He smiled at her and her heart nearly stopped. His mouth curved, bringing his lips to her instant attention. His teeth flashed white and strong. The bottom dropped out of her stomach.

“I’m askin’ you to accompany me. I like your company even if you are a bit of a hothead.” The humor faded from his eyes. “I am going to be talkin’ to her about the altar the killer left behind and that might be upsetting to you.”

Her temper kicked into high gear. He did think she was a baby. He would never have even considered that Saria would be upset by the discussion of the details of a murder. Again color swept up her face. She’d thrown up. The evidence had been left behind, messing up the crime scene.

“I wouldn’t mind comin’ along and hearing what the voodoo lady has to say,” Bijou snapped. “Let’s go right now.” She knew she sounded annoyed and challenging, but she couldn’t help it. Lately she’d been restless and moody. She’d always been edgy anyway, and now it seemed so much worse. She was driven, but didn’t know to what. Sometimes she spent nights just pacing, trying to get rid of the edgy darkness that seemed to be spreading through her.

His slow grin sent a million butterflies winging their way through her stomach. “You are a little hothead, Blue.” He gave a mock sigh that made her heart skip a few beats. “I guess I’ll be the one to rein in the temper.”

She deliberately rolled her eyes. “I have way more control.”

His gaze jumped to hers, held her captive. There was something very hot and sexy in his eyes. “I’m takin’ that as a challenge, chere. I’m certain, if I put my mind to it, I’ll find a way to make you lose control.”

His drawl was quite frankly sinful, his voice implying things she didn’t dare think about. Lately she’d had too many nights when being celibate seemed impossible. Her body out of the blue would suddenly grow hot and tight and needy. She knew the moment that happened again, she would be thinking of Remy Boudreaux and fantasizing like crazy. If she wasn’t already, she was going to turn into a lobster, terrified he could read her mind.

“Let’s go before those people in that booth over there work up their courage and come ask for your autograph,” Remy suggested.

“I promised your friend I’d sign something and have my picture taken with her husband,” Bijou said. “I need to do that before we go.”

“We’re goin’ out of here through the kitchen,” Remy decided. “And you’re goin’ to get it done fast or you’ll be starting another riot.”