“I don’t know why you’re getting so tense. It’s me with the bounty on my head.”

“I really wish you’d take this seriously, Detective.”

“I take everything seriously.” Especially what life he had. “But trust me. No one’s getting into this wedding who shouldn’t be here. I’m probably safer here than anywhere.”

“Yes. You’re probably right. I want you back here by Monday, though. I’ll send—”

“I’ll get there.”

“Detective—”

“I said I’ll 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. I’ll 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 didn’t 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 wasn’t an option either. He wouldn’t be responsible for getting one of his family or friends hurt or killed. Everyone meant too much to him.

Nope. He’d 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 didn’t 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 he’d never seen her look sexier, but that would be a lie. He’d seen this woman in shorts—absolutely 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 didn’t.

“I’ve been bad, Mitch,” she said instead.

“Oh?” Mitch crouched beside her, his elbows resting on his knees. “Do tell.”

“I was torturing Brendon again.”

“Isn’t that a little too easy, sweet cheeks?”

She smiled, blinking in surprise. “I hate that nickname.”

“I know. And yet, somehow I don’t care.”

“Keep it up, andit’s 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. “Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“We’ve 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. “Don’t think I won’t.”

“But tonight, we’re gonna have a great time. Aren’t 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 didn’t have anywhere to go except back on the bench. She sat down hard. But it couldn’t match the hardness in her eyes when she stared up at Mitch.

“Yes?”

Miss Janie stepped closer. “They’re giving toasts. Aren’t 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 didn’t 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 Sissy’s 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 he’d 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 wasn’t trying to insult her. Figured I should keep this one clean for Bobby Ray since it’s his wedding and all.”