The Mane Attraction
Page 9

I dont know why youre getting so tense. Its me with the bounty on my head.
I really wish youd take this seriously, Detective.
I take everything seriously. Especially what life he had. But trust me. No ones getting into this wedding who shouldnt be here. Im probably safer here than anywhere.
Yes. Youre probably right. I want you back here by Monday, though. Ill send
Ill get there.
Detective
I said Ill get there.
Fine, she snapped again. ADA Chow had the shortest fuse on record. And after working together for so long, it amazed him that she still called him Detective.
Talk to you later, Jen.
Monday, Detective. Ill speak to you on Monday.
Yep. Mitch disconnected his phone and stretched his neck. It was a full moon out tonight, illuminating everything around him. Of course, he didnt need any of that to see. Not with his eyesight.
Now he knew what those lions in Africa felt like when they were being tracked down by great white hunters.
Two million dollars would bring out the top-drawer hitters. Would he even last another week? Around his own kind, he felt safe, but once he went into the system, he had serious doubts. But hanging around wasnt an option either. He wouldnt be responsible for getting one of his family or friends hurt or killed. Everyone meant too much to him.
Nope. Hed leave tomorrow. But tonight
Mitch slipped his cell phone back into his pants pocket and turned around, ready to head back to the party. What he didnt expect was to find Sissy Mae Smith stretched out on the marble bench watching him. Christ, she looked good with her legs crossed at the ankles and her body propped up by her arms, the palms flat against the bench.
The dress she wore was made of the softest, lightest material Mitch had ever seen. The color a dark brown that contrasted brilliantly with her light brown eyes. He could say hed never seen her look sexier, but that would be a lie. Hed seen this woman in shortsabsolutely nothing was sexier than that.
Hey.
Sissy gave him that little knowing smile. Hey.
Mitch waited for her to ask him what was going on, but she didnt.
Ive been bad, Mitch, she said instead.
Oh? Mitch crouched beside her, his elbows resting on his knees. Do tell.
I was torturing Brendon again.
Isnt that a little too easy, sweet cheeks?
She smiled, blinking in surprise. I hate that nickname.
I know. And yet, somehow I dont care.
Keep it up, andits my windmill arms and legs of fury with wild hitting and kicking.
An effective fighting skill.
I think so.
And you torturing my brother
I know. Too easy. And he falls for it every time. I need something else to fulfill my needs.
A greater challenge?
Exactly.
He stood and held his hand out for her to take. She did, her fingers warm against his, and he tugged her to her feet. Lets go.
Where?
Weve got a castle filled with shifters, alcohol, and a barely contained predatory instinct.
We promised Bobby Ray.
Leaning down, he rested his forehead against hers. Come Monday, feel free to blame it all on me.
A small frown creased her brow, and she petted his cheek with her right hand. Dont think I wont.
But tonight, were gonna have a great time. Arent we, Sissy?
Both hands cupped his cheeks, and Sissy pulled back a bit, staring into his eyes. For the most amazing split second ever, he thought she was going to kiss him. It would have been perfect, too. In the beautiful garden, under the moonlight, just the two of them
Sissy. Mae. Smith!
They both jerked, and Sissy quickly stepped back, but she didnt have anywhere to go except back on the bench. She sat down hard. But it couldnt match the hardness in her eyes when she stared up at Mitch.
Yes?
Miss Janie stepped closer. Theyre giving toasts. Arent you supposed to be giving one?
Yep. Sissy stood and brushed off the back of her dress.
Think you can manage keeping it clean and respectful?
He didnt know what Sissy was about to say, but Mitch had a feeling that silence at this moment was her best friend. Determined to keep the bloodshed nonexistent, he grabbed Sissys hand and yanked her back toward the ballroom. Her mother watched them go, and when Mitch looked at her over his shoulder, the smile she wore reminded him of Sissy.
Although telling Sissy that would only get his skin torn off. And hed really like to avoid that for as long as possible.
Besides, kissing Sissy now or hell, doing anything with Sissy now was a mistake for both of them. And they both knew it.
Chapter 2
Ronnie patted Sissy on the back. Great toast.
Thanks.
Only one barely veiled insult toward Jessie Ann. I think she was impressed.
Sissy winced. I actually wasnt trying to insult her. Figured I should keep this one clean for Bobby Ray since its his wedding and all.