It wasn’t that Noemi was against family. On the contrary. But she needed to find a man before she could think about children. Her last boyfriend, Peter, as her mother so kindly reminded her, had left a major crack in her ego after she’d caught him cheating with her supposed best friend.

  Throwing her lifesavings into her move, she was fine with the way things were going. Then those two thugs had robbed the bakery, knocked her to the ground, and that police officer had called her mama. That led to over three dozen texts, and five, count ‘em, one, two, three, four, five, well-meaning phone calls in the last two-hours.

  She should’ve turned the damn thing off, but she was waiting on one call in particular. From him. The man she could not stop thinking about since that morning. Images of the bronze-skinned detective flashed through her brain, and Noemi felt her entire body heat up in response. He was absolutely, positively, the most drop-dead gorgeous man she had ever seen.

  He was hotter than a midsummer’s eve on her grandmama’s uncovered porch. Crazy old lady swore it was the only way to make sweet tea proper. In big old mason jars with molasses, sugar, and tea. Used to sit them right in the sun and wait hours for it to be the right color before moving them to the ice box.

  Sigh. She was a real country girl, her Granny. Taught Noemi how to make the best peach cobbler and bread pudding. Also showed her how cooking was a ritual in and of itself, sacred and blessed, passed down from generation to generation.

  She missed her Granny something awful. Missed a lot about her old life and her home in the Carolinas, but New York, well, this was home now. It was different, not better or worse, just different. Truth was, she loved living there. And now that she’d met Rami Llewellyn, she wondered if perhaps destiny had a hand in her move up north.

  She sipped her tea, and rolled her shoulders, willing herself to relax. Thinking about her recent choices and the changes that came with them, Noemi was glad she’d started up again with her yoga and breathing techniques. She was not quite ready to join a class, but maybe soon. After everything was settled.

  New York was interesting in so many ways she’d never expected. She thought the hustle and bustle of the crowds of people living and visiting were sure to make her feel like a sardine in a tin can, but that was not half of it. The energy that came with the throngs of folks was what genuinely surprised her.

  So many people, all unique, just living their lives. Wasn’t that a beautiful thing? She mulled through it all and allowed the events of the day to slowly recede from the forefront of her mind. There was so much to learn, see, and do yet. So much before she truly decided if this was the right place for her to build her life.

  D’Angelo’s Bakery was the perfect little place for her dream store, Southern Belle Bake Shop. Noemi had visions of customers lining up for her homemade pies, scones, biscuits, and specialty cakes. Of course, she would continue to supply traditional Italian pastries as well.

  The neighborhood would revolt against her should she stop making Mr. D’Angelo’s famous cornetti. But even there she had plans to inject some of her southern style into the recipes. Flavors like peach, plum, and blackberry filled cornetti, pecan crumble shortbread, and strawberry-rhubarb Danishes kept her awake at nights.

  She did not want to go back home, but there was nothing wrong with bringing a little home to the big city, was there? And maybe, she could find a little bit of happiness for herself with that tall drink of sweet tea, Detective Sergeant Rami Llewellyn himself.

  Yum. She’d thought it odd when his grandmother started showing up every day for a loaf of bread right when she had a lull in customers. The older woman was sweet but sly. Always brought the conversation back to her handsome, single grandson.

  His Nana was a fox in disguise, she thought with a grin. Though to be honest, she certainly had bragging rights on her grandson. He was a damn fine specimen of man. Noemi’s phone rang and she jumped, caught in her daydreams once again.

  “Hello?” she asked breathlessly.

  “Noemi? It’s me.”

  It was him. That deep rumbly voice of his was entirely unique. A blend of his Arabic descent and New York upbringing, she would kill to hear him say something in his family’s native tongue. Okay, so she was a sucker for languages. So what? One thing for sure, she would never mistake the detective for another man.

  “Detective Llewellyn, I’ve been waiting for your call,” she replied.

  No point in beating about the bush. She was happy to hear from him and wanted him to know. One thing Noemi had not liked about living back home and dating men like Peter was the way they always said one thing and meant another.

  “You have?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, uh, that’s nice,” he mumbled, and she could almost see his blush, “I wanted to let you know the damage to the bakery has been repaired. I also called Terrie, and had her come in. She is at the store now. I remembered you said there were two orders that had to be picked up-”

  “Wow, really? How did you get her to come in?”

  “She’s the kid sister of one of my Prid-, I mean, my co-workers,” he explained.

  “I see,” she sat down, twirling her hair around one finger like back when she was a teenager, she thought and dropped her hand, “Thank you so much. I guess I should go in then and finish what I was doing.”

  “Sure, if you think you should. I’ll be there in a few minutes to drive you.”

  “Are you sure you have the time?”

  “Yes,” his voice got even deeper, “I am positive.”

  Chapter 3

  Rami held the door open for the delectable little pastry chef, noting the way she smiled approvingly at the old timey gesture. Not many modern New York women appreciated it when he did things like that, but it was in his blood.

  Part of the Llewellyn family tradition of good manners and old-world courtesy. Most Shifters he knew behaved the same with females. Rare in this modern world, but to him and folks like him, females were meant to be protected and cherished.

  The fact she’d been attacked by Wolves made his Lion tremble with rage. Those Mutts better hope he did not find them before the rest of his precinct did. He wasn’t sure he could keep his claws to himself if he got to the punks first.

  “I appreciate the attention,” she turned to face him.

  “My pleasure. Please, let me walk you through the back room just to check it out,” he said, waiting for her to lead the way before nodding to Terrie.

  The young Lioness had given him only the slightest attitude, which he’d soon corrected with one well-placed snarl. Dominance was everything in a Pride or Pack, and she was simply a young woman testing the waters.

  But where Noemi Donato was concerned, Rami would settle for nothing less than absolute obedience. No, he was not the Primus, but he was high ranking, and his reputation for being fair and just preceded him.

  If Wolves were behind this attack, and the distinct scent of lupine urine and other markers they’d so carelessly left behind supported that theory, then Rami had cause to be concerned. The human female was beautiful and feisty, but her wit and charm would not save her in the face of two hardened criminals with the power of their Wolves behind them.

  “Hi Terrie,” Noemi said with a bright smile for the young woman, who had brains enough to look embarrassed, “I am so sorry your vacation got cut short.”

  “No, my bad, I, uh, wasn’t supposed to take my vacation till next month. I, uh, got mixed up,” she explained half-heartedly, her eyes carefully averted.

  The Lioness knew better than to test his temper. She’d apologized, and took her instructions from both him, her brother Timothy, and their Primus, Captain Luani. The fact the victim of a supernatural attack was human was cause for alarm.

  The Shifter Council of NYC would have to be notified. Reports would get made, and if the female in question caught a whiff of their world, well, she would have to be dealt with.

  Rrrroooaarr.

  His Lion objected to even the possibility of anyone coming to deal with Noemi. There was just something about her. Her smile, her big blue eyes, that delicious accent, all those curves, and the fact she smelled sweeter than his favorite candy was driving him bananas. Even now, as she walked to the bakery’s kitchen, backside swaying with each step in her cushioned Crocs, Rami couldn’t help but undress her with his eyes.

  His own slacks were cut a little too tight in his opinion. He’d have to tell Manuel, his tailor, the next time he ordered some suits. Shit. On second thought, he better not. The old fucker would know just what his trouble was, and he was not in the mood to be ribbed by anyone.

  “Looks good to me,” Noemi’s sweet, accented voice tickled his ears.

  “Yep,” he agreed, coughing when she turned with one eyebrow raised, catching him in the act of ogling her peach of an ass as opposed to the kitchen.

  “All’s clear,” he nodded and looked around.

  Fact was, he knew the kitchen was empty. Could scent it. Watching her go back to the scene of her attack told him a lot about the woman behind the chef’s coat and the succulent pastries he’d all but inhaled that morning. Truth was, he wanted to learn more, as much as he could about her.

  So far, Rami knew Noemi was brave, kind, sweet, had a strong work ethic, and was very forgiving, if the way she’d treated Terrie was a clue. The female was perfect, in his opinion. But he was not looking for a girlfriend. Definitely not looking for a mate.

  Grrrr. His beast snarled and unsheathed his massive claws, the animal seemed willing to take a chunk out of himself for even thinking those things.

  Well, fuck. What now? He had to go on stake-out tonight, and she had a few more hours till closing.

  “Thank you, Rami, for taking such good care of me,” Noemi said stepping closer to him, “My mama would be pleased to know some northerners have excellent manners.”

  “Not a big fan, is she?” he asked, moving closer to her.

  “More like she’s not a fan of her only daughter living a thousand miles away.”

  “I see. And what about you? You a fan of big city living?”

  “I think so, detective.”

  “Not gonna run scared after today?” he asked.

  Yeah, he was fishing, but with good reason. He needed to know before he touched her if she was going to run. Fuck knew, the second he laid hands on the woman, he was not going to let go. At least, not for a good long while.

  Never, his Lion inserted the word. He wanted to argue with the animal but found himself shocked to realize the beast was right. He had no inclinations towards leaving the woman in front of him.

  “I’m made of stronger stuff than that,” she said, her big eyes sparkling like aquamarines under the bright kitchen lights.

  “Really? I could’ve sworn you were made of silk and honey,” he murmured, teasing a lock of her golden-brown hair between his fingers.

  Noemi swallowed, her body leaning into his, and he knew he was going to kiss her. His heart raced with the knowledge. He preened with it. Like it was some great secret only meant for him, even though she too, would be in on it soon.

  “I read somewhere that silk is stronger than steel, and honey is an anti-oxidant. One of nature’s superfoods. It’s even used to treat wounds. So, you see, I don’t mind the comparison one bit, detective,” her eyelids lowered to half-mast, and she lifted her arms, entwining them around his neck.

  Rami growled deep in his chest, dipping down to capture Noemi’s mouth with his. Her ready submission left him breathless, hungry, and wanting more.

  His arms wrapped around her like steel bands, pulling her closer into the contours of his body. Her softness molded to his muscle, fitting him to perfection, and fuck yes, he wanted her. Was dying to tear off her clothes, to lick her from head to toe, paying special attention to the juncture between her thighs.

  He imagined her coming on his tongue, needed to taste her honey right from the source. Noemi moaned as he sucked on her tongue, and lowered one hand, squeezing her plump cheeks firmly, and thoroughly. She had an ass that made him want to drop to his knees and thank the gods.

  Longing to sink into her heat, he was damn near overwhelmed with lust. His heightened senses told him a customer had just walked in, probably the one with the special order. They were not alone. This was not the time or place for what he wanted to do.

  Even if Terrie pretended not to hear them from her perch in the storefront. Still, he knew the Lioness was aware of what they were doing. And when he did do all of the deliciously naughty things he imagined doing to the succulent little chef, Rami wanted no audience. Just Noemi.

  Slowing the kiss was harder than cutting off his own paw, but it was necessary, he reasoned. She tasted like sugarcoated berries and sunshine. Decadent and delicious, and he wanted more.

  Soon, he told himself, very soon. His feelings for her, the desire and need to protect, cherish, and possess, were surprising, but very real. There was no doubt in his mind that he would be spending more time with the female in his arms.

  “Rami,” she breathed, resting her forehead against his.

  “That was,” he began, but had no idea how to finish.

  “If you say unprofessional, detective, you just might hurt my feelings,” she laughed, still struggling to catch her breath, and his chest swelled with pride.

  “I was going to say wonderful,” he inserted, dropping a spontaneous kiss on her pert nose.

  “I bet you have to go,” her blue eyes nearly swallowed him whole, and he found he didn’t want to go. Not now. Not ever.

  “I do.”

  “Come back? Maybe not tonight, but tomorrow?”

  “Yes,” he answered immediately, capturing her lips one more time, and damn near bending her in half.

  “Rami! Phone call!” Terrie called from the front, and he pulled up.

  Still unwilling to let her go, his hands rested on her sumptuous hips as he inhaled, trying to calm his beast. Noemi laid a gentle hand on his chest, rubbing the spot as if she somehow knew that would ease his Lion. The animal chuffed inside of his mind’s eye, settling now that he’d seen to it, she was safe and would be watched by one of his Pride.

  “What time will you be finished tonight?”

  “Well, I lost some time this morning, and I have tomorrow’s baking to prep. But I’ll be ready to leave by eight.”

  “Terrie will take you home.”

  “Terrie? But she’s a child-”

  “Uh, she studied self-defense with her brother. I would do it myself, but I am on stakeout tonight.”

  “I see,” she frowned, “Well, if it will make you feel better, I guess it is okay. Be careful, will you?”

  “It does make me feel better, roohi. You be careful too.”

  Later that night…

  “You called her what now?” Officer Timothy Swavely scratched his head and cocked it to the side.

  “Nothing man,” Rami grunted.

  Why the fuck had he told the man about his conversation with Noemi anyway? Stupid. Real stupid.

  But the fact was he’d called the woman roohi. He’d grown up hearing his father call his mother that, along with a slew of other Arabic terms of endearment. For some reason, when he’d looked into Noemi’s azure gaze, it just clicked.

  Roohi literally meant my soul. His Lion chuffed, agreeing with the sentiment from the place he rested deep within Rami’s mind’s eye. Even though his human side wasn’t quite ready to face that, or to examine the reasoning behind his sudden attachment to the attractive normal.

  Fuck. It was going to be a real issue. He needed to get approval from his Primus before revealing his Shifter secret to the sweet human. With the Shifter Council meeting coming up at the end of the month, Rami would probably have to request a formal hearing there too. He would need their consent as well.

  This kind of shit was complicated, and honestly, maybe he was jumping the gun. The woman barely had time to settle into her new life and work. How was he going to spring all this on her? Never mind his Nana had gone positively berserk when he mentioned meeting the female when he’d stopped home for a fresh shirt.

  “You talked to the Southern girl from the bakery? Oh, Rami, and?”

  “And what? She was the victim of a crime, Nana.”

  “So, that is why you rushed from the station to see to her and why you had to take her home?”

  “Are you spying on me again? I thought we set boundaries last time, Nana,” he’d warned.

  “Shush, you are my grandson, I want you safe and happy always. But Rami, you think about her, yes?”

  “Yes, I’ve been thinking about her ever since I saw her,” he responded honestly. He knew no other way to be with his grandmother, intrusive though she may seem.

  “Good.”

  The old woman had left it at that, but Rami wasn’t able to take his mind off the pastry chef as easily. They’d kissed. And it was great. Like really, really great.

  BFD, he snarled at himself. He was behaving like he was in junior high! Rami needed to slow his roll and allow things to progress naturally if at all. Chances were, he wouldn’t even remember her name in a day or so.

  Grrrr, his Lion snarled, not fucking likely.

  Fine. He was man enough to admit he was attracted to the woman. More than attracted, he was mesmerized. Kissing her was an experience he wanted to savor again and again. For many long and cool Autumn nights to come.

  To hell with just the fall, his beast growled. Rami wanted winter, spring, and summer too. He wanted to fall asleep holding the curvy female tight. Wanted to experience ecstasy in her arms, to bring her to heaven with his lips and body. That sounded like a good fucking plan.

  “Anyway, bro,” Tim interrupted his musings, “Terrie said she walked the chick home, and nothing happened.”

  Don’t call her a chick,” Rami snapped, then shook his head.

  “My bad,” Tim grinned.

  “Sorry, and thanks for the update, bro,” Rami fist-bumped the guy, and walked outside to his unmarked vehicle.

 

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