Read Online Wish of the Heart by Malia Mallory - Free Book Online Page A

skin.
    Rylan’s hands skimmed over her waist and gripped her hips. “I want you, even though you’re so very naughty. Maybe because you’re so very naughty.” He captured her wrists and stretched her arms over her head. “You look so sweet, with your wide innocent eyes, but I know better, don’t I?” He chuckled.
    “If I’m naughty, it’s because you bring it out in me.” She lifted her hips underneath him.
    “I’m glad.” He reached between her legs, testing her readiness with his fingertip. “I like my wicked, sexy Macie. She makes me ache.”
    “I’m aching, too. Don’t make me wait,” Macie begged.
    Rylan positioned himself between her legs and sank into her, inch by slow inch, until they were one.
     
    ~ * ~ * ~
     
    Macie paced back and forth at the foot of the bed before sprawling on the stained chair in the corner, swinging her crossed leg.
    Rylan sighed and rubbed his neck. “Macie, do you want to get something to eat?”
    “No, I’m too keyed up. I’m not leaving now.” Macie’s fingers drummed the threadbare arm of the chair as she eyed the short man at the desk.
    Charles, the forensic accountant, hunched over the computer, his eyes only inches from the screen. Occasionally, he’d grunt or make a random exclamation. Each time, Macie braced for an announcement from him, but none was forthcoming and her agitation increased.
    Rylan stood behind Charles, his hands on his hips. Occasionally he peered closer when Charles would run his finger down the computer screen.
    Finally, Charles snapped his fingers and turned. “You see this here, someone’s hidden a worksheet. They probably meant to delete it. Who knows? But these payments, some of them are attributed to different vendors on the first sheet.”
    Realization formed within Macie. “Could that be evidence of embezzling?” She crossed the carpet with quick steps.
    Charles nodded. “If I had to guess, I’d say yes, someone was trying to be tricky. Frankly, they didn’t hide it very well. It’s pretty obvious. I almost feel bad taking your money to look at these.”
    Macie peered at the computer. “How much does it add up to?”
    Charles scratched his chin. “Almost a million if you go through all seven spreadsheets. Chump change to a company like this.”
    “Do you know where it went?” Rylan asked.
    “Nah. You can’t tell from here.” Charles sat up in his seat.
    “If you had to guess?” Macie pressed. Finding the money was bound to incriminate someone.
    “Probably they issued checks made out to a different vendor than they recorded,” Charles shrugged. “Could even have been an electronic transfer. Those records aren’t here.”
    Macie slapped her hand on the table. “Maybe Karen looked for them.”
    Charles rolled his shoulders. “The indication is here, but you need more.”

Chapter 11
    Rylan held Macie’s hand between his. “It’s time to go to the police. I’m not letting you stall any more.”
    “No, I agree. I’m going to call Detective Cruz,” Macie said. They’d done what they set out to do—find evidence. It was time to turn things over to the police. Past time, really, if she was honest with herself.
    “He’s retired.” Rylan rubbed her back with slow, lazy circles.
    “Yes, but I’d rather make a contact through him. Are you suggesting we walk into a police station and tell the desk sergeant?” Macie was still disappointed the computer hadn’t told them more.
    Rylan laughed. “Don’t be snarky. I’m on your side.”
    Macie took a deep breath. “Yes, you’re right, of course. I’m sorry. Now that this is leading somewhere, I just want it to be over.”
    Rylan released her. “Your idea is as good as any. Call him.”
    Macie went to the phone and dialed. Her heart raced. Cruz wouldn’t be happy. He would have expected her to contact the police before now.
    A woman answered. “Hello?”
    “Could I speak to Detective Cruz, please?” Macie asked. The woman sounded too young to be