On a sigh, she pushed off the sofa and dropped a soft kiss on his mouth. “Better now.” She offered him the glass and he sipped the top-shelf vodka. Her lips were slashed in a thin line and her brow was furrowed.
He kissed her cheek. “How are Hannah and Robert?”
“They’re good. The doctors wanted to keep them in the hospital overnight for observation. My mom is staying with them. They’ll be discharged tomorrow.” Her gaze swept over his face. “Do you want something to eat? How about a backrub?”
Though she smiled, something was off. He removed his leather jacket and riding pants, then studied her face. “You want to talk about what’s on your mind?”
She clasped his hand and brought him into the kitchen where a bottle of whiskey waited beside a lowball glass. After pouring himself a drink, they returned to the family room and settled on the sofa.
A few moments passed, while he waited for her to tell him what was troubling her.
“The adrenaline has worn off and I’m in shock. It’s a lot to process. No one comes out of this unscathed, me included. I’m disappointed in Birdie. I thought he was better than that. I never liked Charlene, but what she’s done has blown my mind.” She ran her hand over Sin’s thigh. “I’m concerned for my sister, though Sanchez told her something I’m hoping will be her saving grace.”
“What did she say?”
“She told her that she could choose to be a victim or a survivor.” Evangeline’s eyes softened. “That helped Hannah understand that she has control over her feelings.” Pausing, she shifted, then sipped the liquor. “I was a good cop. I think I’m a decent agent. I follow the rules and respect the law. But now, I’ve broken the law both by kidnapping Monty and by covering up the fact that I killed him.” Pushing off the sofa, she stood in front of the waterfall.
Sin gave her space and remained quiet.
A moment passed before she turned to face him. “It’s a lot to digest.”
“What can I do to help you through this?”
“Thank you for being in my corner. For now, I’m going to work this case. I want Charlene convicted. After that, I’m not sure I can continue as an agent. How can I enforce the law if I don’t follow it? I’m a hypocrite.”
He could see the struggle in her eyes. “You did what had to be done. If you hadn’t, I would be dead. Hannah would be dead, too, and you would be spending your life regretting that you couldn’t save her, unless Monty had killed you, too.”
“I will take the secret of Monty to my grave. After tonight, I will never speak of him again.”
Returning to the sofa, she sat beside him and clasped his hand. “What I do know is that I found the love of my life.” When he smiled, her eyes softened. “I’ve been terrified of opening up my heart and allowing myself to love someone fully. I was scared of losing my identity and individuality because I saw my mom do that so many times.” She sat tall. “I’m not my mom and, while I love you fiercely, I’m not going to stop being who I am. I’m still a porcupine.”
He chuffed out a laugh. “And that will always be my favorite animal.” Leaning close, he kissed her. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. You know that, don’t you?” She nodded. “I think time will help you determine your next career step.”
“Thank you for being my rock.”
“Thank you for being mine.” He dropped a soft kiss on her mouth. “I know you moved in here for safety, but I want you to stay. I love having you here. Make thisyourhome, Evan.”
While staring into his eyes, she grew quiet. After a moment, she said, “This is a real commitment.”
Acknowledging her, he nodded.
A smile touched her eyes. “I would love to start and end each day with you. One day at a time, okay?”
“Okay.” Rising, he held out his hand. “For the next few hours, I want to pamper you and love you. Take a break from reality with me.”
When she slid her hand into his, he pulled her to her feet and enclosed her in his tight embrace. Her happiness meant everything to him and he would do whatever necessary to keep her safe, and would love her with his entire being.
Arm in arm, they walked upstairs. After hot showers, they crawled into bed and snuggled close. When he turned off the light, she said, “I want to make love to you.”
He reached for his night table drawer, but she pulled him back to her.
“I’m on the pill and I’m clean. I don’t want a condom, but we can use one if you want.”
He rolled toward her and kissed her. “I’m clean, too.” He captured her face in his hands and kissed her again. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
They found solace in each other’s arms. Their soft kisses and gentle caresses gave way to an intensity that left them both breathless. She fed his unquenchable fire with her own untamed fervor. Her love for him was evident in the way she held him, and in her sensual kisses, but the passion in her eyes confirmed the true depth of her feelings.
With complete conviction, he had found his person. For as long as he lived, he would choose her. The only question that remained was whether she would choose him back.
