In Hot Pursuit Read Free Page B

her end of the handcuffs and jangled the links between them. “I’m at the other end of these, remember.”
    He looked like she’d just sentenced him to twenty-to-life. What was the big deal? She’d hauled at least ten other people to the jail cell tonight, and nobody else had caused such a fuss. If anything, they’d been more interested in giving Lexi the cold shoulder than worrying about their jail time.
    Josh Winger angled his big body between her and the dance floor, shielding their conversation from any wayward eyes. “What I want to know is why I’m on this end.” He hissed the words between clenched teeth. “You got some kind of fetish?”
    Lexi blinked up at him, realizing the man seemed to have no clue what fund-raiser he’d bought a ticket for tonight.
    â€œNo, Mr. Winger, I don’t. I happen to be the jailmistress for the Buy a Celebrity’s Freedom event tonight. Care to come with me quietly?”
    He stared at her for an interminable moment, weighing her words and sizing up her person. Lexi resisted the urge to stand up straighter. She’d followed this man because she wanted to meet him, maybe lure him into a one-night stand to somehow soothe her stinging self-esteem.
    Now, she realized she’d obviously forgotten how to flirt. Josh Winger remained oblivious to all her best provocation.
    Finally, his gaze returned to hers, his gray eyes seeing too deeply inside her. “I can’t guarantee I’ll come with you quietly, Lexi—” Was it her imagination, or did the phrase take on new meaning when it fell from his lips? “I think it depends on just how far you want to go.”
    A wave of heat took a slow ride over her flesh, awakening every last nerve ending to the draw of the stud sporting one earring. His words melted the backbone she’d fought hard for all night, leaving her swaying on her high heels, and suddenly more than a little wary.
    â€œUm.” She fought her way out of the sensual fog to concentrate on her answer. Forget flirting. This man could out-flirt her with his hands—well, handcuffed. She’d be lucky to deposit him in the jail cell without spontaneously combusting first. “I just need to put you in the cell over there.”
    She pointed toward the edge of the dance floor—anything to distract him so she could pull herself together. Maybe she’d think more clearly when theyweren’t handcuffed. Then she could decide whether she wanted to proceed with her plan to test out her personal magnetism.
    Josh’s gaze didn’t follow her finger. Instead, he kept his focus directly on her.
    Her sequins tread dangerously close to his dinner jacket with each breath she took. The heat of his body penetrated her lightweight gown, giving her the sense they’d already touched somehow.
    What would it be like to spend a night with a man like this? Would she dare?
    â€œDo you know who I am, Lexi?”
    Too sexy for his own good?
    â€œNo.”
    â€œI’m a police detective. Tenth precinct. It’s usually me who locks the people behind bars, so you caught me a little off guard here tonight.”
    She nodded, trying to make sense of his words. “I’m sure many of tonight’s partygoers will vie to spring you from captivity, Detective. You won’t have to sit behind bars for very long.” Lexi had no doubt this man would start a catfight as women lined up to ransom him. She’d told herself that had been a small facet of her reason for pursuing him.
    He shook his head, causing a lock of hair to fall forward on his forehead, making her hand itch to smooth it.
    â€œYou don’t understand. I’m not going into the jail cell.”
    Lexi straightened. “You have to. Party rules.”
    She saw a flash of frustration in his eyes, followed by something hotter and more complex.
    He reached for her with his free hand, his fingers settling on the bare skin of her