Page 58 of Zane

"And-and she was shacking up with you." She spread her hands wide. "I'm a mother and I had a right to be concerned."

"Was that concern you exhibited? Or plain prejudice? You saw my tattoos and knew of my so-called reputation and jumped to the obvious conclusions. Instead of taking your daughter aside and having a private conversation with her, you reprimanded her like she was a two-year-old. I'd say she deserves an apology, don't you think?" His tone was mild, but the underlying threat was clear.

"Of course," she said stiffly.

"Good." Zane made a point of glancing at his watch. "I believe I've exceeded my five minutes." He turned toward the door, and his hand was on the knob when she spoke.

"I love my daughter. I know you don't believe that, but I do."

He turned to look at her, his cool gaze flicking over her face. "Then show it."

Katherine sat there rigid for a few minutes after he closed the door.

*****

It was the longest day ever, Kara thought wearily. There had been no court today, and she had spent most of it wading through paperwork and case files. And her mind had been on other things. Abigail had been out of the office for most of the day and only breezed in for thirty minutes. The first question out of her mouth had been whether Kara had mended the wrong she had done. When she prevaricated, Abigail had sent her a very disappointed look that made her feel even worse.

She was still thinking, wasn't she? Was it wrong for her to wish that he would do the calling? And he hadn't, which meant he was no longer interested.

It was for the best, she decided as she slung the briefcase strap over her left shoulder and pulled her jacket closer around her on the way to the car. She was on top of him before she noticed he was there, and when she did, her heart did a flip that landed at her feet. Her breath tangled inside her throat and her legs went weak. He was wearing his usual black, and his hair was tied back with a leather thong. He had his foot on the pedal or whatever it was called, and he looked dangerous and appealing.

Putting his helmet back on, he jerked his head. "Get on."

"I don't-"

Hissing out a breath, he climbed off and walked toward her. Taking the briefcase and the key fob, he unlocked the car and tossed the briefcase onto the back seat before locking it again. Pocketing the fob, he simply lifted her up and deposited her on the motorcycle, securing the helmet on her head himself.

"I suggest you hold on tight," he shouted as he gunned the engine.

She screamed, her hands wrapping around his waist as he swerved out of the parking lot. Fear kept her rigid for ten full minutes as she plastered herself to his back, her knees weak. He was weaving in and out of traffic with little care for any danger. She sank her fingers into his jacket and closed her eyes for the first half of the ride.

Then things changed as he turned off from the main road and she was able to appreciate the scenery whizzing past her, and feel the wind on her face. To her surprise, she found that it wasn't so bad after all. It was, in fact, exhilarating!

Zane was not having a good time of it. She was pressed so tightly against him that her nipples were branding into his back and making him rock hard. Swearing beneath his breath, he swung away from the road to enter the private one that led to his property.

Taking the route that led to his trailer, he drove in, killed the engine and just sat there for a while.

"Home sweet home." Tugging off his helmet, he hopped off and lifted her to the ground. Removing her helmet, he put the two of them into the holder and secured it. Without a word, he strode to the steps and unlocked the front door, not even looking to see if she was following.

"It's a little messy," he said carelessly as she stepped into the small foyer. That was, in fact, an understatement. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and a coffee cup and an empty pizza box sat on a charming oak table in the living area. Shrugging out of his jacket, he slung it over a chair before heading into the kitchen.

"Why have you brought me here?" She stood in the doorway, hands linked as she watched him open the refrigerator. The kitchen was surprisingly homey, with all the modern appliances.

"I want to talk."

"So you just thought you could kidnap me?"

"Beer?" When she shook her head, he took one out and popped the cap. Leaning on the counter, he studied her. This time the outfit was a combination of cranberry red and navy blue. The jacket was snug and the pants fit her slender curves like a glove. She looked good enough to eat.

Turning away from his intense stare, she went to look out the window. "I'm sorry," she whispered faintly.

"What was that?"

"I'm sorry I offended you."

Taking a long swallow of his beer, he studied her back. Putting the bottle down, he went to stand behind her. "That's it? Nothing else?"

Her eyes met his through the glass before skittering away. From where she was standing, she could see a very pretty glossy brown pergola with vines climbing all over the sturdy structure.