Page 16 of Fugitive Flirtation

Alicia squeezes my hand, a small smile playing on her lips. A glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. “Apology accepted.”

We fall into a more comfortable silence, the weight of misunderstandings slowly lifting. But even as the tension dissipates, I can’t shake the nagging feeling that we’re a long way from the trust needed to build something real with someone. That thought surprises me, but as the Miami skyline comes into view, I feel a new sense of purpose stirring. As strange as it may seem, I think Alicia’s the one who might just help me break through the walls I’ve built around my heart.

A few minutes later, we pull up to the police station. I have no problem finding a spot. There’s a special parking space for bounty hunters delivery. Despite the sheriff’s reassurances, Alicia seems anxious, her eyes darting around like a caged animal. I reach over and give her hand a reassuring squeeze, the warmth of her skin sending a jolt through me.

“It’s going to be okay,” I say. “Trust me.”

She musters a weak smile, but as we head inside, her eyes betray her fear. At the front desk, the officer looks up, her gaze lingering on Alicia before turning to me. I can sense her boredom. I’m just another bounty hunter.

“We’re here about the Alicia Floyd case,” I say, keeping my voice level and meeting her stare. “I’m representing Hunter’s Guild.”

“I see,” she nods and taps a few keys on her computer, her long crimson nails clicking against the keys. “Ah yes, MissFloyd. One moment please.”

We wait in silence, the only sound the rhythmic tapping as she keeps on typing. After what feels like an eternity, the woman looks up again, her expression unreadable.

“It appears there’s been an error,” she says matter-of-factly, as if commenting on the weather. “The case’s been closed.”

“The case has been what?” Alicia asks, probably a little louder than she meant to, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“Dismissed.” The officer looks up at us, then back to her computer again. “Yeah, it seems it all started because of a clerical error.”

I frown. Something doesn’t feel right. “You’re sure?”

“Well, I don’t have access to the entire file, but from what I see, the money wasn’t lost but misplaced. Some glitch happened during a routine transfer.” She dives further into her cyber file and nods, as if confirming her own words. “Looks like the bank has already contacted the IRS to clear up the misunderstanding. So, yes, MissFloyd is free to go.”

I turn to Alicia, searching her face for a reaction. “Did you hear that? You’re free.”

She nods slowly, her eyes wide, as if she can’t quite believe what she’s hearing.

The officer winks and whispers to Alicia, “You know, no one would blame you if you sued the bank for what they put you through.”

Alicia smiles, a genuine one this time, relief washing over her features. “I’ll consider it, but I think I’d rather turn the page and be done with this nightmare.”

We walk out to the street, and she turns to me, her brow furrowed in confusion. “You were there with me, you did hear Blackwell Senior say he was pressing charges, and that was, what… less than two hours ago. So how… how is that possible?”

I shake my head, unable to hide my grin. Something isn’t adding up, but for once, I don’t care. “Who cares? The important thing is you’re in the clear.”

Alicia lets out a shaky laugh, her shoulders sagging as the tension leaves her body. “Can you lend me your phone, please? I need to check something…”

Leaning against my SUV, I hand her my phone, already guessing what she’s getting ready to check online. As I watch the smile grow on her lips, I know. Blackwell’s money is still in her accounts, and my guess is he won’t be asking for it back. It’s hush money, a very nice amount of it too—enough to start over, if she wants to. For now, though, all that matters is that she’s free, and the weight that’s been pressing down on her has finally lifted.

12

Iturn to Ace, my heart racing as the realization sinks in. I’m free. The nightmare is finally over. The running, the hiding, the fighting to prove my innocence—it’s all behind me now. He looks at me, a smile playing on his lips, and asks, “Where to, Alicia? You’re a free woman now. I can drop you anywhere you want.”

I hesitate for a moment, a million possibilities swirling through my mind. Downtown, where my office is? I could waltz right back in and reclaim my position, rubbing it in the faces of those who turned their backs on me and never gave me the benefit of the doubt. On the beach to watch the ocean? The salty air and crashing waves would be a soothing balm after all the stress. But no, there’s only one place I want to be right now. A place I’ve longed for during this entire ordeal.

“Take me home,” I say softly, my voice thick with emotion. Home, where I can finally let my guard down and feel safe again. But as I look into Ace’s eyes, I realize I don’t want to be alone, not anymore.

The question is, do I really forgive him for doubting me?

“And maybe… maybe you could come up for a bit? We could celebrate my newfound freedom.” The words tumble out before I can stop them, but I don’t regret them. I’m done running, done hiding. I want to see what life would look like with him by my side.

Ace raises an eyebrow, his smile widening. “Celebrate, huh? What did you have in mind?”

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks, but I forge ahead. “I might just have a good bottle of wine tucked away in the fridge. We could share a glass or two, if you’re interested.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “I’m more of a bourbon guy, to be honest.”

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