Crime of Passion (HBIA: Case Files Book 1) Read online

  “The toothpaste,” Neculai said, grabbing one of the new boxes. “I finished the old tube this morning.”

  Dragos nodded and quickly put the rest of the items back in their drawer. He knew Neculai was a fairly organized person so he did his best to keep things together as he repacked them into their small space.

  “Need help brushing?” Dragos teased as he moved for the door.

  “No, thanks,” Neculai playfully swatted at his ass.

  It was all so normal, so couple like. Dragos liked it. They still hadn’t gone on a proper date, but this was nice. Tonight could be considered a date, kind of. Who went on a first date to their niece’s recital? Damn, they really needed to go on that date. Dinner and lunch had both failed, so maybe they could try for breakfast? As long as it wasn’t a coffee date, Dragos was fine.

  “Hey, you want to watch anything?” Dragos asked from the living room as he turned the television on and started flipping through channels.

  “Go ahead and pick whatever,” Neculai answered as he came out of the bathroom and moved into the kitchen. “My shows don’t start for another two hours.”

  Dragos found he was a bit interested in what shows Neculai followed regularly. He picked a sitcom that he knew well, and settled in for a peaceful night. Neculai soon joined him and they cuddled close together.

  There was no pressure to do more. Again, Dragos felt comfortable.

  * * * *

  “So, how did last night go?” Rozalia asked as Dragos finished typing up the last bit of his report for the serial killer case.

  “What do you mean?” Dragos looked up at his partner.

  Rozalia rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. “I mean, did anything happen between you and your mate last night after you two went back to his place?”

  Dragos gave her a curious look, or at least he hoped he was. “You do know I’m staying with him only because he’s still recovering, right? It’s not like I went back to his place with the intentions to jump him.”

  “Why the hell not?” Rozalia frowned.

  “Not everything about our relationship revolves around sex,” Dragos reminded her. To prove that, he and Neculai were going to try for that lunch date again today.

  “If you say so,” Rozalia seemed rather disappointed.

  Too bad. Dragos wanted to build a real relationship with Neculai, not just a physical one. He wanted to learn his mate’s dreams and fears. He wanted to know what Neculai was passionate about, and how he passed the time when he wasn’t busy. And, along the way he wanted to fall in love with Neculai.

  He wasn’t sure if he wasn’t already falling for the half-demon, but Dragos wanted to savor these first stages of their relationship. Everything had started out so rocky and backwards. Now, hopefully, they could get things smoothed out.

  Placing the report in his out box, Dragos pulled up the email he’d received from the DA. The preliminary trial for Terrance was going to be held in two days. It wouldn’t be before a jury until much later, for now they were just meeting with the judge to decide on bail, if any. Dragos doubted the judge was going to allow Terrance free. The man was obviously a threat to himself and those around him.

  “Hey, Dragos, someone’s here for you,” a uniform called from the door before ducking out.

  Turning, Dragos smiled at Neculai. His mate looked good in a pair of straight leg, washed out jeans and t-shirt. Business attire fit him, but casual wear definitely had its appeal when on the tall half-demon.

  “Ready to go to lunch?” Neculai asked, a seductive smile finding its way onto his lips.

  “One minute.” Dragos replied quickly to the email, saying he and Rozalia would both be at the preliminary trial. “Hey, I’ll be back in an hour,” Dragos informed his partner.

  “Take your time,” Rozalia smiled, “Nothing but paperwork today anyway.”

  “Then, bye.” Dragos grabbed his coat and joined Neculai in leaving the precinct. “Where are we going?”

  “Do you like burgers?” Neculai asked.

  “Love them,” Dragos answered.

  “I know this amazing old fashioned burger place, world’s greatest fries.” Dragos could hear the hunger in Neculai’s voice as he praised their date location.

  “Sounds great,” Dragos couldn’t help but feel anxious as they got into his car and headed out. Things were going to work out this time. He just knew it.

  The End

  www.amhalford.com

  Author Bio

  I live in Southern Oregon and enjoy spending as much time outside as I possibly can. My boyfriend and I often find ourselves hiking with our two dogs when the weather permits it.

  I got into writing as a way for personal therapy and have since expanded that into a hobby and profession that I enjoy. I like to write believable relations between people overcoming unfair hardships set before them. I always love a happy ending and no matter the hell my characters go through they’ll always get their forever person.

  Also by A.M. Halford

  Itáyu Lake

  A Dragon’s Dream

  A Cougar’s Cry

  A Fairy’s Fears

  The Hunter’s Wolf

  Midnight Romance

  Lyle’s Lynx

  Teak’s Second Start

  Galaxia Pirates

  Abroad in the Stars

  Escape to the Stars

  Wrench in the Engine

  Mages of the Nether

  Destiny’s Call

  Desires of a Mage

  Love or Sacrifice

  Tulsa Immortals

  Leo’s Salvation

  Coyote’s River

  Anthologies

  Summer of Seduction

  SuMMer Heat

  * * *

  [AS1]If they are facing each other, their balls cannot slap together, N’s can slap his ass, but not his balls

  [AS2]He was on the bed, N I mean. Kneeling between D’s legs