Page 127 of Allegiance

She just set something free in him, and like the genie, you couldn’t put him back in the lamp.

When he finally set her free, his lips stayed close to hers, and when he spoke, there was no mistaking the tone.

“Don’t play games with me, Calyx. Once the door opens, you won’t be able to close it. I didn’t leave my job because I was bored. I left it because I am that darkness. Me not touching you is me saving you from the monster I am. Don’t forget it.”

Then, he moved away, getting up from the table, and walking out the door without looking back at her.

Only, he left an impression behind.

She was breathless, and her lips tingled from that kiss. She’d slept with many men to climb her way out of the streets, but him…

Good.

God.

She was pretty sure she couldn’t handle him.

Would that stop her?

No.

She’d be lying if she said that night she spotted him watching her, she didn’t want to give him one hell of a show—intentionally.

Sue her.

Maybe she would the next time.

Calyx knew a good thing when she saw it. That sexy man might believe that he was dark and deadly, but she was willing to bet that there was so much more to him.

Oh, and she loved a mystery.

As soon as he was gone, she grabbed the beer and took a deep sip.

She was parched and dry from that scorching hot kiss.

What wasn’t dry?

Her panties.

That was for damn sure.

Calyx only hoped the man was careful. She was going to bet that they ended up horizontal in the future.

Bet on it.

Chapter Nine

The Bait House

The Game Begins

Twelve Thirty P.M.

B etween the two of them, they had everything set up, and they were ready to handle some dirty cops. When Jinx called the precinct, asking to talk to the police who handled missing persons, she was lucky to be directed right to the two cops.

Apparently, fate was on their side and not on the cops’—not today.

Playing a role, Jinx explained what had happened and that her husband hadn’t been home for two days. In the most panicked voice that Rogue had ever heard IN HIS LIFE, she explained that she couldn’t reach him.