Bedmates Soulmates

There was a sudden pause in the music.

The room was thrown into silence.

Even the pole-dancing hostess and her twerking coworker had stopped.

Every pair of eyes fell on Kira.

Luca stared at her.

The police captain struggled to reconcile the pitiful, weeping girl in the holding cell with this plucky, assertive young woman who refused to submit to her husband's order.

So she wasn't a shrinking violet, after all.

Jesse was right; the girl had got cojones.

Damian's eyes twinkled with amusement,

He gave Austyn a look that seemed to say ""Obedient, deferential, quiet," eh? It appears that you don't know your wife

that well.'

Luca and Jesse exchanged a glance, holding back laughter.

Austyn's face was livid with rage.

The stubborn, rebellious, mule-headed girl!

She was clearly ill at ease when she came in.

Why did she want to stay all of a sudden?

Kira held her head high and refused to look at Austyn.

The little outburst had felt good.

She was not going to be bossed around by him like a servant in front of other people.

She was lured here under false pretences.

She was the victim.

The least the man could do was offer her a drink.

Kira strutted over to a sofa and plonked herself dowIL.

Austyn could leave if he pleased.

She was staying put.

The vein on Austyn's forehead started throbbing

The girl had the check to sit down!noveldrama

He revisited the idea of giving his young wife a good spanking

Maybe as soon as he got home.

Kira ignored her husband.

She smiled at Luca. 'Captain O'Neill, we meet again."

Luca returned the smile. 'Miss Hewitt, how's your friend doing?"

"Giana is fine, but the doctor said she needed to stay at the hospital for a day or two as a precaution. Which reminds me -both Giana and I owe

you a huge debt of gratitude. If not for you, we would still be locked up at the police station.

""Don't mention it."

He only d

did it because Kira was Austyn's wife, and she was innocent.

"That's kind of you to say, but we can't just take your help for granted.' Kira insisted. "And then there's the matter of the money.

The nurse at Admission had asked for a deposit of three thousand dollars.

Kira was penniless; her wallet was still back at the police station.

The captain stepped up.

'I'll pay you back as soon as I can, maybe within a day or two,' Kira said. 'I could write you an IOU if you want."

Kayleigh had been ordered to pay compensation to Glana.

When that cheque arrived, Kira would be able to repay the captain.

'Don't worry about it,' Luca said.

'Once Glana gets back on her feet, could we take you out for a meal?' Kira asked.

She'd talked it over with her friend.

They both agreed they owed a big one to the captain.

"That's really not necessary."

'Please, I insist. It's the least we could do."

'In that case, sure, but nothing fancy."

'It's a deal,' Kira said with a smile. "What would you prefer? Korean barbecue, hot pot, Italian, French?

'I'm fine with anything. I'm not a picky eater,"

"Glana and I know this sushi restaurant. The owner and head chef comes from a long line of culinary masters. He prepares the most amazing five-course omakase. And his knife skills are a treat for the eyes." 'Sure. Sounds interesting.

'Great. I'll call you to set up a date as soon as Glana is discharged from the hospital. I don't think I have your number, though."

'I'll give you a call right now.'

Kira whipped out her phone. 'My number is..."

Austyn, seated less than a metre away, caught every word of the conversation.

His wife and one of his best friends seemed to be getting on like a house on fire.

From his position, he could see the smile on Kira's face and the twinkle in her eyes as she talked to Luca.

What was so damn interesting about a discussion on food?

Why was she giving out her number to a man she barely knew?

And why must she invite Luca out for a meal?

How come she never mentioned the sushi place to him?

The police captain felt a pair of eyes burning holes in the back of his head and hid a smile.

Damian was just as amused by Austyn's reaction.

Didn't Austyn say that he had no feelings for his wife, and that she was just the right candidate at the right time?

If that was the case, why was he giving Luca the death stare?

The answer he gave earlier-was he lying to his friend, or lying to himself?

Damian cleared his throat, a signal to Luca to stop talking and poking the bear. 'I don't believe we have been introduced, Damian said to Kira.

Why Is He Staring At Her Like That?

'Oh, that's right, I forgot you two haven't met.' Luca received the message. 'Miss Hewitt, this is Damian Matthews, our big brother and good friend. We grew up together. Damian, this is Kira Hewitt, Austyn's, ahem, wife.' Kira sat up straight and reached out a hand. 'Mr Matthews, nice to meet you."

Seated on an armchair opposite, Damian leaned forward to shake Kira's hand. 'Nice to meet you. You can call me Damian."

Kira saw that the man had an angular face with prominent cheekbones and sharp, piercing eyes.

His hair was cropped close to the scalp.

His grip was exceptionally strong.

Kira winced slightly.