Page 52 of Desperate Justice

More bourbon slid down his throat. Rafe began to finally relax. “You’ve always shown remarkable confidence and aplomb, Ally. Working as a confidential informant for me with the Devil’s Patrol showed it.”

“Not that you gave me much choice.” Allison tossed her long hair. Suddenly he wanted to run his fingers through it. Maybe pull it back and stare into her eyes right before he kissed her, long and deep.

Rafe cleared his throat. “I know. I had you in a tight spot, but Ally, you must know if you didn’t have what it takes, I’d never have put you in that position. My job isn’t to endanger my CIs. You were different from the start.”

Her hair curtained her face. Resisting the impulse to draw it back, see her expression and those soulful brown eyes, he waited for an answer.

“Different how?”

“Strong. Independent and confident. I never would have let you even set foot around those bikers in the DP if I didn’t think you could handle them.”

Now she did look up and smiled. “Are you flattering me?”

“I’m telling the truth, Ally. The biggest problem I had with you was you were too confident and courageous and I had to rein you in at times.”

“I’m used to risks.”

“Well, don’t take any more.”

His voice was sharper than he intended. Allison brought out feelings he hadn’t had in a long time for a woman, feelings that had intensified since she’d become a CI. He wanted to throw a protective shield around her to keep anything bad from happening to her.

Expecting a sarcastic reply, he was surprised to see her nod. “I won’t. I’m done with them. For now. You won’t see me pulling any more risks on the road. This trip is all about my sister.”

“I don’t want to talk about your sister.”

Allison gave a derisive snort. “Most men do.”

“I’m not most men. She’s nothing compared to you.” Now he did reach out and tucked a strand of her amazing, silky hair behind her ear. “Not every man is attracted to only looks and body. Some of us, me in particular, are drawn to strong, independent women who can hold their own.”

“Ah, the old brains over beauty noble speech.” Allison blew bubbles into her soda. “Been there, heard that.”

“Did I say you weren’t beautiful? You are.”

“Right.”

At her derisive snort, he reached out and covered her hand. “I mean it, Ally. Don’t sell yourself short simply because your sister is always hogging the spotlight. You are beautiful.”

“Thanks.”

Allison flushed and pushed back her soda. “I’m kinda tired, Rafe. Have a good night.”

Gently gripping her wrist, he stayed her. “Ally, if you need anything, call me. Or knock on the wall. I’m right next door.”

Her mouth quirked. “Why don’t you just sleep in the same room as me?”

“Is that an invitation?”

He meant it as a tease, but not really.

“Maybe. If my sister wasn’t sharing a room with me.”

Rafe’s heart skipped a beat at her sultry smile, and the way she trailed a finger down his bare arm. The promise and intent clear, he took a deep breath.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He raised his glass. “When you are ready, I will be as well.”

Ally flashed him another smile and walked off. He watched her, enjoying the gentle sway of her hips beneath her jeans. Denim never looked so good on a woman.

After paying for his drink he went to the lobby to arrange for a wake-up call. Diana was there in a chair, palming her cell phone.