“Come on, let’s get you ready for your first day of school.” She reaches for my hand, and we exit the bedroom at the same time, expecting to run into Stewart, with a fresh pot of coffee for us, sitting at the table, with more journal entries from Annie Strickland. No, what I’m faced with rounding the island, separating my living space from my eating space, is Vanessa. And as she pulls her coffee mug to her lips, she’s not in the least bit furious. An almost knowing look covers her face when she says, “We have another victim.”

My heart falls, but I barely catch Malia before she faints.

“Sorry,” Vanessa rushes me, “I figured you’d tell her, and it was less drama, getting you by yourself, after the morning you two shared.”

She’s not jealous, or the complete jerk she had been yesterday.

“Come on, let’s put her on the couch.” Vanessa checks for her pulse. “It’s strong. She’ll wake on her own.” She’s been an EMT, before switching over to another civic duty she thought she’d love.

“Are you going to report me?” I ask with my girl still cradled in my arms.

She shrugs halfheartedly, taking a long pause before answering. “Would it make a difference?” I shake my head. “So, all it would do would get you kicked off a case you know better than anyone.” I sit down with Malia, draped across my lap, and challenge Vanessa to make me leave her.

“Okay, so we’re doing this out here. Great.” She sits in the overstuffed chair while Stewart brings a kitchen chair out. “So, a murder was called in this morning, but it’s odd. If the murderer can’t find a perfect family to match the Stricklands’, he makes his own. But what I find more odd is the configuration of the house.”

“Yeah, I noticed it last night,” I whisper when Malia’s eyes come to me, and her chocolate orbs are staring at me.

I give Vanessa a deep stare, a silent warning not to discuss this any further. “Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?”

She tries to ready herself, sitting up, when Vanessa is on her knees, her fingers on Malia’s wrist, checking her pulse. “Are you light-headed?”

Mal won’t find out because I won’t let her go. When she doesn’t answer Vanessa’s question, she continues to stare blankly at her.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. She was an EMT before becoming a cop.”

Vanessa doesn’t allow her to process this before she begins to order her, “Let me look in your eyes. Look toward the light. I want to check your pupils.”

Mal does what she is told while Vanessa finishes her little exam. “You look fine, but I’d really love it if you didn’t go to classes today and maybe get checked out by a doctor.”

Vanessa is talking to me as if I can change Mal’s decision, and I won’t even attempt to try.

“Nope, I’m not letting him dictate my life.” She won’t be told what to do.

“I can tell you this, though, I don’t think you should be driving.” This time, Vanessa knows Mal won’t change her mind.

“Well, that’s not a problem. She doesn’t have her car here, so I’ll take her and then pick her up.”

Vanessa stands, straightening her suit. “Okay, but you need to eat first and get plenty of fluids.” She walks toward the door. “Shanahan, I’m sending you the address to meet Higgins and me once you get Ms. Strickland settled.”

She’s out the door without a goodbye. “She’s not taking you off the case?” Mal asks.

“Nope. She knows she needs me anyway. I think she knew how I felt for you before I did.”

“Um, I’m still here.” Higgins stands, reaching for his badge and piece. “I’ll meet you at the scene.”

He’s out the door, and I’m left holding Malia in my arms. “So she’s really not going to remove you from the case?”

“Nope.” I shake my head.

“Well, she’s not as much of a bitch as I’d expected.”

“As much of one?” I ask.

“Yep, understand, she’s still a raging bitch, but at the same time, a raging bitch who earned a little of my respect today.” We begin to laugh, and it’s

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