Death by the Slice

By Teya Peck

Leola was left at the doorstep of a sensei in China. He taught her till she became a master then sent her back to America to find out about herself.

She is a consultant at an investigative agency, with an agent undercover to find out about murders happening after fund-raisers.

Leola is a master in martial arts. Jared is an undercover agent with ballroom champion background. With each’s ability, they must find out about the truth and stop the murders.

The only problem is trying to not let attraction for each other interfere with the job before someone ends up dead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781644689554

Book preview

Chapter 1

What are you doing in my house? The woman’s voice spoke in a deadly calm.

I didn’t know anyone lived here yet, Jared said, lifting the gun he held into the air with his hand up.

She folded her arms across her chest and raised a brow. That’s obvious.

No, I mean, I thought no one had moved in yet, Jared stammered, hand still in the air.

"I did."

Yes, I see. You see, I thought no one lived here, and I saw the light. I came over to investigate as I was asked to watch over you. I came over to make sure the house was safe. Jared knew he was rambling at this point.

She glared at him.

He stood with his hands up, hoping to calm a wild animal. Really, I swear.

Fine, you can leave now.

He lowered his hands slowly, putting his gun away.

What! I said leave!

Okay, okay, you’re all right, and you’re the new owner. I see that now.

She raised both brows at him.

Okay, I’ll go. Good night.

Good night.

The soft way she said good night caught him off guard. He stopped and turned back at her. He saw her profile with her head down. The urge to put his hand on her shoulder in comfort overwhelmed him, and his body moved forward on its own.

He watched as his hand, of its own free will, reached out to gently touch her shoulder. Her hair instantly whipped in his face. He closed his eyes at the onslaught of pain that shot from his ribs as the sensation of falling overcame him. He hit the wood floor with a grunt. She straddled his waist, and he felt a sharp pressure on the hollow of his throat. When his air finally returned, and the black spots dissipated, he didn’t dare move.

I told you to leave. Her voice was dangerously low again.

He’d never met anyone to match him and his training, till now. He even forgot about the gun now jabbing into his side.

He fought the smile tickling the corners of his mouth.

I’m sorry. He choked. I thought you needed comforting.

No. I don’t. Her lips hardly moved. As she said it, he could’ve sworn it sent a chill up his spine.

Yes, I see that. He slowly moved toward the sharp elbow at his throat. He had a feeling that even though it was a simple elbow, any move could be fatal. Knowing this, he decided to tempt fate by raising to his elbows. She adjusted as he moved from his lower position. I will not make the mistake again.

You need to leave, now!

Well, I would, his brows raised in amusement, except for the fact, I can’t move. He moved his head slightly in her direction.

Her elbow holding his throat slowly moved back. Her breath caressed his face.

Right.

So…do you mind?

She, to his amazement, leapt up off his waist in a light, acrobatically graceful movement, easily landing on her feet in a crouched position. Then, she flipped her hair back.

She’s a human cat. Mesmerized to the spot on the ground, he wouldn’t be surprised if she pulled out a hair pin and whipped up her hair in the process. He grinned to himself in hope, but she didn’t move. Strangely, he felt empty at her body’s absence. He had been out with many women and not once did he feel this way.

Her dark wavy hair framed her face, showcasing her stunning jade eyes. They were unique and beautiful, but they were also guarded. On their own accord, his own lowered to her lips as he stood.

Where did you learn how to move like that?

The corner of her mouth twitched slightly showing a sparkle, then were cold as ice.

I thought you were leaving.

He nodded. I am. Night. He tipped his head, and his hand reached up and took the edge of an imaginary hat—a gesture a cowboy would use to say goodbye.

She narrowed her eyes in an even colder stare if it were possible. He turned and left the house through the front door.

He reflected on what had occurred during his walk home to the next house. In a matter of minutes, he had been embarrassed, humiliated, and humbled. His ten years’ experience as a police officer and the five years as a detective didn’t matter within that few minutes. Years in training, shooting, profiling, and undercover work wiped away in an instant.

He smiled in awe of her agility and swiftness. She had straddled him. His lips widened. Oh, he was going to get to know his new neighbor that was for sure, and he was going to have fun doing it.

* * * * *

Leola had enough of big-headed, hot men who thought they were God’s gift to women. He was definitely one of them.

She decided she would avoid him at all costs. Reconsidering, she decided to add a security system. She would call them tomorrow. She, herself, was a defense system; however, she needed more so she could actually sleep. She had a new job starting tomorrow and didn’t know what to expect.

Chapter 2

Jared, ready for the day, prepped for his job. He was proud of himself for being up early; he never got up early. He knew he was getting a raise and a promotion. Plus, he had a new coworker.

The unwanted thought of wanting to impress his new neighbor entered his mind. His brows pulled together in the mirror as he made his tie perfect. Now, why did I even think of that? He grinned. It was well worth the thought. Dreams of jade jewels filled his fitful night, but he would not let it stop him from being his jovial self.

* * * * *

Leola finished her meditation and tae-yoga. She was ready for her new job. She was not like other women who painted themselves up. In fact, she barely wore mascara and lip gloss but thought it might help her with the new job today. She flipped her hair up easily into a Chinese bun and garnished it with chopsticks—her favorite hairstyle.

She was out the door and off in her car before anyone on the block. She needed her walk around the river before work, and the earlier the better. No one was around at the breaking dawn of morning before the sun thought to declare itself.

* * * * *

Jared swaggered out his front door, took a deep breath of the cool morning air, and continued to his cherry-red Corvette. It was ostentatious and not his work car, but he loved driving it to work. Woman flocked to him, and it drove his boss insane.

You need to get a car that will help you fly under the radar, not say, ‘Hey, here I am, look at me.’ To which Jared always grinned with a comeback like, Who do you know who’s going to expect a detective or cop to drive such an ostentatious car?

He loved hearing his boss grumble at his words. His grin fell slightly as his mother’s words came to mind, Jared, you’re never going to find a nice girl to settle down with if you keep driving that flashy—yes nice—but flashy car.

He shook off his mother’s words, glanced at his new neighbor’s house, and noticed the house was dark, garage door still closed, and no car in the driveway. Hmm, must not be up yet.

With a grin, he opened his car door and slipped comfortably into the seat. It was like putting on a comfy, warm glove. He started the purr of his engine and headed to work.

He never arrived early to work, just precisely on time, which meant every woman was already at work. He was not interested in any of them, but their attention bolstered his ego each day.

Hi, Jared, a brunette at work called.

Hey. He lifted his chin and acknowledged with a wink.

Hi, Jared. A blonde he swore constantly hit on him for a date.

Hello, Jared said.

Everyone seemed happy and cheerful this Monday morning which usually didn’t happen. He would take it today. It was his day. Placing a winning smile on, he headed to his office.

A few minutes later, a knock came at his door. Come in.

Sharon poked her head in and leaned against the door frame. He pushed his computer on, turned, and gave her a once over.

Good morning, Sharon. He grinned his knee-weakening smile.

Hey yourself, Jared, she said. Her sultry voice made him wince slightly.

What’s on the agenda this morning?

Oh, just that you’re expected in Mr. Bruce’s office. She gave him a wink.

Thank you, Sharon. I’ll head straight there.

She turned and left. He turned back to his