Free Crime by Sofia Cruz

and husky, as she watched the spark ignite in Melanie's eyes, and pushed a little more. "I'd let my foot settle in between your legs, maybe give your clit a little massage. I know for a fact, that the feeling of the fly of your jeans rubbing against it is a real turn on." Jessica gave Melanie a wicked grin, feeling triumphant when she realized that Melanie's mind was flashing back to what happened in the alley, same as hers.

Melanie just about chocked on her food. Jessica was gleaming at her like a cat that had its prey cornered. She finally forced her food down her throat and desperately tried thinking of a safe subject she could switch to.

"What's with the overnight bag?"

Jessica gave a knowing laugh. "It's Friday, cher. The Tequila Club never misses a Friday night at the Cat House. My party clothes are in the bag."

"Cat House?"

"That's what my friends and I call The Kitty Club. It's kind of an inside joke."

Melanie frowned, realizing Jessica intended to go out tonight, heedless of the fact that she had a thief stalking her. "Oh well, it was nice while it lasted," Melanie thought, knowing that she and Jessica were about to have a major argument.

"That's really not a good idea, Jessica, or are you forgetting that we still don't know who your thief is?"

"I'm not forgetting, but he's a thief, a coward sneaking around snatching money out of the cookie jar. I seriously doubt he'll show up at a lesbian club. He'll stick out like a swore thumb."

"True, if it's a man. But he could also wait outside and attack you as you're coming out, or walking to the parking lot. That lot's not very well lit. No, too many risks. You're going straight home after work, Jessica," Melanie said, her voice firm. She watched Jessica's temper spike. Here we go.

Jessica felt a few, very choice words, begin to well up in her throat, but watching Melanie bracing herself for a verbal punch, she felt the words die in her throat. She let out a sigh and picked at her omelet. This is how she screwed up in the first place, letting her temper take the lead. And while she was in Melanie's face, arguing, trying to let the P.I. know she wouldn't be pushed around, Felicia had slipped into Melanie's bed. Deciding it was time to try something else, she met Melanie's gaze.

"Ok. I realize trying to guard someone in a crowded nightclub isn't the ideal situation, but really, what harm could it do? Like I said, this guy will stick out like a sore thumb in a lesbian club. Besides, you'll be with me, and I know you'll get me home safe."

Melanie had sat, watching Jessica intently as the fiery beauty fought for control of her temper. Melanie swore she could see the wheels turning inside that pretty little head, as Jessica mapped out a new plan of attack. But that last sentence had really struck her, because she could tell by the look in Jessica's eye that she had meant it. She truly did have complete faith that Melanie could protect her, no matter what. She felt her heart leap at the idea that Jessica trusted her that much. Then her mind started running through all the ways tonight could go wrong, all the ways she'd seen a situation spiral out of control, regardless of how many precautions she had taken.

Jessica watched as countless emotions rolled through Melanie's eyes. She saw the sadness creep in, the regret, and knew she was about to lose her case. Trying for the preverbal Hail Mary, Jessica spoke up.

"Just for a little while, cher," she pleaded. "It's been a rough week and I just want to relax with my friends for a bit. Please."

Melanie was about to put her foot down, tell Jessica that there was no way in hell she was letting her go to a nightclub tonight, but she felt her resolve crumble at the sound of Jessica's voice.

"Oh hell! Ok. But just for a little while. The club starts to get too packed; I'm taking you home. Without an argument," Melanie quickly added, her voice stern.

Sensing she'd won, Jessica flashed Melanie her most brilliant