18. Elijah
18
ELIJAH
M y neck is stiff, but my left side is deliciously warm.
I’m sitting up on the couch, neck angled down a bit, and lending my shoulder to a companion who’s driving me insane. More so after our meal. Those kisses. The feel of her small hand clutching my shirt—her hooded blue eyes looking at me with so much yearning—but as much as I want to devour her, I can’t.
Not yet. Not after her confession yesterday.
After what that son of a bitch tried to do…
I’ve never wanted to kill another human being before, and brutally so. The many ways going through my head should be worrisome, each more gruesome than the last, but more importantly, they go against my badge. My oath.
Yet, for her, I’d risk it all. He’s an animal.
I’m going to break his neck with my bare hands.
Her faith in me, the self-recrimination and pain over trusting the wrong people, made my already protective instincts go into overdrive. The feelings I’ve fought hard to ignore—my wants—sucker punch me in the face as I deal with the reality.
I want her. All of her.
Even if our current situation is dangerous and her security is my main priority, the feel of her lips on mine changed everything. She kissed me. Twice. Robbed me of my senses and then forced me to break quite a few protocols while I was at it.
I could lose my job because of those kisses, and I couldn’t care less. Fuck it all.
Nothing matters outside of putting him down like the disgusting beast he is, so my girl can be free. Because Jason, Lyle, or whatever the fuck he decides to call himself next week is now more than just a case; he’s my enemy.
He will pay for her tears with his blood.
Ava is mine, and I’m keeping her. She’ll never be hurt again.
The sunlight filtering through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows is brighter today than normal, and I savor the moment. The peaceful sound of her light breathing and occasional hums. I like it. Love the way a certain brunette with soft lips murmurs my name in her sleep.
“Five more minutes, Eli. The gargoyles and unicorns can wait for their coffee.” Her nose is now pressed against my throat, the small tufts of breath marking my skin while my cock swells to full mast. I’m hard as fuck while holding in my laugh, a difficult predicament.
Ava’s an adorably cute vixen.
She’s also warm and soft and delicate, my perfect fantasy within reach, and yet I do nothing more than enjoy this moment. Relive the memory of her lips on mine and how right she felt in my arms. How she let me dominate and hold her to my liking as I took my fill.
Because Ava Perry is something else.
A surprise of mixed signals, lingering looks, and that sweet flush of pink across her cheeks that makes me want to bite her. A ‘ we can’t’ but ‘ I need you’ puzzle that I’m putting together one perfect piece at a time. But first, we need to talk. She needs to decide if this is something she’s willing to try because after tasting that sinful mouth and swallowing her moans, I want it all.
The good. The bad. The dangerous.
No going back for me.
A small chuckle escapes me as the little thing tips her face in my direction, an unconscious act with full-on duck lips. An exaggerated pout. “We need to get up, sweet treat.” That dangerous mouth quirks up at the term of endearment. “Come on. I’ll start the coffee.”
“No.” Just like that and full of sass.
“I’ll make strawberry French toast.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Just thirty more minutes,” she whines low, and I’m truly fucked with how adorable I find it. “Please?”
“You asked for ‘five more’ twenty minutes ago,” I remind her, and she nips my jawline.
“I lied.” Not an ounce of shame. Bratty. Fuck, I’m in trouble.
“You’re already up.” Even I can hear the amusement slip through my mock-stern facade.
“Too warm and comfortable. Just a little more, Eli.” Motherfuck , my resolve breaks just like that, slipping deeper into the couch as I reposition us so she’s comfortable and using me as a body pillow. Ava lets out a low sigh as I do and a few seconds later, a light snore follows. Hers or mine—no clue because I’m letting sleep take me once more, too.
The next time I wake up, I’m alone. A bit cold.
I’m also hard as fuck beneath the confines of my sweatpants. There’s no mistaking the tent or my desire to be buried deep between her supple thighs. Where the hell is she?
The apartment’s silent except for a low humming sound coming from the kitchen, and I find myself throwing my legs over the couch to investigate. I know this perpetrator, and not seeking her out is impossible for me.
The culprit is tiny and sexy; a dangerous breed of perfection that’s turning my life on its axis.
However, the second I stand to my full height my body protests, aching from spending the night on the couch. Next time we sleep in my bed. Presumptuous, but I give no fucks.
I’m not going to fight what I know to be inevitable. Not anymore, consequences be dammed.
Throwing my hands up, I reach back to stretch and a few bones in my upper back crack, giving my neck a bit of relief. At the same time, my shirt rides up and as I arch fully back, thrusting my pelvis slightly forward, a tiny gasp makes me aware of her presence.
What those tiny sounds do to me.
I’m in no rush, though, and I turn my head toward the opposite wall where a large, ornate mirror hangs. She’s there, lips slightly parted and eyes on mine through the reflective surface.
No running. Not hiding. For the first time, she’s letting me fully see how I affect her.
“Good morning,” I say and add in two more stretches to mess with her. “What time is it?”
“A little past eleven.” It’s a bit breathy, and as I turn to face her, my mouth waters at the sight of flushing cheeks, bright eyes, and her messy hair. “Lunch is ready. I-I was coming to wake you up and give you your phone. It’s been going off nonstop for the last twenty minutes.”
Immediately, I’m concerned but keep my expression neutral. After her confession yesterday and my suspicions about the “officer” involved in this case, I’m trusting no one. Going by what Captain Perez said, her location was kept secret outside of a few people, and that didn’t involve anyone else from my department.
“We need to move her now that her location’s been compromised,” I hiss out from between clenched teeth while Perez just looks at me. His expression isn’t giving anything away while I pace the length of the conference room in my building. There’s an eerie bout of clarity flowing through me. I’m composed and determined as the last few hours—our conversation at the pier—play in my head on repeat. Her tears gut me. Make me see red. She’s been alone for years dealing with his sickness while the world ignored the signs. While those she trusted told her it was a lie. That no one would believe her. “My family has a vacation home in Colorado we can use. I’m sure she’ll ? —”
“Ava stays here. Both of you do.”
I pause with my cell in hand, and the resounding crack of my neck as I turn my head to look at him is loud. To his credit, the captain just holds a hand up but doesn’t step back.
“I’m sorry, Ford, but my hands are tied here. They won’t let me move her.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” My tone is calm, but my ire is palpable. Walking over to the table, I place my phone atop the file there and turn to face him fully. “Explain.”
“Watch the tone, Detective. I’m your boss and ? —”
“When it comes to her safety, I don’t give a flying fuck who you are.” Taking the remaining steps between us, I get in his face and meet his hard stare dead on. I’ll quit right now and leave with her if I have to. “You’re not putting her in danger to satisfy some DA’s fetish of catching him with her as the bait. Not happening.”
“I have no choice but to follow orders, Detective Ford.” I can hear the remorse in his words. Take in how upset Perez is, and it’s the only reason I keep my hands off him. It’s why I don’t storm out while sending the universe to go and fuck itself.
“I can’t ? —”
“Then don’t, Elijah. Remember what I said when I asked you to protect her?”
“At all costs.”
“Exactly. And while I need to enforce the orders coming from above, I won’t hold against you how they’re interpreted. Do what you must. Whatever the fuck that is, but both of you stay.”
“You’re saying find a loophole.”
“I’m saying I trust you.”
“Is the coffee on?” I ask her, trying to evade any questions she might have, at least until after I find out who the call is from. Holding a hand out, I wait for my phone, but she shakes her head. “Give it.”
“What’s going on?”
“Don’t know until I see who’s calling.”
Ava purses her lips while narrowing her eyes. “Swear?”
“Yes, babes. Give me a minute or two, and we’ll talk.”
“Fine.” She rises to the tips of her toes and kisses my chin. Then nips my neck. Her small hand places the device in mine, and it begins to vibrate. “Go. I’ll make you a plate while you answer. Deal?”
“Deal.” My mouth lowers and I kiss her plump mouth, a quick, harsh kiss while my hand gives her ass a gentle smack. A taste. “I’ll meet you in there.”
“Okay.” I don’t miss how she pushes back against my hand. She likes it. I give one more love tap to her right asscheek before heading toward my bedroom, making a quick stop at the en- suite bath to brush my teeth and then wash my face. The phone vibrates again while I’m there, and I figure out who the culprit is.
“Hello, Mother,” I say loud enough that my voice carries in Ava’s direction while entering my office. The door remains open, and I pull the phone from my ear, hitting the speaker button so I can scroll through any missed calls. It confirms my suspicions; she’s curious as to why I’ve been avoiding her. “Did someone die, or did the house burn down?”
“Don’t get smart, kid.” There’s the sound of cutlery and then her sipping something. “Where are you? Are you working his case?”
There it is. She’s worried.
“Yes and no.” Walking around the desk, I sit and lean back, closing my eyes as the scent of fresh coffee infiltrates my senses. “I am working, but you know I can’t share the particulars.”
“Are you being safe?”
“Always.” Knowing what’s coming next, I lean forward and access my laptop to check my email. With the way things are—how no one’s to be trusted—I made a new account last night that only Perez knows the address for.
“...the family business is suffering. You’re killing me, Elijah.”
“Not happening.” It’s a never-ending conversation between us. She wants me to run the publishing house our family owns, the one passed down by her grandfather, and it looks like my cousin will take over while I silently sit on the board. Not active, just as another shareholder. They love it and are passionate about discovering new authors, but it’s not for me. My call has always been to serve and protect the citizens of this city. Saving lives is fulfilling—a challenge I thrive on. “But I do have something that might interest you...” I trail off on purpose.
Dangle gossip and she caves. She’s lovingly nosy.
“Tell me.” It’s a demand, and I roll my eyes. Mom’s where I get it from.
“I’ve met someone.” She squeals so loud that I lower the volume on my phone. There’s some gibberish coming from her between the excited noises women tend to make. “It’s new, but?—”
“I need to meet her and...”
I don’t hear the rest as I focus on the screen. Ava’s email was accessed recently, left open, and is displaying nothing but emails from him. Months’ worth, and each more threatening than the last.
What the fuck? Why the hell didn’t she tell me about these?
“...dinner on Sunday?”
“Mom, I have to go.” A part of me feels bad for cutting her off, but I can’t focus on anything other than what’s in front of me. I’m angry. Disappointed because I thought we had established a mutual sense of trust.
“What’s wrong, Elijah? What happened?”
“It’s work-related.” I’m clicking on the first email and reading through lines full of anger and desperation. Threatening. A psychotic love note. “I’ll call you later. Love you.”
“Okay. Please be safe.”
I don’t wait for her to hang up before I’m standing, tipping my chair back in the process. It creates a domino effect; the harsh push causes it to hit the edge of my shelves on its way down and a picture frame meets its demise. The crash is loud, but I could give a flying fuck.
The world around me could explode and shatter into a million pieces; I still wouldn’t focus on anything but her . The words he sent her . On the slapping of her bare feet on my floor as she races toward this room.
Everything starts and ends with Ava Perry.
Don’t force my hand, Sugar.
I will kill every last one of them, Ava, before I break you. I’m going to propel you to the edge of fucking death, and then bring you back over and over again.
I love you.
“Christ, Elijah,” she hisses out, hand clutching her chest. “What’s going on? Why do you look like an angry bull ready to plow through a wall?”
“When were you going to tell me?” I know my tone is brusque and harsh, but her distrust hurts more than I ever thought it could. Feels like a betrayal after what’s happened between us: the confession at the pier and then our kiss. Because you love her. Motherfuck, I can’t think about that. It’s too soon, and I can’t place a name on these emotions when only rationality should exist. “Explain.”
“Wait a second.” Ava holds both hands up while coming closer. She pauses on the other side of my desk, her expression pinched tight with concern. “I don’t know what happened here, but don’t take it out on me.”
“Jason. Lyle. Whatever the fuck his name is,” I spit out, flipping my laptop around for her to see, “has been contacting you, and I find out by accident? Why are you hiding this?”
“I was going to tell you, Detective.” The use of my title cuts more than the lie. “To be completely honest with you...” At the raise of my brow, her blue eyes narrow. Dare me to challenge that statement, which I don’t. Instead, I bite the inside of my cheek. “I haven’t checked my email in months. Since the night before I found him?—”
“Months?”
“Yes.” My anger deflates at the sight of Ava’s bottom lip trembling. I feel like the world’s biggest asshole. “My phone and laptop...everything electronic I could use to check my accounts was confiscated to be monitored by the DA’s office. I have no clue who has them or if I’ll ever see those devices again, but more importantly, I wasn’t hiding this from you or anyone. It scared me yesterday when I used your laptop to get?—”
“Why check yesterday?” I ask quietly, carefully. I’ve done enough already and don’t want her to be afraid of me.
“There’s a folder in my Google account with cake recipes, and I wanted to surprise you.” No sooner has the last word slipped past her lips that I’m around my desk and pulling her against me. She struggles a bit as her eyes become glassy, but I don’t let go. Instead, I lift her off the floor, feet dangling with her chest against my own.
“I’m sorry.” And I am. More than anything. “Please forgive me, sweet treat. My head’s running in a million directions, and that’s no excuse.” Laying my forehead against hers, I breathe in Ava’s small exhales. Take her decadent scent into my lungs. “Seeing his words angered me, but I should’ve never talked to you that way. It’ll never happen again.”
“Can I kick you if you do?”
“Would you like to do so now?” I’d take anything she did; I was an ass.
Ava shakes her head, lips still sad. “No.”
Instead of talking to her, I jumped the gun. I’m anxious because this sick son of a bitch is still out there with a missing girl and getting help from those that wear a uniform like mine. Because the woman I love is in danger, and they are forcing us to sit here like sitting ducks.
There’s no denying how I feel. How consumed I am by her.
I’m getting her out of here. Have to, no matter the cost.
Lifting her chin with the tips of my fingers, I give her lips a chaste kiss while wiping a lone tear with the pad of my thumb. “I’m going to make this right. I promise you.” Another small peck and I pull back, releasing her from my hold, and once she’s found her footing, I turn to leave. “My mom’s house in Colorado will do until I can figure out our next stop?—”
“Don’t go.” Ava’s choked plea stops me cold, and I turn to face her, the crestfallen look on her face gutting me. “I forgive you. I know we’re all under so much stress. Just… please .”
“Ava, sweetheart.” My tone is soft. Trying to be comforting. “I’m only going to make a phone?—”
“I need you.”