Leopard's Prey

finding a way to watch me.”
    Remy’s gaze moved past her to the street and then back to her. “I want you to turn slightly to your left and look across the street. There’s a man standing on the grass over there, back behind the tree. He’s watchin’ us and has been since we entered the café. Tell me if you’ve seen him before.”
    Remy had sat there, all calm and composed, never letting on, yet he’d noticed someone outside the café watching them. She’d been so wrapped up in Remy, she wouldn’t have noticed if the man had stood over her. Even now, she could barely pull her gaze from his. His eyes and voice were hypnotic. There was something feral about his unblinking stare, and she was trapped in his dangerous spell and her own hero worship.
    Her heart kicked into high gear in anticipation of the possibility of uncovering the identity of her stalker. Her mouth went dry. Remy’s fingers stroked comfort along her wrist. “If he sees me looking, won’t he run?”
    “I have the advantage of havin’ a cell phone and four brothers. Take a look. If he notices and takes off, the boys will shadow him.”
    Remy and his brothers were always an impressive sight when they were together. She had always wanted to be part of a big, noisy family. Not waiting, Bijou turned her head and looked straight across the street.
    The man looked to be about forty, with shaggy hair and a beard. He was a good distance away, but he was definitely looking through the window at her. Their eyes met. He looked away quickly and turned on his heel and walked briskly away.
    Bijou frowned. “I’ve seen him around, Remy. I’ve been in so many clubs and given so many concerts, it’s impossible to tell for certain, but I think Rob knows him, Rob Butterfield, my manager.”
    “He’s not the only one watching you, Blue. That idiot Ryan Cooper is hangin’ out by his car, but his attention is on you.”
    “I didn’t actually autograph anything for him,” Bijou reminded. “He got ugly and you read him the riot act. He probably wants an autograph and is waitin’ for me to leave without you.”
    “That’s not going to happen. I’m headin’ down to the voodoo shop to talk to Eulalie Chachere. You can go with me.”
    She blinked, sitting up straight. He almost sounded as if he was giving her an order instead of an invitation, but maybe she was just being sensitive. She had fallen too far under his spell and needed to pull back. “I have a few things to do this afternoon.” She had planned to walk around and get reacquainted with the French Quarter before returning to the Inn. It wasn’t pressing but it was self-preservation. If she spent too much more time in Remy’s company she would be well and truly lost.
    He smiled at her and her heart nearly stopped. His mouth curved, bringing his lips to her instant attention. His teeth flashed white and strong. The bottom dropped out of her stomach.
    “I’m askin’ you to accompany me. I like your company even if you are a bit of a hothead.” The humor faded from his eyes. “I am going to be talkin’ to her about the altar the killer left behind and that might be upsetting to you.”
    Her temper kicked into high gear. He
did
think she was a baby. He would never have even considered that Saria would be upset by the discussion of the details of a murder. Again color swept up her face. She’d thrown up. The evidence had been left behind, messing up the crime scene.
    “I wouldn’t mind comin’ along and hearing what the voodoo lady has to say,” Bijou snapped. “Let’s go right now.” She knew she sounded annoyed and challenging, but she couldn’t help it. Lately she’d been restless and moody. She’d always been edgy anyway, and now it seemed so much worse. She was driven, but didn’t know to what. Sometimes she spent nights just pacing, trying to get rid of the edgy darkness that seemed to be spreading through her.
    His slow grin sent a million butterflies winging their way through her stomach. “You
are
a little hothead, Blue.” He gave a mock sigh that made her heart skip a few beats. “I guess I’ll be the one to rein in the temper.”
    She deliberately rolled her eyes. “I have way more control.”
    His gaze jumped to hers, held her captive. There was something very hot and sexy in his eyes. “I’m takin’ that as a challenge,
chere
. I’m certain, if I put my mind to it, I’ll find a way to make you lose control.”
    His drawl was quite frankly sinful, his