Chapter 12
Nora woke to sunlight and the smell of coffee.
For one blissful moment, she didn’t remember. Didn’t think about Eugene or Dan or knives or fear. She just registered warmth and safety and the sound of someone moving quietly in the next room.
Then memory crashed back. The hotel, Dan with the knife, Carson shooting him, falling apart in Carson’s arms.
Carson saying he was falling for her.
Carson saying forever.
She sat up slowly, wincing as her muscles protested. Her throat ached where Dan had pressed the knife. Her body felt like she’d been hit by a truck.
But she was alive.
She was safe.
And Carson was here.
Nora found him in the suite’s small kitchen area, pouring coffee into two mugs. He was still wearing yesterday’s clothes—rumpled shirt, jeans, his shoulder holster visible. He looked exhausted, like he hadn’t slept at all.
“Hey,” she said softly.
He turned, and relief flooded his face when he saw her. “Hey. How are you feeling?”
“Sore. Tired. But okay.” She moved closer, accepting the coffee mug he offered. “Did you sleep at all?”
“Some.” A lie, based on the dark circles under his eyes. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. That there were no nightmares.”
“Were there?”
“A few. You were restless around three AM. I almost woke you, but you settled down on your own.”
The knowledge that he’d stayed awake watching over her, protecting her even in sleep, made her chest ache. “You should have rested. You’ve been through just as much as I have.”
“I’m fine.”
“Carson.” She set down her mug and moved closer, reaching up to touch his face. He had stubble, shadows, tension written in every line. “You’re not fine. You’re exhausted. When was the last time you had a full night’s sleep?”
His hand came up to cover hers. “I’ll sleep when I know you’re really okay.”
“I am okay. Because of you.” She held his gaze. “But you can’t keep running on empty. You’re going to burn out.”
“I’ve been running on empty for nineteen years. I’m used to it.”
The casual admission broke her heart. “That’s not healthy.”
“Neither is a lot of things I do.” He turned his head to press a kiss to her palm. “But I’m working on it. For you.”
The words hung between them—another promise, another revelation. Carson Black, the man who didn’t let people in, was letting her in. Was trying to change patterns that had defined him for nearly two decades.
Because of her.
“Captain called this morning,” Carson said, stepping back to pick up his own coffee. “Eugene and Dan are both being arraigned today. Multiple charges—stalking, breaking and entering, assault, attempted murder. The DA’s office thinks they can get fifteen to twenty years minimum.”
“Good.” Nora wrapped both hands around her mug, needing something to hold onto. “And the investigation? Is it really over?”
“Finn’s still running down connections, making sure there aren’t any more surprises.
But it looks like it was just Eugene and Dan.
No one else involved.” He paused. “They’re also reviewing building security at your apartment complex.
Eugene had been systematically erasing footage for months.
He had help from someone in the security company—they’re facing charges too. ”
“How many people were involved in this?”
“Just the three. But it’s enough.” Carson’s jaw clenched. “You deserved better. Deserved to feel safe in your own home. And I’m going to make sure that never happens again.”
“You can’t control everything.”
“I can try.”
Nora moved to him, setting down her mug and wrapping her arms around his waist. He stiffened for a moment—surprised, maybe, or still not used to being touched—then relaxed and pulled her close.
“Thank you,” she said against his chest. “For everything. For believing me, for protecting me, for being here when I needed someone.”
“You don’t have to thank me.”
“Yes, I do. Because most people wouldn’t have done what you did. Wouldn’t have cared enough to put themselves at risk.”
“Most people aren’t—” He stopped.
“Aren’t what?”
“Aren’t falling in love with you.”
The words were quiet. Almost reluctant. Like he was admitting something he’d been trying not to feel.
Nora pulled back to look at him. “Is that what this is? Love?”
“I think so.” He looked almost uncomfortable with the admission.
“I don’t have a lot of experience with it.
But when I thought Dan was going to hurt you, when I saw that knife against your throat, all I could think was that I couldn’t lose you.
That losing you would break something in me that couldn’t be fixed. ”
“Carson—”
“Let me finish.” His hands moved to frame her face.
“I know it’s fast. I know we’ve only known each other a couple weeks.
I know this whole thing started because I was investigating your case.
But somewhere along the way, you became more than a case.
You became the reason I wake up in the morning.
The person I want to protect and make smile and spend time with.
And I don’t know what to call that except—”
“Love,” Nora finished. “It’s love.”
“Yeah.” He smiled, small and uncertain. “Is that okay?”
“It’s more than okay.” She went up on her toes, pressing her lips to his. “Because I love you too.”
The kiss was gentle—tender and careful, mindful of injuries and exhaustion. But it held a promise. A beginning.
When they broke apart, Carson rested his forehead against hers.
“I have to go to the station today,” he said quietly. “Give my statement about shooting Dan. Meet with the DA’s office. Process paperwork. But then I’m taking a few days off.”
“You don’t have to—”
“Captain’s orders. And I want to. Want to spend time with you without criminals and danger and investigations hanging over us.” He pulled back to look at her. “I was thinking maybe we could go somewhere. Get out of Blackridge for a few days. Somewhere quiet where you can rest and we can just...be.”
The offer made her throat tight. “Where?”
“There’s a cabin about two hours north. On a lake. Private, secluded, peaceful. A friend of mine owns it, said I could use it whenever I wanted.” His thumb brushed her cheekbone. “We could go there. No phones, no work, no stress. Just us.”
“That sounds perfect.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She smiled, feeling something warm bloom in her chest. Hope, maybe. Or happiness. Things she hadn’t felt in so long. “When do we leave?”
“This afternoon. Soon as I finish at the station.” He kissed her forehead. “Pack light. And, Nora? Bring something warm. It’s supposed to be cold up there.”
***
Carson spent four hours at the station, answering questions, filling out reports, and enduring looks from other detectives that ranged from curious to knowing.
Everyone had heard about Nora staying at his apartment. About him shooting two suspects to protect her. About the way he’d carried her out of that hotel suite like she was something precious.
They knew. And most of them had opinions.
Finn cornered him by the coffee machine. “So. You and the Bell woman.”
“Her name is Nora.”
“Right. Nora.” Finn grinned. “You know the whole department is talking about how Carson Black finally fell for someone.”
“Let them talk.”
“I’m just saying, it’s good to see you happy. Or whatever version of happy you do.” Finn’s expression sobered. “She’s good for you, man. I can see it. You’re less...intense.”
“I’m plenty intense.”
“Yeah, but it’s different now. Before, you were intense because you were trying to outrun your demons. Now you’re intense because you have something to protect.” Finn clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t screw it up.”
“Planning not to.”
Captain Holloway was next, calling Carson into his office after the DA’s meeting.
“Sit.”
Carson sat, bracing himself for the lecture.
But Holloway just looked at him for a long moment, then sighed. “You’re taking the time off.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. You need it. And so does she.” Holloway leaned back in his chair. “I read your report. Both shootings were clean. Justified. You did everything by the book. The review board will clear you, no question.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. You earned it.” Holloway paused. “But, Carson, we need to talk about what happens next. With you and Ms. Bell.”
“Nora.”
“With Nora.” Holloway’s expression was serious. “The case is closed. Eugene and Dan are going away for a long time. Which means there’s no professional reason for you to stay involved in her life.”
“I know that.”
“Do you? Because from where I’m sitting, you’re about to dive headfirst into a relationship with someone who’s been through severe trauma.
Someone who might see you as a savior rather than a partner.
And I’m worried—for both of you—about what happens when the adrenaline wears off and real life sets in. ”
Carson had thought about this. Had worried about the same things. “You think she only feels this way because I protected her. That it’s not real.”
“I think trauma bonds are powerful. And I think you need to be careful. For her sake and yours.” Holloway’s voice gentled. “I’m not saying don’t pursue this. I’m saying go slow. Let her heal. Let yourself heal. Make sure what you’re feeling is real and not just the aftermath of a high-stakes case.”
“It’s real,” Carson said with certainty. “I know the difference between a trauma bond and actual feelings, Captain. This is real.”
“I hope you’re right. Because I’d hate to see either of you get hurt.” Holloway stood, signaling the conversation was over. “Take your time off. Rest. Figure things out. And when you come back, we’ll talk about your next assignment.”
Carson left the office feeling unsettled. What if Holloway was right? What if Nora’s feelings were just gratitude and fear mixed together? What if once the danger passed and life returned to normal, she realized she didn’t actually want him?
But then he remembered the way she’d looked at him this morning. The way she’d said I love you too without hesitation. The way she’d held onto him like he was her anchor.