Page 76 of Fire Dancer

She snorted. “Ha. I can just see you serving canapés.”

I frowned. “Serving what?”

“I rest my case.” She sighed.

“Well, you’re sure as hell not going,” I declared.

Bossy? Yes. But that was nonnegotiable.

“Erin and Abby can be my backup,” she said.

When I shook my head, Pippa stuck a finger at my chest. “Admit it. You want him dead just as much as I do. We both know he deserves it. Why bother going by the books?”

“Tell that to the judge prosecuting you for murder,” I said.

In truth, my wolf was all for her plan, and my human side was definitely tempted. But the agent in me knew better.

I took a deep breath, willing her to do the same, then announced, “Okay, we’re there.”

She looked around, confused. “Where?”

The nearest candle flickered and swayed.

“At the point where we need to stop, get some rest, and reevaluate.”

“Reevaluate what? Stacy is dead. I can’t just accept that and move on.”

“I’m not saying you should. But if we don’t think this through, things could get even worse, and Jananovich could get away with more than murder.” I did my best to hit a note of finality. “So, we’ll reevaluate our options — tomorrow.”

I looked at the door, trying to work up the resolve to go. Not really succeeding, though.

She must have read my intent, because she took my hand, and her voice softened. “You’re not going, are you?”

I held her gaze. Was there another option?

Her throat bobbed. “Stay,” she whispered. “Please.”

Stay the night,her eyes begged.

Good idea? Bad idea? I was too worn out to decide.

“To think things through, I mean,” she added. “Once we’re ready.”

I looked toward the bedroom, then at the couch. Which was she offering?

Every candle in the place burned a little brighter, giving me a hint at her reply.

Chapter Eighteen

PIPPA

Every nerve in my body tensed as I waited for Ingo’s answer. Would he stay the night?

I wanted him to. Desperately. And no, I didn’t have it in me to fight the ever-present temptation he posed. In fact, I wouldn’t even call it temptation. More like pure need, because I’d never felt more alone, and I’d never felt safer than with Ingo. Especially when we were all cozied up.

His eyes glowed, though his furrowed brow said he was trying to be rational.

“Ingo…” I whispered, reaching for his hand.