Free Ember Learns (The Seeker) by Ditter Kellen Page B

turned on his heel, and ducked into the hallway, nearly running into a frantic Laura.
    “Oh my God, are you all right?” The blonde darted around Clay and wrapped Ember in a bone-crushing hug.
    “Yes, I’m fine. What are you two doing here?”
    “I’ve been calling and…” Laura’s voice trailed off. She spotted Angel standing near the sliding glass door.
    Ember pulled back and faced him. It was now or never. Should she turn him in or risk her life with a stranger who had evidence in his condo that could place him at the scene of a very recent murder?
    The gorgeous Bulgarian stared back at her with a gleam in his eyes. She felt it was a challenge, a demand for her trust whether she wanted to give it or not. Something happened to her in that moment that couldn’t be explained. An unseen force passed between them in a silent battle of wills that she ultimately lost.
    Clearing her throat, she broke the connection. “Laura, this is Angelo.”
    The blonde shot him a quick smile and wave before once again focusing on Ember. “We need to talk…in private.”

Chapter Two
    Angelo Dimitrov had never wanted another woman as much as he wanted Ember Wells. She belonged to him. She just didn’t know it yet. A growl rose in his throat when he thought of the way the detective had looked at her when he’d entered the room. It had taken every ounce of willpower Angel possessed not to remove the man’s eyes from their sockets.
    The tension in Ember during Clay’s visit earlier that evening hadn’t been lost on Angel. It was obvious there was something between her and the detective. Jealousy wasn’t an emotion Angel entertained on a regular basis, and he’d be damned if Mr. Hero Wannabe would elicit it in him now.
    He nodded to the woman Ember introduced as Laura. High levels of anxiety coupled with relief radiated from the pretty blonde. Angel quickly dismissed her as a threat and concentrated on the reason she and the detective had rushed to the condo to begin with.
    Angel approached the two women with sure steps, focusing solely on Ember as he spoke. “Is there a problem?”
    She glanced at Laura before addressing him. “Give us a minute?”
    He wrapped a hand around her wrist and gently squeezed. “You’ll hurry?”
    She must have understood his need to be sure she would hear him out. “Yes. I’ll be right back.” She pulled free, ushered her friend back to the hallway, and closed the door behind them.
    He wanted to rush out there, throw her over his shoulder, and carry her back to his place. It roasted his ass for her to be anywhere near Clay Harper. He knew she wouldn’t say anything about what had transpired before the duo had arrived. He was more concerned about the reason for their abrupt visit to begin with. And the interest the detective seemed to have in Ember.
     
    “WHAT ARE YOU doing here…and with Clay?” Ember’s stomach knotted with anxiety.
    “Another note surfaced at my place. I called you, but you were obviously busy humping the neighbor. Not that I blame you. Damn.”
    Ember ignored the sex reference. “What? Where? Let me see it.”
    “Detective Harper has it.”
    “What did it say?”
    “Come on. You should read it for yourself.”
    Ember followed Laura into the kitchen, where Clay stood propped against the bar. His booted feet were crossed at the ankles and his arms were crossed over his chest. He made an intimidating picture to be sure, with his badge clipped onto his belt and a raised eyebrow above his all-knowing gaze.
    Ember stopped a few feet before him, almost shrinking under his penetrating stare. He seemed to have that effect on most anyone unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of it.
    Laura sidled up beside her and addressed the detective. “She wants to see the note.”
    Without breaking eye contact, Clay produced the piece of paper. He carefully unfolded it and held it up for Ember to read. “It’s already been contaminated.” He shot a look at Laura.
    The