I laugh with a huff. “Whatever you say, Ellie girl.” If my presence is grating on her now, then she’s really not going to like what I have to say next. “Better get used to me, because we’re about to become really close.”
She snorts as if I said a joke. “What makes you think that?”
Instead of answering her, I turn my back and walk into the living room. She lets out an exasperated sigh as I sink down onto the couch and get settled.
Stomping in, she stops just short of the coffee table in the middle of the room. “What are you doing?”
My shoulders lift. “Getting comfortable.”
Her spine straightens, and she remains standing, staring at me with pure ice. “Don’t you have work or something? Or better yet, a house to go to?”
The corners of my lips twitch before a smile fully takes over. I’ll take whatever anger she wants to throw at me, it doesn’t faze me a bit. “Oh, I’m not leaving.”
She crosses her arms, causing the wine in her glass to swirl around. “What do you mean, you’re not leaving?”
My grin widens. “I’m. Not. Leaving.”
She’s out of her mind if she thinks I’m leaving her alone after this. Her car getting destroyed could just be the beginning, and I’m not going to sit back and act like this is nothing. Even if it’s not related to the Delmar case, which I hope to hell it’s not, someone has it out for her. Until this is resolved, they’re going to have to getthrough me first.
If smoke could blow out of her ears, it would be happening right about now.
“Until the situation is handled,” I continue. “And the perp is in custody, you’re never left alone. Either I’m here, and sleeping on your couch, or there’s a patrol car parked out front. Until I know your life is no longer in danger, you’re going to be protected. I’d gladly do it twenty-four seven, but I have a job, so when I can’t be here, patrol will take over. I already spoke to Under Sheriff Doyle and got the approval.
“And while we were at the station, I spoke with your family. Your dad agreed that I should stay with you, and your brothers are on board with keeping an eye on you, escorting you home if needed. Everything has been handled.”
Her eyes bulge as she rapidly shakes her head. “Absolutely not! And why are you talking to my family behind my back? My car was vandalized, no one held a knife to my neck and threatened me. This is a massive overreaction.”
I stand and walk up to her. She responds by stepping back until her back hits the wall that divides the kitchen and living room.
“Someone has been trying to get your attention and taking pictures of you without your knowledge. Someone has beenwatchingyou. And who knows how long this has gone on before they got brave enough to make it known. They’re stalking you. Now they’ve escalated to vandalism. It’s only going to get worse. If I’m here, I can protect you.”
With our eyes locked, and her scent floating between us, I can no longer keep my hands to myself and cradle her face in my hands. When she doesn’t flinch, I stroke my thumbs over her cheekbones. If I’m not mistaken, she leans into the touch.
“If I have to burn down the world to find this fucker, I will. I’ll do anything to keep you safe, even if it means pissing you off. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protectyou. I would kill for you without a second thought, do you understand?”
Her sea glass eyes stare at me, shocked, and her only response is to nod.
Realizing I got carried away, I stagger back and release her from my hold.
Knowing what I know about Victoria Delmar is enough to send me spiraling, especially imagining the same happening to Ellie. I didn’t give it a second thought. I’m staying, and it’s final. We’re past the point of me giving her space.
The Delmar case had some interesting revelations this week. One being that we’re suspecting the perpetrator held Victoria captive, keeping her alive until she no longer served him. Therewere signs of assault and malnourishment. Ellie doesn’t know any of this because the details haven’t been released to the public. Unfortunately, I know too much. And I’ll be damned if the same happens to her.It might not be the same guy, this might be an isolated incident, but I’m not willing to risk her on a bunch of maybes and mights.
“Whatever,” she says flatly, before tossing her head back and chugging the remainder of wine in her glass. She strides away, not looking back. “I’m going to bed, I’m exhausted. Don’t bother me.”
I expected a little more of a fight from her, but it’s been a long morning.
Fuck, I’m exhausted, too.
As tired as I am, I have no plans to sleep for a while. Not with this shit going on. While she rests, I’ll be spending the remainder of the day focused on the house and the surrounding area. Watching.
CHAPTER 29
Elyse
NOT SORRY FOR IT
PRESENT
