Free Crime & Punishment 2: Master Delacroix by Trista Ann Michaels

making me back off.”
    “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Looks like you and I have something in common.”
    “Yes, it’s a shame it’s a murdering dick.”
    Connelly’s lips quirked at his sorry attempt at sarcastic humor. She sighed. “We both come with a whole lot of baggage, don’t we?”
    They did. Nathan didn’t really want another relationship, despite the fact he felt he could possibly have one with her. And Connelly… He felt her pull away, putting a wall around her heart. She didn’t want a relationship either. So where exactly did that leave them? Saying good-bye now that she had her research?
    Something about that thought made Nathan’s chest tighten.
    “I should probably be going,” she said, and tried to climb off his lap.
    “You’re naked, pet. Might want to dress first.”
    She froze and looked at him wide-eyed. “I can’t believe I forgot.”
    Nathan chuckled and waved to a man a few feet away in a tux. “Could you bring me Connelly’s clothes, please?”
    The man nodded and headed quickly to do Nathan’s bidding. Once she had her clothes, she stood on wobbly legs. Nathan grabbed her arm, steadying her. “I’m not sure you should be driving home,” he said.
    She gave her head a stubborn shake. “I’ll be fine. Thanks, anyway.”
    Nathan stood close, offering help, despite her reluctance to accept. She was adorable when trying to be independent even though it was obvious she struggled. With his hand at the small of her back, he escorted her out to her car. The more she walked, the more steady she became.
    As they waited for the valet to bring her car around to the front, she turned and smiled—one that instantly made Nathan’s heart skip a weird beat.
    “I suppose I should say thank you, but that sounds a bit odd. You know…thanks for getting me off?”
    Nathan laughed and tweaked her nose. “You are quite welcome, pet. I hope you got everything you needed, but if you should choose to return, you’re always welcome.”
    Her face flushed. “Thank you. I’ll remember that.”
    A bright orange convertible Camaro came to a stop just a few feet away. The top was down, the seats were black leather, and the radio blasted out a rap tune before the valet quickly turned it off and climbed out.
    Nathan chuckled softly. “Why am I not surprised?”
    “Hey,” she said, then slapped him playfully on his arm before pointing her finger at him. “Don’t make fun of the car.”
    “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said with amusement.
    She returned his grin and walked around the car to climb behind the wheel. She appeared much steadier now, so Nathan felt better about letting her leave. Now, every time he saw that particular sports car on the road, he would wonder if it was her.
    She put her purse in the seat beside her and then turned the key. The motor started with the rumbling purr of a sports car, and he smiled softly. He’d always liked that sound. Liked it even more now as he envisioned her behind the wheel.
    “Thanks again, Nathan.”
    He gave a nod. “Anytime. I expect a very flattering acknowledgment.”
    She giggled. “And I know just what to say.”
    She gave a wave and headed out the driveway toward the main road. He watched until he could no longer see her taillights, the whole time fighting a lingering sense of unease. Something didn’t feel right. It was as though he’d made a mistake at some point, but he couldn’t figure out where.
    Shaking his head in an attempt to dislodge the feeling, he walked back into the house. The unease grew, tightening his stomach. The entry hall was bright, and he squinted against the harsh lights. The lighting should be dimmed. They shouldn’t be that bright. He rubbed at his eyes, noticing that his fingers were trembling. With a frown, he pulled them away from his face and stared at them.
    Blood covered his fingers, and he gasped. This wasn’t real. He wasn’t bleeding. He blinked in an effort to dislodge the vision, but it