Sweet Seduction Shield(32)

He chuckled. "Oh, Gorgeous, under normal circumstances I'd argue that point, but right now, you might be onto something."

"You can't make me talk," I said, deciding to take a leaf out of Kelly's book.

Pierce started laughing. "Is that so?" he drawled, clearly enjoying my drunken state.

"Nah-uh," I said shaking my head from side to side, making the world start a wonky spin cycle. "A girl's gotta have her secrets."

Who knew I was this talkative when tipsy?

"And what secrets are those, Marie?" Pierce whispered, starting to stroke lightly over the skin on my arm, making the fine hairs rise up and distract me.

"I've never told anyone," I murmured, watching his movements with intense fascination.

"Why not?" he encouraged.

"Because it's the only ace I have up my sleeve." His movements stilled for a second, then started up again, making me release the breath I'd suddenly held.

"It's that important a secret?" he asked, his voice low and deep, and despite the topic quite sexy.

"The biggest. It would ruin McLaren," I declared, relaxing back into the recliner, feeling lulled into a blissfully dreamlike state.

"How?" Pierce asked, a little firmer than he'd been until then.

I swatted away the niggling concern at his change in tone and mumbled, "His whole world could be pulled apart."

Silence. My eyes closed, the blurry stars disappearing, the hum of Auckland late at night filling my ears.

"What's the secret, Marie?" Pierce asked, sounding far away, even though I could feel his large, hot palm gripping my arm now, rather than stroking it.

I shook my head. "Can't tell you," I whispered, snuggling down further. "You'd risk us to use it."

"Trust me," he pressed and I yawned. "Marie?" he shook me slightly, but I pushed him away and frowned. "What secret do you have on McLaren?" he demanded.

My eyes sprang open at his businesslike tone.

"What?" I said, suddenly very awake and feeling a little sick to my stomach.

Pierce hovered over me, determination flashing in those once melted pools of brown.

"You son of a bitch," I whispered. He cocked his head and offered a shrug of his shoulders.

"This is not over," he declared, standing up and then reaching down to help me to my feet. I swayed, the world tipped sideways and then I was in his arms. "You are the most stubborn woman I have ever met," he added, as he stalked into the house carrying me. "I can help you, if you'd just fucking let me."

"Fuck you!" I spat. The jerk had tried to get me to spill my secrets, while I was drunk. Drunk!

Angry and fractured thoughts were streaming through my mind, but all cut off abruptly when he mumbled, "I fucking wish."

What?

But clarity was lost to the countless glasses of tequila and the feel of a soft mattress at my back.

And to the too gentle touch of someone's fingers, as they delicately brushed the hair from my face and whispered in my ear...

"Sweet dreams, Tiger."





Chapter 10


I Wasn't Quite Sure What To Do

I am not a forgetful drunk.

Unfortunately.

When I wake up the next morning I have the obligatory headache, but also the unwanted memories of exactly what ridiculous things I may have done while under the influence the night before. I can never feign ignorance, because the truth of my actions usually make me blush.

Today was no exception.

My cheeks flamed when I walked into the kitchen, burning brighter still when I realised Pierce was not alone. I had thought Daisy was in the penguin painting room with Abi, but instead she was sitting next to an attentive Pierce, showing him her latest masterpieces; vibrantly coloured drawings on several sheets of paper.

But she wasn't his only companion.

A tall, broad shouldered, blond haired man was leaning against the kitchen bench with a steaming mug of coffee in his hands. Mischievous blue eyes came up to meet mine when I crept into the room. I held his gaze for a second, but could feel the heat of Pierce's from the other side of the table. Willing myself to be an adult about my drunken behaviour last night, I straightened my shoulders and turned my attention to the detective, receiving what sounded like a chuckle from the blond stud.

"I'm surprised to see you up and about," Pierce announced in way of greeting. "Abi and Kelly haven't surfaced as yet."

"I didn't have that much to drink," I defended, taking a seat at the table and pouring my own cup of coffee as though I didn't have a care in the world.

"That's not the way I remember it," Pierce muttered, a small smile stretching his lips.

"Don't doubt my recollection of the night's events, Detective Pierce," I replied. "I remember exactly what you did."