Page 9 of Stay with Me

“No offense, but fuck you.”

He chuckles. “I’ll miss your honesty.”

“You say that like I’m already gone,” I grumble.

Captain Ross looks into my eyes. His features turn serious. I know this look too well. He’s about to give it to me straight, no bullshit.

“I saw it in your eyes in that hospital. Something spooked you, kid. Something mattered to you more than this job.

“The moment that happened, you were gone. Playtime is over. It’s time you go live that pretty life that’s been waiting for you.

“Make no mistakes. I think you’re a damn good cop. You loved this shit.” He takes a pause and narrows his eyes at me. “But loving this shit and living it are two different things.”

Loved.

He says it in the past tense. I take in his words and think them over. After getting shot and coming so close to death, I did have someone on my mind as I sat there in that hospital bed.

Her face pops into my head. I was honest with myself as I thanked God to still be breathing. When I opened my eyes, I wanted to see her.

My parents were notified and snuck into the hospital, but it was Rem who I wanted to see. She was the first person I thought of. I wanted to be engulfed in her scent and the warmth of her body on top of mine.

“Five months,” I murmur.

Can I get her to love me in five months? Because I’d give this shit up for her. I know the real reason she runs from me.

I’m not safe. Her parents have raised her in this bubble. The first sight of danger sends Rem running every time.

I’m dangerous. Her words, not mine.

“You’re still young. You’ll land on your feet.”

I look up at Captain Ross as his words pull me from my thoughts. I tighten my fists and nod, accepting the truth. Even after five months, I don’t think I’ll be wearing a badge.

“One more thing, Moran.”

“Captain?”

“You know you can’t share anything about this case with anyone, not even your parents. That means all this—the leave, the shooting, and everything else surrounding the case are confidential.”

“Like you really need to tell me that,” I snort.

“Another reason I’m going to miss you. These new knuckleheads they’re sending me have shit for brains. For what it’s worth, it was great working with you.”

The finality in his words is like a bitter pill being forced down my throat. I stand and leave, feeling like my air has been cut off. However, I know exactly where I plan to go next.

* * *

Reminisce

I stare out the window of my office lost in thought. Copyright law can be boring as fuck, but it’s safe. Safer than my years as a prosecutor.

I frown as Knight comes to mind. Those years are a reminder I need. I need to remember why I can never get involved with him.

“Good to see you, Prosecutor Walden,” Officer Moran said as he walked by me with a smile on his lips.

I returned the smile and nodded my head as I continued toward the courthouse. This was the first time I’d needed a detail for a case. I thought my boss was overreacting. A few death threats written on paper were just some coward’s way of trying to place fear in me.

I turned to look behind me at Officer Moran and his partner. My lips turned up when I found Officer Moran with his eyes glued to my ass. I couldn’t deny that he was one fine ass cop. Blue looks good on him.

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