…With that killer sexy smile, she lifted cup and saucer his way. Gabe accepted with a smile he hoped she took as acceptance. He wouldn't be on duty forever. This was one woman he definitely wanted to get to know better.

"I'm afraid I can't stay long, ma'am." He leaned closer. "I just wanted to warn you. Make sure you were safe. This man is a killer."

Her deep brown eyes never left his as she slithered her fingers over his hands. "Oh, I think you'll stay until I tell you to go."

Her lips were a breath away from his. Damned if she wasn't going to kiss him. Damned if he wasn't going to let her. His mouth parted waiting for hers. Cold steel spanned his wrists. In his passion-clouded mind, it took Gabe one heartbeat too long to understand what she was doing.

He jerked back. Handcuffs snapped in place over his wrists. His own damn handcuffs! She'd pilfered them from the case at his back.

"What the hell?"

Teacup and saucer clattered to the braided rug. The woman jumped back. Laughing lightly, she lassoed a velvet rope around his ankle and tugged. Gabe fell back. She looped a second rope through the handcuffs and pulled his arms over his head.

"Goddamnit, woman! What the—"