When the elevator dings open and I step onto the tile floor, my attention automatically moves to the right, toward the autopsy room. But a dimly lit office brings my gaze around.
In front of it, a pink-haired vixen dozes at her desk.
Frowning, I cross the floor and slow in front of a slumbering Aubree, but it takes only a moment to glance over her shoulders and find Minka asleep on the couch in her office. She has no blanket. No pillow. Her face is smooshed on the leather cushion, and her legs are pulled up tight to retain warmth.
She’s passed out. She’s uncomfortable. And I’ll bet a million of my father’s dirty dollars that she’s freezing and dreaming of a hot shower.
“What are you doing here, Aubs?” I keep my voice low, barely more than a whisper as I stop just a foot away. “Why didn’t you go home?”
“She wanted to stay here.” Turning in her chair as though to roll over and get more comfortable, Aubree smacks her lips. “I was keeping watch.”
“You’re a good girl.” My stomach relaxes, and my heart thuds just a little harder.
Bending, I press a kiss to Aubree’s forehead in thanks. Then I take out my phone and make a fast call as I step quietly into Minka’s office.
“Yeah?” The sound on the other end of the line is loud. A bar thumps with noise. Music pumps and drinkers yelp their excitement. Then Tim asks, “What’s up?”
“Close it down. I need you to come get Aubree.”
Immediately, his tone turns dark. Dangerous. “Archer—”
“I’m not playing matchmaker, and she didn’t ask me to do this. But I have two women asleep on the job, and I can only carry one of them. I don’t wanna leave the other here alone. Help me out?”
“Fuck, Arch. Shit.”
He takes a moment to consider. Another to groan.
“Fine. Fuck.Everyone!” He shouts loud enough to make me yank the phone from my ear and have Minka rolling on her couch. “Get the fuck out! It’s closing time.”
MINKA
Idream of flying. Of floating.
I dream of steely arms and a man’s delicious aftershave, and when I come close to the surface of waking up, I roll in those arms and double down on my sleep.
Then I dream of the cold. Of wind.
I dream of his words.
I love you, Minka.
I’m pissed you didn’t go home like a normal person.
But I’m not mad I get to take you with me.
I dream of feathered kisses to my cheeks, grunting breath, and a bumpy ride.
Stairs.
I dream of echoing footsteps on concrete, and then I startle at the bang of a closing door, and immediately after it, a hushed ‘Shit,’straight into my ear, so Archer’s voice weaves me back into sleep.
A warm bed. A lush mattress. Those steely arms yanking me close once more.
And then… sleep. Amazing, restful slumber, while I lie on my side and Archer snuggles into my back and wraps me in his arms.
Annoyingly, I get my best sleep when he’s lying right beside me.
* * *