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pure sin curled into a grin , barely visible in the low light of the alley. “I know you won’t, because this time you’re coming with me. We’re not having this discussion in another disgusting alley. My car is at the curb, but I’m going to need my keys.”
    Monica stared up at him as confusion clouded her brain. “But…I don’t have your keys. Why would I have your—”
    His icy blue gaze dipped to the bag she was still clutching to her chest, then back to her face. Her blood ran cold. He’d set her up from the beginning. She’d been so damn focused on the dollar signs that she hadn’t even considered it was a sting.
    “Yes you do,” he informed. “Front pocket. Now, we’re going to walk out of this alley to my car, and you’re going to be a good girl for me. Right?”
    If it meant he wouldn’t call the police, then she’d comply with whatever he said. “Where are we going?” she asked, glancing at the vehicle in the street.
    “Somewhere we can talk. Now move.” He barely finished his statement before taking her by the arm, pulling her toward the sidewalk. She didn’t want to talk. She wanted to go home to Sarah and Jack. Sarah was right; she never should have gone out tonight.
    As if on autopilot, her feet moved, following the man to his vehicle. He opened the door and helped her in before jogging around the front to slide into the driver’s seat. The interior was spotless, smelling of leather and his cologne. And when he closed his door behind him, Monica finally got a good look at him for the first time.
    His brown hair was a little too long, curling at the nape of his neck and temples. It was tousled, sexy even. His eyes were the clearest, vivid blue. The way his gaze penetrated her made her uncomfortable. Like he knew a little too much. His nose was narrow, and his jaw was square. The shadow of scruff dusting his cheeks and chin did funny things to her insides.
    He was gorgeous.
    When he looked over, catching her staring, she dropped her eyes to her lap, a light flush coloring her cheeks. All she could do was pray that he hadn’t noticed. If he had, he didn’t mention it.
    His big hand reached over the console suddenly, making her jump slightly. “Easy. I’m just getting the keys,” he soothed, slowing his movements while he pulled the zipper open on the front of the bag, pulling a ring of keys out. “I’m not going to hurt you. Okay?”
    Monica nodded, clasping her hands together so tightly her knuckles went white. “Okay.”
    What the hell was wrong with her? A complete stranger makes you get into his car after you stole from him, and you just agree with everything he says ? She was going to end up dead in a ditch somewhere for sure. He could be some psychotic murderer for all she knew.
    He started the car and pulled away from the curb with the ease of a man who was confident in everything he did. She couldn’ t figure him out, but something about him captivated her. He knew what she was doing. He knew she was a thief. Yet he didn’t seem to be upset or disgusted by it.
    They rode in silence as he wound his way through the city traffic. She tried. Dammit she tried, but no matter what, her gaze kept pulling back to the man behind the wheel. “Why are you doing this?” she asked quietly.
    He stopped the car at a red light and turned that cool blue gaze on her. She wanted to shrink back into the seat. Being pinned under that stare made her uneasy.
    He ran a hand through his hair as if he sensed it, and looked away. Hitting the gas again, he turned the corner, coming to a stop in front of a small diner. “You hungry?”

Chapter Four
    He watched her as she stared out the window at the flickering neon lights that spelled out Donny’s Place . She was confused, but why wouldn’t she be? He’d herded her to his car before she could even comprehend what was going on. Clearly she was in shock.
    Slowly, she shook her head, her mouth opening and closing a few times. “I need to get