22
" She came before she could stop herself, a small pop of release. Panting, she ripped the goggles off and found Peabody gaping at her.
"It wasn't a walk on a quiet beach," Eve managed.
"I could see that. What was it, exactly?"
"A couple of mostly naked guys and a big satin bed." Eve blew out a breath, set the goggles down. "Who'd have thought she relaxed with sex fantasies?"
"Ah, Lieutenant. Sir. As your aide, I believe it's my responsibility to test that unit. For evidence control."
Eve tucked her tongue in her cheek. "Peabody, I couldn't let you take that kind of risk."
"I'm a cop, sir. Risk is my life. "
― J.D. Robb , Rapture in Death (In Death, #4)
29
" Are you okay?"
"I don't know. I have to think about it." Her head was still spinning. "We're on the lawn," she said slowly. "Our clothes are torn. I'm pretty sure I have the imprint of your fingers dented into my butt."
"I did my best," he murmured.
She snickered first, then chuckled, then broke into fits of giddy, hiccupping laughter. "Jesus, Roarke, Jesus Christ, look at us."
"In a minute. I think I'm still partially blind. "
― J.D. Robb , Rapture in Death (In Death, #4)
31
" Following Peabody's distracted gaze, Eve had her first view of Jess Barrow. He was beautiful. A painting in motion with a long, shining mane of hair the color of polished oak. His eyes were nearly silver, thickly lashed, intensely focused, as he worked the controls of an elaborate console. His complexion was flawless, tanned to bronze set off by rounded cheekbones and a strong chin. His mouth was full and firm, and his hands, as they flew over the controls, were as finely sculptured as marble.
"Roll up your tongue, Peabody," Eve suggested, "before you step on it."
"God. Holy God. He's better in person. Don't you just want to bite him?"
"Not particularly, but you go ahead."
Catching herself, Peabody flushed to the roots of her hair. She shifted on her sturdy legs. This was, she reminded herself, her superior. "I admire his talent."
"Peabody, you're admiring his chest. It's a pretty good one, so I can't hold it against you."
"I wish he would," she murmured, then cleared her throat as Big Mary stomped back with two dark brown bottles. "
― J.D. Robb , Rapture in Death (In Death, #4)
32
" He turned her into his arms as they stepped into the studio, ran his hands over her hips. "I missed you. I miss spending large quantities of time with you."
She felt the heat kindle between her thighs, hotter, lustier than the moment called for. Her breasts tingled with it. "I missed you, too. Why don't we figure out how to cut the evening short, go home, and fuck like rabbits?"
He was hard as iron. As he leaned down to nip at her ear, he found himself struggling not to tug at her clothes. "Good thought. Christ, I want you. "
― J.D. Robb , Rapture in Death (In Death, #4)
33
" Thank you, Lieutenant."
"Which is why you are now assigned to me as my permanent aide. You want a detective shield, Officer?"
Peabody knew what she was being given: the opportunity, the gift out of nowhere. She closed her eyes a moment until she had her voice under control. "Yes, sir, I do."
"Good. You'll work your ass off for it. Get the data I requested, and let's move."
"Right away." At the door, Peabody paused, turned back. "I'm very grateful for the chance you're giving me."
"Don't be. You earned it. And if you screw up, I'll bust you down to traffic. "
― J.D. Robb , Rapture in Death (In Death, #4)
35
" Thoughts, ideas, music, desires, poetry, anger, hate. People speak of the heart, Lieutenant, but it’s the brain that holds all the magic and mystery of the human species. It elevates us, separates us, defines us as individuals. And the secrets of it—well, it’s doubtful we’ll ever know them all. "
― J.D. Robb , Rapture in Death (In Death, #4)