She was exhausted after her first day of tourism. She’d walked miles and miles and breathed in all she could of the beautiful culture of New York.

She perused her guidebook and made plans for the next day, and then she snuggled into the lumpy bed in the cheap room filled with cheap seventies furnishings, and fell into a deep sleep.

When she woke up, she was in the fight of her life.

6

Reid

Nieves sipped her third martini. I’d ordered another scotch, but each time I brought it to my lips I feigned drinking. Age-old game of getting your adversary drunk so he’d talk. I was good at it.

I’d learned from the best.

Not that I considered Nieves an adversary. Not yet, at least. I still didn’t know how her sister was involved in all this, but tonight I’d find out.

If I had to fuck her to get the intel, I would.

No sweat off my back.

“Tell me about your sister’s doctor,” I said. “Dr. Manfred.”

She rolled her eyes. “Manny? That slimy guy? I wouldn’t let him near my pussy.”

I smiled, holding back a chuckle. “Why?”

“Have you met the man?”

“I have, actually. I’ve checked him out. He’s in good standing with the Montana Medical Board. He was at the top of his class in med school.”

“Where’d he go to med school? Guatemala?”

“University of Virginia, actually. Quite a good school.”

“He couldn’t get into Harvard, huh?”

I laughed this time. “Without connections, it’s almost impossible to get into Harvard Med School. But his undergrad record was excellent. He was a great candidate for any med school.”

“So?”

“So he’s a capable doctor, which doesn’t jibe with your dislike of him.”

“He’s just…slimy.”

“Meaning…” I knew exactly what she meant. He wasn’t tall and good-looking. I wanted her to say it. Why? I wasn’t sure.

“Meaning, my body, my choice. I don’t want him near my pussy.”

Okay, she wasn’t biting. Fair enough. Time to try another tactic. “Apparently your sister only went to him once.”

“Did she?” Nieves stared down at her nearly empty third drink.

“Her previous physician was a Dr. Isabel Caleb.”

“She’s good. I’ve gone to her.”

“If she’s good, why would Leta switch to Dr. Manfred?”

“I don’t know. I’m not my sister’s keeper.” Again, staring into her now-empty martini glass.

“It’s puzzling, don’t you think?” I took another fake drink of my scotch.

Nieves met my gaze. “The only thing puzzling is why we’re not hitting the sheets yet.”

I smiled—that devilish grin that no lady could resist. “Oh, we will. But I find anticipation makes it even better.” I signaled the barkeep. “Another for the lady.”

The still-blushing bartender slid another dirty martini in front of Nieves. She daintily took a sip.