While he was waiting for the police to arrive, Cliff showed up with his tow truck. Muttering as he walked around Jasper’s vehicle, the large man crossed his arms and asked who Jasper had pissed off badly enough they’d slashed all four of his tires. Not having an answer for him, Jasper shrugged, then filled out the necessary paperwork to get his car hauled off to the garage and repaired.

After that was sorted out, Jasper called Trish and explained what had happened to her mural. She told him she would be right over to see what could be done to salvage it. Grimacing as he looked at the vandalized wall, Jasper ended the call. As good as Trish was, he doubted even she’d be able to fix the mess that had been made of it.

Then, with nothing else to do until the police arrived, Jasper called Spencer.

Jasper was just finishing his call when the police arrived. Telling Spencer he’d catch him up on everything later, he hung up and hurried out front to meet them, his steps slowing when the first officer got out of the vehicle. Well, hello handsome, Jasper thought, liking everything he saw.

Dressed in a sleek dark gray suit, pastel pink silk tie, and Italian leather shoes, the officer, who totally rocked the tall, dark, and handsome vibe, looked like he should be gracing a runway in Paris, not responding to a vandalism call. His eyes sparkled as he gave Jasper a wide smile, the warmth in them making his heart beat a little faster.

Then he got out.

Tripping over his feet, Jasper had to fight to keep breathing as he took in the dark-haired, dangerous-looking man dressed in black leather.

Wearing a fierce, almost mean expression on his face, the second officer stepped from the vehicle, planted his feet, then put his hands on his hips, his unzipped black leather jacket spreading to expose his muscular chest as he looked around.

Hidden behind his sunglasses, Jasper was free to gawk at him, and he took full advantage, letting his gaze slide down the skin-tight t-shirt that perfectly outlined the ridges of a mouth-watering six-pack, lingering for a moment before dropping lower to snug black jeans, tight in all the right places. Another pause while he appreciated the view then he continued down long, muscular legs that ended in large feet encased in scuffed black leather boots before making the return trip back up that tall, powerful body. His breath caught when he reached piercing dark-blue eyes that seemed to look right into his soul.

Jasper moved toward him, drawn to the man like iron to a loadstone. His magic rose, then the crystals in his wrist wrap started to glow. They began chattering excitedly, making it hard to hear. Or that could have been the blood pounding in his ears. When he was a few feet from the officer, a burst of euphoric energy shot through Jasper, making him lightheaded. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to get his balance back. Then another. Once he felt steady, he opened them again and was instantly trapped by intense, heart-stopping blue, which made him lose his breath all over again.  

Magic surged again, leaving Jasper dizzy. And confused. And a little bit scared. What was happening to him?

His crystals all flashed at once. Jasper staggered, almost tripping over his feet for the second time when he realized what they were telling him. The sexy, dangerous-looking man who called to his magic was Jasper’s mate. The other half of his soul. The one person in the universe who could complete him.

And he was glaring at Jasper as though his very existence offended him.

Jasper’s crystals exploded again, filling him with so much energy he felt giddy. And drunk. Stupid, without-a-care-for-the-consequences drunk. But before he could make a fool of himself by throwing himself at his scowling mate’s feet, the well-dressed officer with the big smile stepped in front of Jasper, blocking his view of the other man.

Jasper took a deep breath, which was so much easier now, and smiled back. “Thank you for coming so quickly, officer. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s Detective,” he said, grinning as he held out his ID to Jasper. “Detectives Emerson Trewitt and Gabriel Prescott at your service.”

Jasper looked at him in shock. Detectives? For a vandalism call?

The grin dropped from Detective Trewitt’s face. “Is everything okay?”

Jasper shook his head, then nodded. “Sorry. I’m just…I’m a bit surprised. I didn’t realize detectives responded to vandalism calls.”

“We don’t,” Detective Gabe Prescott growled. Leather creaked as he crossed his arms and scowled at Jasper, his scorching look making his heart beat a little faster. And not from fear.

“Ignore Gabe,” Detective Trewitt said, thwacking his partner’s chest with the back of his hand hard enough to draw a grunt from the other man. “He hasn’t had his quota of coffee yet this morning.”

“Sure,” Jasper murmured, eying Gabe, who was still glaring at him. He was pretty sure the detective’s surliness had nothing to do with a lack of coffee and everything to do with him reacting to Jasper the same way Jasper had reacted to him. But instead of embracing it, he was fighting it. Which made Jasper want to find out why. But carefully. Something told him poking at Gabe would be a lot like poking an angry bear with a stick.

His crystals pulsed in agreement.

After a last look at his mate, Jasper turned back to Detective Trewitt. “If you guys don’t normally handle these kinds of calls, why are you here instead of a regular officer?”

Gabe snorted, drawing his attention again. “As if you don’t know,” he said, his voice full of accusation.

Except…he didn’t.

Jasper looked at Detective Trewitt, who rolled his eyes and nudged his partner back with his elbow—hard, judging by the sound Gabe let out. “The Captain told us to get our asses over to Cherry Street and 2^nd and speak with the owner. Which is you.”

Jasper nodded, even though that hadn’t been a question.

Detective Trewitt shrugged, giving Jasper a good-natured grin. “My guess is someone called in a favor.”

Gabe looked pointedly at Jasper.

He groaned. Oh god. His mother. He should have known she’d reach out to Captain Bristow and pull some strings.

Detective Trewitt chuckled. “I take it you know who it was.”

Jasper nodded. “I’m pretty sure my mother called your Captain.”

“She do that for you a lot?” Gabe asked, his upper lip curling in a sneer.

Jasper had to fight back a laugh, something about Gabe reading false. Like he was trying too hard to be combative, trying too hard to be an ass. Shaking his head, Jasper said, “No, Detective. This is the first time she’s done this.”

“Sure it is,” Gabe scoffed, shifting closer and subtly widening his stance, everything about him suddenly more imposing.

Jasper blinked. Was his growly, hot detective mate looking for a fight? Jasper wasn’t opposed to giving him one but now was not the time. And they were wearing far too many clothes. His crystals flashed, emitting a small burst of energy that prickled his skin. I know, Jasper sent back, not needing them to tell him there was something more going on with his snarly detective than him just fighting the pull between them.

However…Jasper didn’t think it would set the right tone for their future relationship if he let his mate think he could push him around.

Since he was no match for Gabe’s angry surliness, Jasper went in the opposite direction. Coating his voice with as much sugar as he could, he gave Gabe his biggest smile—the one that made his mouth hurt—and said, “It really is the first time she’s done this, Detective. I’m so sorry you were pulled away from your very important job because of my mother. You shouldn’t have to spend your valuable time checking on some petty vandalism when you could be doing much more important things.” He almost batted his eyelashes but figured that would be overkill.

Gabe seemed to pick up on it anyway, looking like he wanted to throttle him as he snarled, “No we shouldn’t.”

“But since we’re here,” Detective Trewitt said, laughter dancing in his eyes as he bumped Gabe back again, “we might as well take a look around.”

Dropping his hands—and his act, which was a little sweet even for him—Jasper gave him a genuine smile. “I’d really appreciate that. And thank you for being so understanding about my mother. She’s just worried because of some trouble I’ve been having lately.”

“Oh. What kind of trouble?” Detective Trewitt asked, pulling out his phone and a stylus.

“Just some things that have been happening. I’m starting to think I might have a stalker,” he said with a laugh, though it sounded fake even to him.

Detective Trewitt frowned. “Why do you think you have a stalker?”

Jasper bit his lip, then shrugged. “It sort of started yesterday. When I came out after work, all the tires on my car were slashed. Then today I got here and found my mural destroyed.”

Detective Trewitt made a note on his phone. “This is the vandalism you called us about?”

“Yes. It’s just over there,” Jasper said, pointing to the side of his building before leading them over to it.

Detective Trewitt let out a low whistle when he saw the mural. “Damn. Someone really did a number on it.”

Jasper nodded. They had. And seeing it again made him want to cry. And punch whoever did it, even if he’d never hit anyone before in his life.

After making some more notes on his phone, Detective Trewitt looked up at Jasper. “You said your tires were slashed as well?”

“Yes, last night.”

“And where’s your car now?” He looked around the empty parking lot.

“I had it towed to Cliff’s Garage. Do you want to look at it?” Jasper asked, pulling out his phone to give Cliff a head’s up.

“No use now since any evidence has been destroyed,” Gabe growled, then walked closer to the mural, hands on his hips as he stared at the paint cans on the ground.

Realizing he might have made a mistake, Jasper gave Detective Trewitt an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think of that before calling Cliff.”

Gabe glanced over his shoulder at Jasper, looking like he wanted to say something, then just grunted before looking up at the Grand Opening banner strung on the wall.

Detective Trewitt frowned at his partner, then turned back at Jasper. “There’s nothing to do about it now, but we’ll have a look around the lot to see if we can find anything.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“So, other than the slashed tires and vandalism of your building, has anything else happened?”

“Well, the other night…” Jasper’s voice trailed off, really not wanting to mention the news incident. If his mate never knew about that photo he’d die a happy man.

Detective Trewitt peered at him. “Was there something else?”

Not wanting to lie, Jasper looked away, then nervously reached up to brush his hand through his hair, completely forgetting he was wearing a hat. When it fell to the ground, he quickly scooped it up and jammed it back on his head.

But the damage had been done.

Detective Trewitt frowned, then squinted at him.

“I know you from somewhere,” Gabe said, appearing next to him like a damned ninja.

“Uh, no, I don’t think you do.” Jasper pulled the brim of his ball cap lower and turned his head slightly. Oh, god. Please, please don’t let Gabe have seen his freaky orgasm face.

“I do,” Gave said, leaning closer and peering at him. “Your face looks familiar.”

Jasper shook his head and reached up to push his sunglasses higher up his nose.

“Take off your sunglasses.”

His hand froze mid-motion.

Detective Trewitt glanced down at his phone, then back to Jasper. “You know, we never did get your name.” He looked at Jasper expectantly.

“Do you really need it?” Jasper asked, his eyes flicking to Gabe, then back.

Detective Trewitt nodded. “We do. For the police report.”

Jasper sighed. He’d figured as much. Taking off his sunglasses, he hooked them over his shirt collar, then pulled off his hat, rolling it between his hands. “It’s Jasper. Jasper Belmont.”

Detective Trewitt nodded. “Mariella Belmont’s son, right?”

Jasper nodded.

“Which explains why the Captain sent us. He and your mother are good friends.”

“They are,” Jasper said, waiting for the fallout. It didn’t take long.

“Jasper Belmont,” Gabe said, glaring down at him as if he’d personally offended him. Or his freaky orgasm face had. “You were on the news the other night. That’s how I know you.”

Jasper wanted to die. Closing his eyes, he braced himself for the judgment. But it didn’t come the way he’d expected.

“What the hell were you thinking with the stunt you pulled this morning on Canyon Drive? They’re still trying to sort the mess you caused.”

Wait. What? Jasper looked at him in surprise. “The stunt I pulled?”

“Yeah,” Gabe said, scowling at him. “Why would you do something as stupid as putting up pornographic photos of yourself for half the city to see?”

Jasper’s mouth dropped open. Snapping it closed, he said, “I didn’t.”

“You sure as hell did. We both saw them.” Gabe motioned between him and Detective Trewitt, who grimaced and nodded.

Jasper shook his head. “That wasn’t me. I didn’t put them up there.”

“Then who did?”

There was only one possible answer. “It has to be the person stalking me.” But where they got the photos, Jasper had no idea.

“You mean the mysterious stalker who slashed the tires on a car you had towed before we could see it, destroying the evidence?”

Jasper winced at being reminded of his mistake. “Yes.”

“This would be the same stalker who supposedly painted over your mural?”

Supposedly? Pointing to the destroyed mural, Jasper said, “That didn’t happen by itself.”

“You’re right. It didn’t. But no need to search for some mysterious stalker when you’re standing right here with red paint all over your hands.”

He was? Jasper glanced down. Oh shit. He looked at his palms then turned his hands over. Paint streaked both sides. How had that happened? He vaguely remembered touching the cans, but that wouldn’t account for the amount of paint on them

“Can you explain why you’ve got paint all over you?”

Rubbing his hands together, Jasper said, “I think it happened when I touched the cans.”

“To get rid of the evidence.”

Jasper’s head shot up at the accusatory tone. “Of course not.”

“But you contaminated the scene. That’s twice you’ve destroyed evidence. Are you deliberately trying to make our jobs more difficult?”

Jasper shook his head. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking about evidence. I didn’t even realize there was a problem until I saw my mural. That’s when I called the police.”

“And your mother,” Gabe said, giving him a scathing look Jasper didn’t understand.

“Yes.”

Gabe just stared at him. Long enough to make Jasper nervous. He looked at Detective Trewitt, but he was watching his partner with a frown on his face. Glancing back at his mate, Jasper wished he knew what was going through his mind.

Then the old adage of being careful what you wished for reared its ugly head and bit him in the ass.

“I have a theory about what’s going on,” Gabe finally said. “Want to hear it?”

Jasper hesitated, knowing a trick question when he heard one. Every instinct he had was telling him to say no, but Gabe’s eyes dared him to say yes. Never one to back down from a challenge, Jasper straightened his shoulders and nodded. “Sure, Detective. Tell me your theory.”

“Alright.” Gabe moved closer and stared down at Jasper. “Here’s the thing. I don’t think you have a stalker.

Jasper blinked, not having expected that. “You don’t?”

Gabe shook his head. “No. I think you made it all up.”

Jasper frowned. “Why would I do that?”

“To cover up your actions.” Gabe leaned in, his eyes glittering with an intensity that was a bit unnerving. “Because you are the stalker.”

“Excuse me.” Jasper couldn’t have heard that right.

“What the hell are you doing, Gabe?” Detective Trewitt said, grabbing him by the shoulder and yanking him back.

Gabe knocked his hand away. “I’m solving this case.”

“No, you’re not. You’re harassing the victim.”

“There’s no victim here. Just a criminal.” Gabe sneered at Jasper. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Belmont?”

It took Jasper a second. “You seriously think that I’m the stalker? That I destroyed my own mural?”

Gabe nodded. “Yes.”

Jasper stared at him in shock, not sure what to say. Then he recalled the way Gabe had looked at him when Jasper had told them he’d had his car towed. “I suppose you think I slashed my own tires too.”

Another nod.

“And that I publicly humiliated myself with those photos.”

“Yes.”

“Why would I do that to myself?”

“For the publicity.”

Jasper squinted at him. “The what?”

“The publicity.”

It didn’t make any sense even hearing it a second time.

“Let’s look at the facts.” Pinning Jasper with his eyes, Gabe started ticking off points. “One, you’re trying to get a new business off the ground. Two, you have a Grand Opening coming up.” He pointed to the sign that hung above the mural. “Three, you need publicity to get the word out, and that shit isn’t cheap. And lastly,” he said, so smugly Jasper was tempted to kick him in the shins, “you conveniently attracted a stalker who’s sent a whole lot of free publicity your way just when you need it most.”

Jasper just looked at him, waiting to hear if there was more, but that seemed to be it. Then he snorted.

Gabe bristled, those dark blue eyes sparking with an anger that somehow made him even more attractive. Exciting. Dangerous.

His mate truly was a beautiful man. It’s too bad he was also an idiot.

“Your theory is flawed, Detective.”

Scowling, Gabe stepped closer, making Jasper’s blood pump faster. “My theory is solid. Want to know how I know?”

“Sure.” Jasper couldn’t wait to hear this.

“Gabe, can I have a word with you?” Detective Trewitt grabbed his arm.

Gabe shook him off, keeping his eyes locked on Jasper’s. “Your plan worked. Your little stunts have drummed up all kinds of interest in your business.” He pointed to something behind Jasper.

Jasper spun around and saw that Stan, Lou, Fred, and the reporters from Channel Six and SGTV had finally tracked him down and were gathering on the sidewalk. Along with a few business owners and some interested pedestrians. Then he felt heat at his back. Jasper shivered, goosebumps raising on his skin when Gabe’s breath tickled the back of his neck.

“There’s just one thing you didn’t take into consideration before calling us in and wasting the taxpayers’ money and police resources,” Gabe said, his husky voice raising goosebumps on goosebumps.

“And what’s that?” Jasper rasped, barely able to think through the fog covering his mind, his mate’s nearness and raw, sexual energy scrambling the synapses in his brain.

“Falsely reporting a crime is against the law.”

Jasper turned around to tell him he hadn’t broken any laws, but the scary, mean smile on Gabe’s face, the one that made him look dangerous—and so damned hot—stalled the words in his throat.

“You might want to keep that in mind the next time you try to manufacture publicity for your business.” Gabe reached for the handcuffs sticking out of his front pocket.

Jasper’s breath started coming fast, something unexpected sparking to life when Gabe pulled out the set of handcuffs and held them up.

He reached for Jasper’s arm.

Jasper yanked it out of his reach, realizing immediately that might have been a mistake.

Gabe’s smile got bigger. “And now we can add resisting arrest to your charges.”

Seriously, why was that scary smile so hot? And why did the thought of Gabe putting those cuffs on him make his heart race?

As if hearing his thoughts, Gabe paused, then his eyes filled with heat. “It’s like that is it?”

The sexy growl in his voice distracted Jasper long enough for Gabe to snap the handcuff on his arm. A small gasp escaped when the steel band closed around his wrist. Looking down at the silver cuff, Jasper found it hard to breathe.

Gabe took hold of his other arm.

Jasper’s gaze flew to his.

The fire in Gabe’s eyes flared bright when he hooked the cuff around Jasper’s wrist.

He stood unresisting, heart pounding loudly in his ears as Gabe slowly pushed the ends of the cuff together.

One click. Two clicks.

Jasper trembled, trapped in the heat of his gaze, still unable to take a breath.

Three clicks.

Then Detective Trewitt was there, stepping between them and pushing Gabe back. Giving Jasper a tight smile, he said, “Excuse me while I have a word with my partner.”

Jasper nodded, then sucked in a breath as he looked down at the cuff hanging loose on his arm. A slightly scary, holy-crap-he-had-no-idea-why-he-was-so-turned-on part of him wished Gabe had finished locking it. He went lightheaded at the realization of how badly he wanted that

Feeling like his skin was on fire, Jasper looked up and saw Gabe watching him over Detective Trewitt’s shoulder as he was pushed further down the building.

Driven by an impulse he couldn’t control, feeling like everything was moving in slow motion, Jasper slipped the cuff over his hand and placed it on his other wrist next to the other.

Hunger blazed in Gabe’s eyes as they followed the motion.

His eyes never leaving Gabe’s, panting like he was running a marathon, Jasper slowly pressed the ends together, the final click as the cuff locked into place making him shudder.

Blue eyes turned black.

Jasper stumbled forward a step, everything in him needing to be near his mate. But before he could take another, a car roared into the parking lot, tooting its horn as it came to a stop next to him, breaking the hold Gabe had over him.

Feeling as if he’d just woken from a trance, Jasper turned to the vehicle, a grin forming when a colorfully dressed woman hopped out of a fluorescent blue Mini and waved to him before running over to the mural.

“Who’s that?” Detective Trewitt called back to him.

“My artist friend Trish,” Jasper said, turning to where he was standing at the corner of the building with Gabe. Keeping his gaze firmly on Detective Trewitt–absolutely not looking at his mate whose eyes were filled with a hunger that had Jasper wanting to throw himself at him—he asked, “Is it okay if I go speak with her? I need to see if she can do anything about my mural.”

“No problem at all, Mr. Belmont. We’ll be waiting for you when you’re done.”

Nodding, Jasper’s eyes skipped to Gabe’s, the fire in them almost pulling him in again, but he forced himself to look away, then hurried over to Trish.

But he could feel those eyes burning a hole in his back with every step he took.

Jasper wondered how long it would take for the detective to come for his handcuffs. And if he intended to follow through on what his eyes had promised when he did.

And if Jasper would survive the experience with his heart intact.

He was pretty sure the answer to the last one was no.