Page 25 of The Case of the Missing Love Stone

“Real subtle,” Roman says, shaking his head.

“I wasn’t trying to be subtle.”

Scarlet looks from him to me. “Apparently.”

I hold her gaze. “But I want you to know I’m not going to decide you’re guilty just because this town already has.”

Her posture eases, but it’s not enough to appease the instincts roaring at me. My alpha wants to go to her, to take her in my arms and away from this town.

“Fine,” she says.

It is not trust but at least it is a place to start.

Scarlet shifts the notebook against her chest. “Are you finished making rules now?”

“One more.”

Her eyes narrow. “You said there were two.”

“I changed my mind.”

“That inspires confidence.”

Roman hides a smile behind his palm.

I take a step closer. “If you need space, say it.”

Her mouth parts slightly.

“If you need us closer,” I continue, “say that too.”

Warm honey rises through her scent. “That doesn’t sound like an investigative rule.”

“It isn’t.”

Roman folds his arms. “I personally think this is his best brain work.”

Scarlet looks at him. “The rule benefits you.”

“I promise to make you the beneficiary if you give me a chance.”

Her mouth curves, and some of the tension left behind by Tom finally gives way.

My instincts tell me I should take it a step further. I want to close the space between us, pull her against my chest, and replace every unfamiliar scent in this house with ours. I lift one hand but keep it between us. “Can I?”

Scarlet looks at my hand, then at me. She knows what I’m asking.

Her nod is small but clear.

I move slowly enough that she can change her mind. My fingers catch one loose auburn strand near her cheek and tuck it behind her ear. My knuckles brush warm, freckled skin. Cedar rises around us before I can completely contain it.

Scarlet’s eyes flutter closed for half a second. The depleted edge in her scent softens.

Every instinct I have tells me to keep going. I want to brush my scent across her temple and cup her neck until she feels secure. I want Roman at her other side, our omega between us until she is surrounded by the steadiness she keeps reaching toward and denying herself. She isn’t ready, so I let my hand fall.

Scarlet opens her eyes. “That rule seems poorly designed.”

“Why?”