Page 57 of Played

“Okay, now, back to business.” Da states, and we discuss the impending investigation, new clients, potential clients, challenges, upcoming conferences, and before we know it, it’s almost supper time. Da looks at me. “Didn’t you promise Freya you’d be there for dinner?”

I nod. “Aye. But it can wait.”

Da tilts his head. “Ethan, you’ve left that lass waiting long enough. Go.”

Freya

I'm awake, lying in bed, thinking about what happened yesterday, or whenever it actually did happen, since the last two days, with severe jetlag, are a blur. How that dirtbag got into my house and attacked me, but Ethan was there to keep me safe, with nothing but a bruise at the back of my neck, and a headache, to show for it. I got off lucky. Real lucky. Peg was kidnapped, and I believe that that’s what this man was trying to do, if not, he was going to shoot me. Either way, my life would have been cut short, if it wasn’t for Ethan and his quick thinking and skills. I’m sure it wasn’t a lucky shot, since he had the blade in the back of his pants, ready to make a move if necessary.

Instead of being freaked out or suffering from P.T.S.D., I just can’t wait to see Ethan again. He loves me. I love him. And I keep rewinding in my mind that look on his face when he held me close. It’s the only thing that’s keeping my mind off the other terrorizing things that happened. I’m just grateful that it did, or who knows what sort of mental shape I'd be in right now. As I lay there, I start letting my mind wander to work again, and then I can’t stand it, I have to get up. I don’t even bother turning my phone on, as I go directly into production mode, which is when I forget all about interruptions.

Until there is a knock at my door, and I look at my computer monitor, noting that it’s six o’clock. “It’s Ethan.” I hear him call, as I approach the door.

I open the door and Ethan walks in. He smells so good I can’t help but smile. He was always so good at smelling so fresh and clean, it made my toes curl, and still does. “I tried calling, but you must have your phone off.”

“Aye. A little personal rule I have when I'm working.”

“I’m the same sometimes.” He pulls me close, not hesitating. “How are you feeling?”

“Good. I slept well. Got some work done.” I say, kissing his lips, and then taking a step back, so I can close the door behind him. “Is everything okay with your da?”

He nods, stepping inside the house, taking his shoes off and walking into the living room. When he sits down on the couch, I put a kettle of water on for tea, and then start making it. “Aye, as long as you’re safe, he seems pleased. He’d like to get the other guys behind bars, but wouldn’t we all”

“Aye. I’d feel much better, too, Ethan. Lord knows what sort of arrangement they all had together.”

“Exactly.” He licks his lips and I can’t help but recognize the worried look on his face. “Freya, I need to talk to you.”

“Sure.” I say, spooning the sugar and milk into the mugs, as the kettle boils. I pour the water into the pot and set the tea bag inside, bobbing it into the water to speed the process. “Go ahead.”

“Well, in short, I’d like you to stay with me.” He lifts a hand. “It’s not to move in permanently or anything. It’s strictly for your safety. Just until this case gets put to bed, or until the perps are behind bars.”

“Like...at your house?” I clarify, bringing the mugs over, setting one down in front of him.

“Aye. I have top notch security there, and unless you want to hire people to keep watch on your house, I have to insist. You’re clearly a target.”

I get the feeling he’s not finished, even though the thought of living with Ethan is something I dreamed of when we were together. Back then, it was merely a pipe dream, since he wouldn’t even introduce me to his family, let alone even think about asking me to live with him. I know he said that it’s strictly for my safety, but still. The thought of seeing that man’s beautiful face every morning sets my pulse racing. But I don’t want to seem too eager. After all, we literally just set the record straight between us. He continues, lifting a hand. “I know that what we have may be complicated, but we can work on that as we go, if that makes sense. We can take things slow, and simple, and you can even sleep in my guest house, you don’t have to feel obligated to stay in my room or even in my house, if that doesn’t suit you.”

“Well, then, what would be the point in staying for security, if I’m not even in the house, Ethan?” I point out kindly.

He takes a sip of tea and then looks at me. “I just want you to know that your options are open, Freya. There is no pressure here.”

His reasoning is so beneath him. Ethan is not a man to negotiate. The proof was in the pudding when I told him about my past and he literally walked out the door without a second thought. Then he retracts. “Dammit, Freya, I want you safe. If you’re not at my house, then you’re at my da’s house, or at your parent’s house. You are not safe in this place, alone, with no security beyond a punch pad and a goddamn screen.”

I chuckle, lifting a hand, taking a seat on his lap. “Okay, Ethan. I get it. I’ll stay with you. I don’t like seeing you so upset.”

He looks at me with that warm glow again. “You will?”

I nod. “Aye.”

“But we can still take things slow, Freya. You can have your own room if you like.”

I search his eyes. He searches mine. We remain silent for a few beats. Then he says softly. “I love you so much, Freya.” I swear I hear his voice crack with emotion.

It makes my eyes turn misty, too. “I love you, Ethan. This is like a dream.”

“I wish we never lost all that time together.” He says, using his thumb to wipe the tear off my cheek.

“Me, too. I missed you so much. There was never a day that went by that I didn’t think about you. I thought I lost you forever.”

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