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“Were you not going to tell me? I had to interrogate you.”
He chuckled. “I caved pretty quickly on that interrogation.” His smile dimmed. “I didn’t want to say anything until I had him in custody.” He lowered his head until his lips touched her neck in a gentle caress. “Until I had the tapes from him.”
The videos of all their intimate moments. She shivered thinking that disgusting pervert watched them in such a private act.
Griffin soothed her rattled nerves with another kiss.
“Don’t keep things from me until you think I can handle it. Please,” she whispered into his chest.
“It had nothing to do with whether or not you could handle it.” Griffin swore under his breath. “You’re one of the strongest women I know. You can handle anything. It was more something I needed to do for myself.” He lifted his head, pressing his lips to her forehead. “I will tell you things right away from here on out, no matter my reservations about it. I promise.”
She nodded, taking his word for it. Griffin expected promises to him be kept, then she knew without a doubt he’d keep the ones he delivered himself.
“Can we finish our lunch now?” He tossed his head toward the table where their half-eaten sandwiches lay waiting to be devoured.
“I’ve sort of lost my appetite.”
His eyes glowed with understanding. Another reason he hadn’t wanted to tell her in this moment.
“Do you think Mindy has any idea?”
His expression hardened. “I sure in the hell hope not. Because I’ll arrest her ass as well.”
Griffin’s phone broke the moment, ringing sharply between them. He grabbed the device latched to his belt and answered it. The conversation was brief. Duke had the warrant.
“How about I make salmon tonight? I’ve been having a craving for it.”
She nodded, not caring what they had for supper tonight. Who knew if she’d have her appetite back by then.
Griffin kissed her one last time, a deep, thorough kiss that told her not to worry and how much he’d take care of her. If she hadn’t been mistaken, a touch of love that he had been unable to hide.
But it was okay. She’d soak up any love he was willing to give her.
Then he was gone.
She cleaned up their mess and went back to her worktable to make cookies. Sugar cookies shaped like snowmen and Santas.
As soon as she returned, Chip took his break. It was only her and Juliet in the back.
She relayed what she knew.
Juliet grabbed a rolling pin and started working on the dough Chip had set aside before his break.
Eve couldn’t hold back the giggle as she watched Juliet attack the dough.
“What?” Juliet tried to look offended and failed. “Is it now a laughing matter?”
“Only when you look like you’re trying to maim the dough.”
It wasn’t funny. None of it was, but laughter filled the room until they were nearly to the point of tears.
Eve spoke first.
“I have never felt more violated in my life, and that’s saying something with some of the things my brother has done to me. I’ve been thinking some very violent thoughts against the person—Mark—this past week, and I shouldn’t. He’ll pay in the correct way. I have to find solace in that.” A trembling breath released. “Thanks for laughing with me. I needed that. I’m starting to feel better.”
“I’m always here for you, Eve. Always.” Juliet raised the rolling pin. “In any way you need me.”
Eve understood her meaning. She appreciated it more than she could express. But when it came down to it, she didn’t want to lower herself to their standards. Mark’s. Her brother’s. Anyone who hurt someone else. That wasn’t her and she never wanted it to be that way.
