Hearts & Diamonds Read Online Free Page A

were the topic of conversation. She watched it with little interest as she waited for seven o’clock. Finally, she got up, retrieved Quin’s card from her coat and picked up her phone.
    A bolt of nervousness riffled through her stomach as the phone rang.
    “Agent Rios.”
    His deep husky voice was smoother than her java. “Um, Quin, it’s Nia, Nia Sanders.” She swallowed the lump in her throat that came out of nowhere as she clutched the handheld phone.
    “Good morning, Nia, how can I help you?”
    Was he always so polite and professional?
    “I thought of something last night…this morning rather. I don’t know if it means anything or if it will help the case any, but I thought I’d call and tell you anyway.” A rush of heat flooded her cheeks. How could she be rambling on like this after two cups of the good stuff?
    “I’m glad you called. I’m actually in your area.”
    “You are?”
    “I could stop by…if it’s not too early for you.”
    “That’s fine, how soon?”
    “Hmm…about twenty minutes. Is that okay?”
    Twenty minutes to wash her face, fix her wild hair and throw something on. Impossible. “Sounds good.”
    “See you then.”
    She ended the call and stared at the phone for a split second before dashing up to her bedroom. There was not time for anything but the essentials. Exactly nineteen minutes and twenty-three seconds later, she was washed and dressed in her favourite pink jogging suit. She pulled a headband around her naturally curly hair, hoping she didn’t look as tired as she felt.
    Well, it’s not every day you survive a jewellery heist.
    She grabbed her eyeliner and had just applied lip gloss as the doorbell rang.

    “You’re lucky. I was already up, Rios.”
    Quin grinned. “You’re always up, Tan.”
    His partner stifled a yawn. “I know. I should have made coffee part of the deal to meet you this morning.”
    “Next Starbucks run is on me.”
    Agent Tan snorted as he rang the bell a second time. “I can’t wait to look into Ms. Sander’s eyes and see if she plays a part in all of this.” She tucked a loose strand of auburn hair behind her ear.
    “I say, no.”
    The sound of the lock turning drew his attention away from his partner.
    “We’ll see,” Agent Tan said with a challenging smile as the door swung open. “Good morning, Ms. Sander.”
    Quin echoed the greeting, unable to keep his eyes from travelling over Nia. She was even lovelier in the soft morning light. The light pink colour of her jogging suit looked amazing against her honey brown skin, curves her work attire had hinted to were now revealed in the loving way the soft material hugged every luscious inch of her body.
    “Oh, hello.” Nia flashed them both a warm smile and stepped aside to let them in.
    “Nia, this is Agent Tan. She’s been a part of this ongoing investigation as well.” He watched her shake Stephanie’s hand and wondered if she always looked so kissable in the morning. She looked damned delicious and there was something delicious baking in the kitchen.
    Get a grip, Rios.
    “Won’t you both come into the kitchen? I have tons of coffee and blueberry muffins if you want some.”
    They followed her through the living room and Quin took in every detail. Twinkling white lights lined the arched entry; Christmas cards filled the top of the coffee table. Her home was warm and inviting with tasteful, understated furniture, a plethora of family photos hanging on the wall and green plants in every corner. He listened to his partner talk as Nia poured them both coffee while trying to ignore the delectable swell of her ass as she moved around the kitchen.
    “So, what did you remember about Tess or Scott?” Agent Tan asked as she took a sip.
    Quin took one of the blueberry muffins Nia offered as she relayed what she’d remembered from her dream. “LA and New York City are known hot spots for where these jewel thieves fence the stolen goods.” His stomach growled as he lifted the