Midnight Shadows by Ella Grace Page A

was sure the scene earlier had upset her, Ian was glad to see the happiness and contentment on both Savannah’s and Zach’s faces. Henson hadn’t taken away their joy.
    “She looks just like you and your sisters when you were babies, Savannah Rose.”  
    Ian smiled at Sabrina’s aunt, Gibby Wilcox, who stood behind them. Sabrina had told him their aunt had agreed to stay a few days to help out. The gleam in her eyes said she was as proud as she could be to be asked.
    “I remember the day Maggie brought you three home from the hospital. Never saw prettier babies in all my life.” Her smile widened. “Till now, that is.”
    “Thank you, Aunt Gibby,” Savannah said. “I love knowing that.”
    A small unhappy cry told Ian it was time to return the bundle to her mother. Saying goodbye, Sabrina and Ian left the nursery and headed to her suite of rooms on the other side of the mansion.  
    “What case did you want to talk about? Is this a new one or an ongoing one?”
    “I’ve been working it on and off for a few months.”
    “We’ve talked about it?”
    “Sort of.”
    “Hmm. Sounds mysterious.” She opened the door to her suite.
    Before the discussion that would most likely erupt into an argument could begin, Ian pulled her into his arms. “First things first.” The instant his mouth touched hers, heat ignited. Just like that—that’s how it’d always been with Sabrina.
    Her moan of pleasure vibrated against his lips as he drew deeply on her. When she opened her mouth, Ian pulled her closer, devouring her sweetness.
    Four years and the new hadn’t worn off. The love he had for her had only grown stronger. Her taste, the delicacy of her strong but slender body, the sheer beauty of the woman he held in his arms enchanted him. In fifty years, even seventy-five, he would still feel the same way.  
    Loosening his arms, he looked down at her. The slightly glazed look in her eyes was gratifying. And it was exactly how he felt, too.  
    Her laugh was breathless and a little shaky. “Now that’s what I call a hello kiss.”
    “I’ve had five days to think about it.”
    “Hmm. Maybe when we finish talking about your case, you can show me what else you’ve been thinking about.”
    “With pleasure.”
    She moved to the sitting area and dropped onto a sofa. “Okay, so what’s the case?”
    Ian took a breath. Here goes. “Armando Cruz.”

Chapter Eight

    “Cruz,” Sabrina muttered the name she hadn’t allowed herself to say in months. “What about him?”
    “I’ve been trying to find the man responsible for killing him.”
    “Why?”
    “Because he needs to be found and stopped.”
    “And that’s the only reason?”
    “You know it’s not. I couldn’t care less about Cruz. Whoever this guy is, he—”
    Ian shoved his fingers through his hair and scowled his irritation. “Why the hell am I even looking for an excuse? What better reason is there than the real one? He had you kidnapped, Sabrina. God only knows what he planned to do to you.”
    She had no idea why this news surprised her. From the moment she’d met Ian Mackenzie he’d gotten in her way, injected himself into her life and made his presence known in a thousand different ways. He had saved her life more than once. Been her partner, became her lover only months after knowing him. He could make her furious one moment and have her laughing the very next.
    Anyone else’s interference would have infuriated her. Other people had tried to get as close to her and she had shut them down, forced them out of her life. That had never happened with Ian.
    He expected anger, she could see. He was braced for it, ready to argue his case and she knew he wouldn’t back down. A man of principles and integrity, Ian Mackenzie would fight for what he believed was right. She could prevaricate—argue this wasn’t his business, his case. And how stupid would that be?  
    Instead, Sabrina stood and held out her hand. “Follow me.”
    Somewhat puzzled at