Elusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #2)

by Nicky James

The moment, whatever it had been, shattered. Quaid’s face hardened. The notorious stitch appeared between his brows, and his back stiffened. I didn’t know why I did it, but I reached out and smoothed the crease with a thumb. “Stop frowning. Your face is going to get stuck like that.”

Why did I let him get to me like this? Why had I put myself in the middle of his case? I was a masochist. The things I did for… Well, not love. For cheating ex-boyfriends and their parents.

“Are you suggesting we go to a gay nightclub together, Quaid Valor?” “Don’t make it into something it’s not. It’s for work.” “Un-huh.” “For. Work,” I said again, the corner of my lips twitching. Aslan’s smile grew, and he pointed a finger at my face. “Careful, Valor. Don’t let anyone see that you enjoy my company.” “Hardly.” “I think you kind of like me.” “I think you’re delusional.” Aslan beamed. “I love it when you talk dirty. Let’s go.”

I squeaked and jolted forward when Aslan slapped my ass, grabbing a handful of the left cheek and squeezing as he leaned in and whispered, “Get your smug, sexy little ass over to the bar right now. We have work to do, and I don’t like your attitude.” “Um… inappropriate touching.” “Uh-huh. I’ll give you inappropriate touching, Quaid Valor. Don’t tempt me.”

As the moment simmered, the kissing resumed. It was sloppy and lazy, and I couldn’t stop smiling against his mouth. “My god, sex with you is so good.” He mumbled, “No talking,” and pulled me closer, kissing me deeper.

i can’t tell if the author’s just,,,, not that good at writing sex scenes, or not that good at writing in general-

but I had to get out of there before I threw a bucket of water in her face.

“It’s Detective,” I snapped, scowling down at her since she hadn’t bothered getting to her feet to see me out. “You should practice the respect you preach and expect in these teenagers. Otherwise, you aren’t much of a role model.”

pREACH

Sunny D

okay what the fUck is a sunny D

“I swear to god, no one makes a face like that. And you find it sexy?” I turned in my seat and grinned when I saw Quaid heading—storming was more accurate—toward us with his trademark sneer

“I’m starving.” Torin gave me a look that said, You deal with him. You asked for this.

I shooed her away. How dare she interrupt us when I’d finally cracked the scowling man’s façade and made him smile? Couldn’t she see how important that was?

Quaid pulled back to look at me, his expression smug. “I guess you’ll have to try harder next time.”

“Wait. Next time?” I called after him, but he didn’t turn around. Despite knowing the dangers, the idea of a next time didn’t sound all that bad.

“Did you know the longest chess game ever played was two hundred and sixty-nine moves? It lasted more than twenty hours,” Graham said. “Did you know,” I countered, “I’ve never beaten my dad at chess because he’s a cheater, cheater pumpkin eater?”

I returned my focus to the game as Graham moved his knight and said that dreaded word I’d come to loath. “Checkmate.” I scowled at the board, mouth agape. When Aslan laughed, I sneered. “Don’t you dare make that face at me. I will not be held responsible for my actions.”

Graham nodded distractedly as he tidied the pieces into their box. At least he didn’t gloat like my dad. “I think that would be wise. Perhaps you should practice some more. Your skills were mediocre at best. Are you sure you’re a master?” My jaw hit the floor, and Aslan howled.

My eyebrows hit my hairline, and Quaid choked on a laugh before slapping a hand over his mouth, his eyes bugging as he stammered out a muffled apology.

“You’re too cute.” And, just like that, I earned his full-wattage, trademark sneer. The man hated being called cute.

i can’t help but think of mal and seong-jae 💔

The staff knew us all by name and treated us like family.

“And you know that how?” “Because he has that same goddamn look in his eyes you do. Contrary to what you may think, I like him. He’s good for you.” Torin headed down the street toward headquarters while I took a minute to absorb all he said. “Wait. What look?” I called after him. “I don’t have a look in my eyes.

Aslan: Lol. Quick, send me a picture of your face. I frowned at my phone, started to respond, “Why?” then deleted it and flipped to camera mode. I switched it to forward-facing and gave the screen my best scowl so he didn’t think I was amused, then I sent it before I could think twice about what I was doing.

Help me out, or I’ll be taking you into custody right now, and we’ll be driving downtown where I will conduct a less than pleasant interrogation. I’m your pal right now. Your buddy. Everything’s cool and chill. Believe me, if you make my job any harder, cool and chill will be gone, and in the end, I will get answers.”

yuh huh okay there’s that leading and abusing your badge

“Maybe a little bit.” “You’re pretty amazing.” “Yeah, yeah. Don’t you forget it. I figured, if anyone asks, we got an anonymous tip.” “Sounds plausible. Good cover.” “I’m smart like that.” “You’re something.” “See you in a few.”

why is there no bloody writing saying what they feel and are thinking and whatever else idk it shouldn’t just be straight this straight that when talking :(

Walking away was going to hurt. I knew I should never have gotten involved.

Eden had texted three times, asking me to call, but I didn’t want to miss anything, so I’d tucked my phone away, determined to get back to her later.

qUAID NOOOO ANSWEERR

My heart thumped out of rhythm whenever I thought about bringing it up with Quaid. It was ridiculous. He’d laugh in my face.

???? he said before he likes you more than he should??? and that he doesn’t hate you??? wha

Why was I doing this anyway? I didn’t want to see Jack broken in a hospital bed.

gO SEE YOUR PARTNER FIIRSSTTTT

I didn’t want to touch him. I was afraid if I did, I would shake him or strangle him or scream in his face all the pain and rage that had been brewing in my core for months.

I was on my way out the door to meet Eden at the hospital when a car pulled up in front of the house.

noOo goD dAmMit dOnT GEt DistrActEd aGaIn

Eden grabbed my arm to keep me steady as my vision blurred with a flood of tears. “How’s this possible?” The tag read Juniper.

kNEW IT