NocC 014 - Elle James - Hot Demon Nights - Harlequin 2012-05 by Nocturne Read Free Book Online Page A

on the side of that van?” Thomas asked. “Back it up again.”
    The cop backed the video up to where the light flashed on the van door as it slid open. White letters whipped by with a symbol that resembled a human wrapped in a cocoon.
    “F&L Inc.,” Blaise stated. “And that’s the logo for Felding and Lebowitz.”
    My breath caught in my throat. How did he see that without slowing the video down? I met his gaze. Oh, yeah, super speed, strength—and stamina—were this demon’s skills. “Someone from Felding’s own plant set this up?”
    “I’ll check for any reports of stolen vehicles from the F&L motor pool.” Thomas lifted a desk phone. “I need you two at the F&L corporate building asking questions.”
    I was already struggling into the sleeves of my jacket, as I headed for the door. “Going.”
    Blaise grabbed my collar and helped me, his fingers resting on my shoulders. “Forgetting someone?”
     

Chapter Five
    I stepped outside the precinct. “I’d hoped you’d grow bored with this investigation and leave me to it.” Another lie. I figured if I kept telling myself I didn’t want his company, and didn’t want him, it would make it true. That was my plan of attack where my feelings for Blaise Michaels was concerned. Lying to myself and denial all the way. Okay, fine—I could admit that I was attracted to him. But he wanted more than I was willing to give. Maybe even more than I was able to give. I’d never had a successful relationship before, and I certainly wasn’t in the mood for one now. Involvement led to disappointment, which led to heartache. I’d vowed long ago not to have a heart where men were concerned, and Chicago had only cemented that vow.
    “Keep telling yourself that. It doesn’t work.” He patted my back. “When two people are meant to be together, it happens despite your attempts to stop it.”
    I stood at the curb, waving as cab after cab drove by me, empty but not stopping.
    Blaise stepped around me and out into traffic. A cab driver slammed on his brakes and barely stopped in time to keep from hitting him. He flipped the demon a finger and inched forward.
    Blaise gave him the stink eye, daring him to hit him. Then he smiled that full, you-can’t-resist-a-demon grin and the cab driver’s brow furrowed in confusion.
    “You’re manipulating his mind, aren’t you?”
    Blaise shrugged. “I wouldn’t say that.” He opened the door and held it for me as I slid across the seat.
    As soon as he got in beside me, I faced him. “Have you done that with me?” I poked a finger into his chest, barely able to ignore the electrical charge that raced up my arm and into my chest. “Because if you even so much as push one thought into my mind, I’ll figure out what it takes to kill a demon and squash you like a bug.”
    He grabbed my finger and sucked it into his warm, wet mouth, “Umm.” When he pulled my finger free, he tipped my chin. “Not only are you beautiful when you’re angry, you’re also very tasty. So tempting.”
    My body quivered, my knees shaking. “Don’t call me beautiful.”
    Instead of replying, he kissed me, pressing his lips into mine, his tongue sweeping past my teeth to slip along the length of mine. When he broke it off, he smiled down into my eyes. “You are a beautiful woman. It’s a gift, not a fault.”
    “Not in my line of work. People assume there isn’t a brain to go along with the looks.” I scrubbed the back of my hand across my mouth, my lips still tingling from his invasion. I wanted so much more, but I refused to ask for it, considering the strings that would come attached. If I gave in to Blaise, what did that make me? Weak? Needy?
    “You’re anything but weak. And what’s wrong with needing someone else in your life?” Blaise caressed my cheek with his palm.
    I ground my teeth together to keep from turning my face into his hand and touching his skin with my lips. I couldn’t let a demon turn my head. I was in this job to