Chapter 12
“That’s it, he’s dead,” Annie growled, her voice as vicious as Lexie had ever heard it. “I’m going to kill him.”
“Easy, babe,” Paul warned, resting a placating hand on her shoulder.
Lexie sat across the breakfast table from them both, cradling the coffee Paul had just poured her while she relayed—in the shortest and least detailed way possible—what had happened with Kyle the night before. Now, in the appalled silence that followed, she couldn’t look either of them in the eye.
That morning, Lexie had woken with a familiar heaviness she hadn’t felt in a long time. A dark cloud had descended upon her, and as she applied her makeup in the mirror, hating the sight of Kyle’s bruises on her body, it was all she could do not to break down and cry. Funny, they’d gone their entire marriage—rocky as it was—without him ever laying a hand on her, to this. And if he could do this after she’d moved out and they were on the verge of a divorce, where did it end?
“Why didn’t you call me?” Annie demanded. “I could have come to get you last night.”
“There wouldn’t have been any point,” Lexie answered wearily. “He was already gone.”
“Still, you shouldn’t have spent the night alone. What if he’d decided to come back? Jesus, Lex, you could be dead right now. Did you even think about that?”
Yes, she had. The strange thing was, at the time, she was in such a daze that she hardly cared. Just like she didn’t care about Annie berating her now. It was like she was in a dream. A silent witness to her own life, everything moving a little slower than normal, sounds muffled, barely penetrating her consciousness.
“I cannot plan my best friend’s funeral right now, okay?” she heard Annie saying, her voice far away. “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to sit back and let you ignore this anymore. We need to do something.”
Lexie didn’t answer. Just sat and waited for it to be over.
Annie was right, not that she’d stop talking long enough for Lexie to tell her that. She knew things were getting out of control, and she would have to deal with Kyle sooner rather than later. But for right now, for today, she just wanted to feel some semblance of normal. Because the fact was, even if she did find it in herself to press charges, get a restraining order, or flee to the other side of the country, she knew Kyle would never stop. He was a cockroach. He didn’t have it in him to give up, especially when it came to her. Whatever she decided to do next, there would be consequences. Necessary consequences? Perhaps. Still, she had to figure out how much she was willing to risk and if it was worth looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life. What was that quote? Love is the most dangerous thing in the world? Lexie didn’t believe for a second that what Kyle felt for her was anything resembling love, but he thought it was, and that’s what made him dangerous.
The only thing she could be grateful for in this dismal situation was that Annie was so distracted by her rage for Kyle, she hadn’t once asked about Nico.
Lexie hoped she wouldn’t.
It had been hard enough sending him that message, knowing she was saying goodbye to someone—something—special, a real connection, without Annie piling on the guilt too.
Finally pulling herself out of her stupor, Lexie held up a hand. “I hear you, Ann. Alright? Believe me, I’m under no illusions about this. Not anymore.”
Annie swallowed whatever rebuke she had loaded up and sighed. “I’m sorry.” She took Lexie’s hand. “I’m sorry,” she said again, with more feeling this time, like she wanted Lexie to know she meant it.
“What do you want to do?” Paul asked.
“I don’t know,” Lexie said, rubbing her face. “I have to go to the police, right? Tell them what he told me about Isabelle.”
“Absolutely,” Annie agreed.
“You don’t think he killed her . . . Do you?”
“Why wouldn’t I? After what he did to you.”
“He said he didn’t do it,” Lexie said, knowing her argument sounded as weak as water. “And I believe him, despite—” She gestured to her bruises.
She also remembered Darcy’s parting words: “If this has nothing to do with us, why aren’t you more surprised to see me?”But she didn’t want to tell Annie about that. Talking about it made it real. Made it terrifying.
“Whether he killed her or not is irrelevant,” Paul said reasonably. “He’s a threat to you. Period.”
Lexie couldn’t disagree with him on that, so she didn’t even try. She didn’t want to believe Kyle could be a murderer, but she also couldn’t deny her fear of him and what he might be capable of, especially after last night. She knew she had to report him, both for what he’d done to her and all the incriminating things he’d told her. To not come forward would be interfering with a police investigation, she knew. And if he was innocent—which she believed he was, at least where Isabelle’s murder was concerned—it would only be a matter of time before his name would be cleared.
Lexie pushed away from the table and stood.
“You want me to come with you?” Annie offered.
“Thanks,” Lexie said, hugging her friend. “But I think I need to do this on my own.”
Lexie drove to the Mercy Cove PD with a tight feeling in her chest. She parked down the block to avoid attention, but instead of exiting the car, she took a moment to recalibrate. Gripping the steering wheel tight, she reminded herself this was nothing she couldn’t handle. She’d dealt with Kyle’s aggression before. She’d be fine. Plus, she had friends here. Good friends who would stand with her every step of the way, whatever she chose to do. Everything would be alright.
Wrapping a pretty, red scarf around her neck—very flight attendant style, but it worked—Lexie made her way to the back entrance, where she’d requested Chief West meet her. Calling ahead had seemed like a good idea at the time. She didn’t need the whole town gossiping about seeing her walk into the police station all shame-faced and hiding behind big sunglasses like some kind of battered celebrity. It wasn’t until she’d reached the other side of the building that she noticed Nico standing there, hands in his pockets, a grim set to his mouth.
Shit. She’d specifically asked for an appointment time when he wouldn’t be here, and Zoe assured her he was out on a job. Surely multiple unanswered calls and texts should have made clear that she didn’t want to see him anymore. Why wasn’t he taking the hint?
Looking around to check how many people were around, Lexie squared her shoulders and walked over to him. “You weren’t supposed to be here.”
“Sorry to disappoint you,” he said, his tone clipped.
Lexie hitched her handbag higher on her shoulder. “Nico, I told you—”
“Yeah, I know what you told me. I also know you look like you didn’t get a wink of sleep last night—right there with you, by the way—and when you got out of your car just now you had your pepper spray at the ready.”
Lexie tightened her lips and looked away. She’d forgotten how observant he was.
“What the hell is going on?” he asked, tilting his head, willing her to face him.
She shook her head, backing away. Maybe this hadn”t been such a good idea. “You know what, this was a mistake.” She fished around for her keys, ready to turn around and sprint back to the safety of her car. “Just forget you know me, Nico. You’ll be doing us both a favor.”
He stepped toward her, closing the distance she’d created. “Not a chance. Tell me what’s—” He stilled, eyeing her neck.
Lexie’s hand flew to her scarf, noting it had slipped slightly. She attempted to pull it up again, but Nico’s hand stopped her. Resigned to the fact he’d already seen the bruises, she didn’t object as he gently untied the knot, revealing the full extent of Kyle’s damage.
Nico went eerily still, his body radiating hostility as his face darkened. “Who did this?”
“Look, I understand you want to help, but—”
“Who did this?”
“None of your business,” Lexie snapped, taking her scarf back. “I’m not your problem, Nico, so just back off. Don’t you have a case you should be focusing on?”
He dropped his head and seethed for a few seconds. Then he cupped her face in his hands and got so close she could smell the familiar scent of his cologne. “Who hurt you? Tell me right now.”
Considering how enraged he looked, his touch was surprisingly soft, and rather than flinch, Lexie had to make a conscious effort not to lean into it. Her eyes moistened as she felt her control beginning to slip. The way he cared even though he barely knew her, it was breaking down her armor, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could take.
“Please don’t do this,” she whispered. “You don’t understand what’s going on.”
“Then help me understand,” he said, grasping her arms. “Or just give me a name.”
Tears sprang free as she tried to step away. She couldn’t do this. She cared about Nico, but she wasn’t willing to risk his life by rubbing salt in an already festering wound and angering Kyle even more. The man was psychotic. Impulsive. And when he wanted to be—scarily creative. She knew he wouldn’t stop, even if she did give the bastard what he wanted. The way Lexie saw it, cutting ties with Nico now was the best way to neutralize the threat and make the whole thing a moot point. Kyle was her problem, and he would continue to be long after Nico was gone.
“Leave me alone,” she warned, tugging herself free.
“No.”
He pulled her back to him, the resolute look in his eye enough to transform some of Lexie’s hurt into fury. She slapped him—hard—breaking free for the second time, only to be pulled back once more and crushed against his chest.
He stood behind her, lips at her ear. “Please. I can help you.”
“I don’t need your help,” she protested, struggling as he held her.
“Liar.”
“What’s the matter with you? Why won’t you let this go?”
“Let you go, you mean?”
“Yes. Let me go!”
“I can’t!” he shouted, loud enough to startle a bird from a nearby tree and probably make the people inside wonder what was going on.
Lexie stilled. Waited.
“I can’t,” he whispered. “Because when I go to sleep at night, you are the only thing I think about. You’re on my mind as soon as I open my eyes. All day. And I don’t seem to be able to do a damn thing about it.”
They were both breathing heavily, but for her, it was now for a whole different reason.
“I tried not to care,” he continued, his thumbs stroking her arms, his grip loosening. “Tried to convince myself that shutting down whatever it is that’s between us was for the best, that your business was your business, but the way you kissed me last night . . . That felt real. So, no, I will not let you go without an explanation. I need an explanation, Lexie. Please.”
That was it. She had nothing left.
Lexie stopped fighting, and the tears came, flowing down her face in spades, years of built-up pressure finally being released. She couldn’t stop it. Couldn’t slow the torrent once it started and felt all the more self-conscious by the fact.
“Come here,” Nico said, turning her around.
Burrowing her face in his shirt, Lexie allowed herself to let go, let him hold her in her pain. It was too late to hide it now.
“Shh. It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he whispered, stroking her hair, then pulling them toward the wooden bench situated on a patch of grass a few yards away.
Lexie went willingly, feeling drained.
Sitting her down, Nico knelt in front of her, face full of concern. “I think it’s time you be honest with me, honey.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
Nico gave her a few minutes to compose herself, then escorted her inside where she was led through a short hallway and into what appeared to be an interview room. There was nothing in the room except a table and two chairs on either side. The floor was white linoleum, and the air conditioner made her skin come up in goosebumps as she sat down. To her left was a window. If she looked closely, she could see her own translucent reflection staring back at her.
Nico excused himself for a moment, leaving her alone. Before she had any thoughts beyond what she was about to do, a light knock sounded. Lexie turned to see Zoe lingering in the doorway.
“Hey,” she said, looking unsure. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean— It’s just— Nico was out when you called.”
Lexie nodded. “It’s okay.”
Zoe looked at Lexie’s neck, the bruises. “Are you alright?”
The words “I’m fine” lodged in Lexie’s throat, so she cleared it and went with something more honest. “I will be.” Desperate to shift the attention off herself, she said, “You know, my brother has been asking about you.”
As if a switch got flipped, Zoe’s demeanor became instantly colder. Her back straightened and her chin lifted. “Can’t imagine why. He’s living the life he always wanted.”
“Zoe.” Lexie’s tone pleaded for her understanding, but the other woman was already backing away.
“You take care, Lexie.”
Alone again, Lexie sighed. Why on earth had her brother thrown away a girl like Zoe? She was perfect for him in every way. Maybe if he hadn’t taken off, she wouldn’t have ended up—
Lexie stopped that train of thought before it even left the station.
That was for another day.
Today . . . Well, today was just about getting through this.
She’d figure the rest out tomorrow.
“Alright,” Nico said, opening a fresh page to take notes. “Whenever you’re ready.”
It took a good minute for Lexie to meet his eyes. He didn’t say a word, just waited for her to open up to him on her own.
Nico had spent much of his morning in deep thought, wondering how exactly this woman had gotten so far under his skin, and what the hell he should do about it. Walking away from her last night, especially after getting a taste of those lips, was up there with one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Shit, how easy would it have been to coax her into letting him stay? Too easy. That was the problem. He’d stopped for a reason, at least that’s what he’d told himself the entire drive back to town while his hard-on argued that he was being a frigging idiot. Then she’d sent that message . . .
For a while now, Nico’s gut had been telling him that there was more to her story than she was letting on. He’d planned on letting her take her time, figure out for herself if he was worthy of a look behind that curtain, let her learn to trust him bit by bit. Now, that courtesy was no longer his to give. Watching her sit nervously under the fluorescent lights, all red and puffy from crying, Nico cursed the asshole who’d snatched that privacy away from her.
It had been pure luck that he’d been standing within earshot of Zoe’s desk when she received Lexie’s call an hour ago. Even more luck that Zoe hadn’t seen him return and continued to reassure Lexie that he was out on a job. Convincing West to let him handle it had taken some persuasion, but he’d eventually shaken his head and allowed it, warning Nico to not let his personal feelings—whatever they may be—get in the way of his job. Nico knew he’d have a hard time with that last part. What he felt for Lexie was becoming more than just a physical attraction, and as much as he hated to admit it, she meant something to him. He wasn’t sure what yet, but he damn sure wouldn’t stand for some bastard laying hands on her.
“I lied to you,” Lexie finally said. “When you asked me if I was married.”
Nico nodded. “Okay.”
“My husband’s name is Kyle Garrett. He’s a local. We’ve been separated for three years.”
“But not divorced?”
“No.” She shook her head. “He refuses to sign the papers.”
Nico considered that. “Would you say that he’s possessive of you?”
Lexie’s laugh wasn’t mocking. It was sad. “Yes. I would.”
Her tone was so deadpan as she said it, like she was totally shutting down emotionally, feeling nothing. Nico found it a little unnerving, but he understood it. He’d been there too.
“We were young when we first met,” she continued. “Just kids, really. I know it was a stupid decision to get married, but I thought he was the one.” She shook her head. “We were happy in the beginning. Kyle, he was sweet, made me feel special. But, after a while, he became . . . aggressive. He would yell at me, break things. He even shoved me a few times when he stormed out of the house. Half the time I didn’t even know what we were fighting about. He got drunk—a lot.”
More tears slid silently down Lexie’s cheeks and Nico found it harder and harder to stay calm, his brain thinking up all kinds of ways to make the prick pay for the way he’d treated her. It was all he could do to keep his touch gentle as he thumbed away the moisture on her face. “Keep going.”
“After I left him, I naturally thought that would be the end of it. That I could just close that chapter of my life and move on, but . . . Kyle didn’t let go so easily. He’d call at all hours of the night, come by the house, beg me to give him another chance. Other times he’d come in and harass me at work, make a scene, call me a lying, cheating slut, even though I never cheated on him. It only got worse after my dad died. My brother wanted to stay and keep an eye on things, keep me safe, but that would have meant sacrificing his career that he worked so hard for. I couldn’t let him do that. I wouldn’t. So, I told him to go, then I—”
“You what?” Nico prompted when it was clear she wasn’t going to continue.
She leaned back in her chair. “It doesn’t matter now. It’s long done.”
“Lexie.” His tone, though gentle, held warning.
When she returned his gaze, Nico folded his arms on the table. “Honesty, remember?”
She gave a long exhale. “I reported him to Chief West. Well, he was Lieutenant West back then.”
Pleased to hear it, Nico resisted the urge to tuck her hair behind her ear. “I know that must have been difficult for you.”
She averted her gaze.
“So, what happened?”
“He spoke to him, told him to stop.” She shrugged. “It didn’t help.”
“That’s it?”
“Listen,” she said, her voice so low it might as well have been a whisper. “It’s complicated. Small-town stuff. That’s why I wanted to speak to the chief personally.”
Nico’s eyes narrowed. “Small-town stuff?”
Lexie licked her lips and sighed in exasperation. “Adam and Kyle are old high school friends. They grew up together. Adam . . . looks out for him. Downplays his behavior.”
Nico couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Fighting to keep his composure, he rubbed his jaw in agitation. “Are you telling me you went to him with all of this, and he did nothing?”
“I’m taking care of it,” she said firmly. “I’ve known for a long time that I’d need to be more forceful about my complaints. I had planned to threaten Adam with a visit to another police station on the mainland during our meet today if he didn’t get me a restraining order. I’m handling this.”
“Jesus Christ,” Nico muttered.
“I told you, I’m not your problem,” Lexie said. “God, this is so humiliating.”
Nico got up from his chair, unable to sit still any longer. Pacing the room, he opened the door and walked the hall to grab a box of Kleenex from Cora’s desk—noting her empathetic stare—then returned and set it down in front of Lexie. While she cleaned herself up, he turned the situation over in his mind, trying to make sense of it all, weighing up whether he should even involve himself in such a shitstorm beyond his professional boundaries.
Was she worth it?
He watched her dab at her reddened eyes and wet cheeks, imagined telling her he was sorry, processing her paperwork without emotion, then leaving her alone and going on with his life as if they’d never met before, but he couldn’t fathom actually doing it.
Yeah, she was worth it. And whether he liked it or not, he was in this now too.
Pisser.
Nico sat back down, ran soft fingers over her bruised neck. “Tell me about this.”
Lexie gave him a pained look. “I like you, Nico, and I wanted to see you again. I really did. But I have a lot of baggage; baggage that’s not yours to carry. The last time I tried to date someone—tried being the accurate word—Kyle beat him to within an inch of his life. He told him he’d kill him if he went to the cops or ever showed his face in town again. That’s the last I saw of him.”
“Fuck me.” Nico was about at the end of his tether for how much more of this he could handle.
“I agreed to go out with you, because I felt strong enough to handle things if they escalated again,” she said. “I’ve spent months trying to get my head straight, telling myself that no matter what, I would not allow him to hurt or control me again. That that part of my life is over, and I don’t have to be afraid of him anymore.”
She’d started crying again while Nico sat there helpless. Useless. He’d attended countless domestic violence calls as a beat cop, some of them pretty bad. He’d seen the bloodied women, the crying children, the raging addicts, and not one of them unsettled him the way Lexie’s story was right now. The sight of her sobbing beside him, the knowledge that some piece of shit still had a hold on her, it was fucking with his head in a big way.
“He saw you and I together last night, was waiting for you to leave so he could force his way into my house and”—she choked on a sob—“he did this to me, and I let him. I let him hurt me like I always have, only this time I get to wear the result of it on my skin. I’m weak.”
Her tone had changed, gone darker, and her voice broke on the last word. She was angry with herself. Nico bit back the guttural growl building in his chest at the thought of that predator waiting for her in the dark. Knowing he’d driven away, leaving her unprotected, it ate at him.
“That’s why you tried to run from me,” he said, everything finally clicking into place.
Lexie smiled wryly. “And why you should stay away from me if you know what’s good for you.”