Free Eternally Bound: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set by T.J. Michaels Page A

looking for evidence. And I have a feeling she’s thinking the same thing.”
    “And how’s that?”
    Justin wanted to say “relieved” but held his tongue. The last place he wanted Delaine to be was down in those labs. The thought of her running into Baker down there made his gut clench so tight he had to fight to breathe. A subject change was in order.
    “I’ve managed to keep out of Delaine’s sight while managing to watch her all week.”
    “It’s not your job to watch her. You’re after Baker, not a piece of Jeris’ ass.”
    “Last I checked you were my partner, not my boss, Derrick!”
    “Whoa, slow your roll, Justin,” Derrick said firmly. Justin didn’t miss the long drawn out sigh from his partner before he continued. “Look, Jus, I’m just concerned about you getting sidetracked. We’ve been boys for ten years and I’m just looking out for you, man.”
    Justin felt contrite for his outburst to his friend. Well, almost. Delaine was nobody’s business, except his.
    “I appreciate your concern, Derrick, but I’m all good. I can handle it. I know what my job is, but part of that job is to not get caught. If I rush this I could blow it. Listen, I think Delaine is being followed and I want you to check it out for me. I’ve seen a woman around Delaine, ducking in and out of Baker’s offices…”
    “So?”
    “…and down in The Vault.”
    “Aw, hell.”
    “Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I’ve already sent you a digital of the woman. Check her out and get back to me.”
    Justin clicked the cell shut, dropped off the sample cart and headed out of the building to Lot J. He was amazed no one was on to him yet. If he was lucky, it would stay that way until he could get the goods on Baker and get himself and his woman out of here in one piece.
    He shook his head and sighed. He already saw Delaine as his, and he couldn’t tell her a damned thing about what he suspected was going on in this place.
     
    * * * * *
     
    “So where do you want to go?” Delaine asked as he slipped into the passenger side of her Jag. As soon as the door shut Sapa started dancing around her head as she did every time she heard this man’s voice. It was damned disconcerting to have her spirit guide behave so giddily. Even when talking on the phone the lioness pranced, growled and rolled around like a loon. Amazing. Sapa’s actions mirrored what she wished she could do. She looked toward him and his smile twisted her brain. Lord, could she even string two words together?
    They pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the highway. “It’s cold as I-don’t-know-what outside. Pam told me about this place on South Kings Street called Austin’s. If you’re up for some nice, hot Caribbean food we could go there,” she suggested kindly. His startling blue eyes darkened to a sultry midnight hue, glittering as if she were the treat of a lifetime.
    “Nice and hot?” his voice smooth as silk. “Yeah, I think I could go for some of that.”
    “Lord, you are such a flirt,” she grinned back.
    “Guilty, baby.” His hand reached across and slid underneath her cloak to rest on her thigh. The skin tingled but she didn’t flinch or pull away. His fingers felt like they belonged there, even when her breathing took off and her grin split her face in two. She knew she was blushing so hard, her scalp felt on fire, but she just couldn’t help it. It might have been forty degrees outside, but underneath her coat was at least ninety-two!
    ‘Sapa, send me some relaxation or something, quick! This man is sending my temp through the roof!’
    “So how’s your process hierarchy thing going at work?” he asked, his thumb tracing lazy little circles across her knee.
    Her face fell, like she’d been doused with cold water. No need for Sapa to help her calm down after all. What could she say to him other than the typical oh-my-project-is-fine? She certainly couldn’t say “oh, well my surveillance is going fine, I’m on to the