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Glancing at Rowan over James’ shoulder, she mouthed, “Sorry for the mess.”
Her friend murmured, “I love you.”
The police were called and Rowan met them, “My friend needs female officers, please. This woman held Nina captive when she was a child. She got out of prison and threatened to take her daughters. She’s traumatized.”
Nina kept her face pressed to James’ chest.
James said to the higher-ranking officer, “Farrah Kane was convicted of human trafficking, kidnapping, child pornography, and a dozen other crimes. She held Nina for years and violated parole coming here tonight.”
“We have to take her in,” the cop said. “We’ll get two female uniforms here for you but we have to take you in.”
“I know...I know,” Nina mumbled. “I’ll go.”
She was escorted by police through the benefit with blood splattered down the front of her gold gown. A few people snapped photos on their phones but Nina stared at the floor as her tears fell steadily.
The following afternoon, she was released on bail.
James had a tracksuit for her to change into. Then he put his arm around her shoulders as he led her from the building. The press waited, shouting questions about the stabbing of Farrah Kane as she descended the steps to the sidewalk.
At the curb, she turned to them and said with heavy emotion in her voice, “I can’t talk about it...I-I just can’t. I’m sorry.” In the back of the limo, she gratefully accepted a cup of coffee from the driver. “This is what Ireallyneeded.” She took a long sip. “I think I could sleep for a week.”
James held her, pressing his lips against the top of her head. “Are you alright?” She nodded. “I thought I’d lose my mind when you disappeared into booking.” He sighed heavily. “I’m sorry that creature dared to look into your face, sweetheart. As strong as you are, I know the cost.”
Eyes closed, she said, “Even though we had intel she’d be there, I never reallybelievedshe would be so bold.” She looked up at him. “I think...he was done with her.”
James frowned. “You think heorderedher to confront you? He couldn’t know you’d kill her…”
“If he saw the police reports the day they took us out of that warehouse, he could have made an educated guess.” She closed her eyes. “Are the girls okay?”
“Oh yeah. Rowan and Mary-Margaret have been having a blast. They gave each of them binoculars to see historical buildings until we can take them to each one ourselves.”
Nina snorted. “Careful. People in the Big Apple don’t always pull their curtains. Our angels are liable to get a view they don’t expect.”
Clearing his throat, he said, “They have the kids in the play area a few floors down right now. Rowan wanted to give you time to shower and change.”
“She knew I wouldn’t want to touch any of them before I could sanitize that viper’s blood from my skin.”
He cupped her face in his palm. “Nina. Are you truly alright?”
Softly, she answered, “Does it make me a horrible person if I say I’m honestlyfineafter murdering that woman?”
“No.” He shook his head. “It makes you a force to be reckoned with.” Dropping his mouth over hers, he kissed her slow and easy. Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, “I love you, Nina.”
“I love you, too.” She sighed. “Thanks for transporting my weapon. I don’t knowwhereI would have put it in that dress. Talk about a second skin...”
“It was the least I could do when you refused my help otherwise.”
“It had to be me, James.”
“I know.” He hugged her close and she sipped her coffee. “You were the one who got them out. You were the one who testified, and you were the one who spilled her guts on the floor of the Four Seasons. It always had to be you. I’d never steal that victory.”
“That woman’s blood runs in my veins…”
“That doesn’t meanshitand you know it.” He kissed her head. “You need a shower, a nap, and a real meal. When you’re rested, I’m going to remind you how much your sleek jaguar turns me on.”
She purred at him.
At the entrance of Rowan’s Manhattan apartment, Nina stopped a few feet inside the door. “Uh…”
