Free Wilde Rapture by Taige Crenshaw Page B

in, and Carmen had waved her over and introduced her as Gabriella. On being told what Gabriella did, Nia had commented that Gabriella seemed young to be a medical examiner, since she looked around their age. Gabriella had responded that she had started early, was a little smart, and was years ahead of where most people in her profession would be. Gabriella’s accent had fascinated Nia, and she’d asked where she was from. Gabriella had told her she was originally from St Thomas, in the United States Virgin Islands.
    They had talked, bonded, and become friends. Their friendship had spanned all the ups and downs each had encountered in their chosen profession, like when Gabriella had almost been shot removing a body from a crime scene. After that, Nia had taught Gabriella and Carmen how to handle a gun, and how to disarm someone when one was held to your head. They had all been there when Carmen had been taken hostage in a courtroom and got out, thankfully, unhurt. Gabriella and Nia had stayed with Carmen for a few days afterwards, and the nightmares had been vicious. Gabriella and Carmen had been there when Nia had shot and killed her first perp. Any killing, no matter how justified, stuck with you. Their bond of twelve years, of going through all those things together, was what made them the women they were today.
    Carmen said something to her new husband, then headed straight towards them.
    “Shit. She must be part bloodhound. How the hell did she know where we are? Now she’s going to pull us back out there. I’m tired of being groped,” Gabriella moaned.
    “You know, Carmen is part witch. That’s the only explanation for how she always finds us hiding in whatever corner we end up in everywhere we go. Don’t worry. Someone will distract her, and she’ll forget all about us. As for groping, I’ve had my share. Knee them in the groin like I showed you.” Nia pushed her shoulder against Gabriella’s.
    “I can’t do that,” Gabriella insisted.
    Nia could imagine the scandalised look and slight blush on Gabe’s caramel -coloured face.
    “Why the hell not? If they’re getting grabby, then do it. I promise, it will feel good and dissuade any other yahoos from doing the same,” Nia said.
    Neither she nor Gabriella had problems attracting men—their problem was keeping them away. In Nia’s case, she just didn’t want to be bothered. Gabriella, on the other hand, was extremely shy and quiet around anyone she wasn’t comfortable with. Strangely, they both had been instantly comfortable with Nick Thompson, Carmen’s new husband. Nick was a wonderful match to Carmen’s outgoing nature. He had a wicked sense of humour that made his light green eyes sparkle. Not to mention that he was gorgeous.
    “Crap. Here she comes,” Gabriella said.
    Nia laughed, returning her attention to Carmen. Carmen waved at the people trying to get her attention, but kept coming towards their hiding place.
    “I wonder if there’s some way out of here. Make her hunt for us,” Nia said gleefully.
    “Let’s go,” Gabriella readily agreed.
    Nia turned to go with her.
    “Stop right there. Don’t make me kick off my shoes to chase you,” Carmen said in her southern twang.
    “You move too damn fast,” Nia huffed.
    “Have to keep up with you,” Carmen said.
    Nia turned back. Carmen’s nut-brown face, framed by dark brown ringlets, was radiant.
    “I hate you for looking so good,” Nia teased.
    “Please. Next to you two, I look like day-old rice.” Carmen slapped her on the shoulder, then linked her arm through Nia’s.
    “Don’t make me hit you,” Gabriella warned.
    Nia glanced around Carmen at her. Carmen had linked arms with Gabriella, too.
    “What? You think you have to hold on to us so we don’t run?” Nia said.
    “You all might,” Carmen said.
    “Maybe,” Nia agreed.
    She laughed, and Carmen and Gabriella joined in. Then they sobered and stood in the alcove, watching the guests enjoying the reception.
    “I love