Page 23 of First Surrender

“It’s okay, Roberta.” He waves off the woman who is staring wide-eyed at me and him. “Are you going to come in or would you rather shout through the door until backup arrives? Crazy woman,” he mumbles that last bit as I storm past him without acknowledging the remark.

Flinging my purse into a chair, I turn to stare him down. “Why are you naked?”

He glances down at his own body as he closes his door, clearly seeing what I see, that he is fully clothed. He’s not even barefoot, he’s still wearing socks.

“Did you hit your head or something?”

“Shut up. Arson?” I shout. “When were you planning to tell me that someone set my apartment on fire?”

“Calm down,” he starts to say something else but I practically levitate over to him. I hear the slap before I register that I actually slapped him across the face.

I slappedhim.

Yet, myears are ringing.

What did I do?

He’s going to throw my ass in jail. His tongue works the inside of his mouth as if to check for blood and I hold my breath, preparing for whatever comes next.

He steps back to his door, opening it slightly. “Roberta. Go home for the day, put the Office Closed sign up in front of the lobby.” The door shuts with a click before he turns to face me.

“One free shot, fireball. That is all you get. I hope you used it wisely.” With his arms folded across his chest, his body completely blocks the doorway. I couldn’t leave even if I tried. I’m not that stupid. I know I’m not physically capable of winning any altercation with him and he just sent away the only witness on this floor.

“Don’t call me that.”

His eyes bore into mine. Fiercely. I’m not scared of him. At least, I haven’t been up until this point, but things can change quickly. Grown men can turn to anger in a blink of an eye and I was stupid enough to slap him.

He smirks but doesn’t respond. That lift to one side of his mouth is the most intimidating look he’s ever given me.

“Are you going to arrest me?” I ask boldly. I refuse to go quietly if so.

“No.” There’s a long pause until he adds, “I want you to move in with me.”

“What?” I screech. “Did I rattle your brain? Are you insane?”

He doesn’t react at all. He doesn’t budge from where he’s standing in front of the only exit. He doesn’t want me to escape as much as I am desperate to do so.

“As I was trying to say before you hit me. I didn’t tell you about the arson because I was on my way to meet you at the prosecutor’s office to discuss it. You caught me changing out of my road uniform. I’ve been a little busy trying to figure out what the hell is going on in my county!” His voice became deeper and louder as he spoke but I’m still dumbfounded by the “moving-in” comment to care.

“I think Declan had someone set fire to your apartment on purpose.”

“What?” I squeak out this time.

“Before you ask, no, I don’t think I can prove it. I’ve been searching for any evidence that would confirm my suspicion but I’ve got nothing.” He finally moves away from the door but I’m too stunned to move.

“You sent the deputy to watch over us because you think he’ll try again?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” He plants his hands on his desk and hangs his head. For the first time, he looks like a man, not the Iron Giant.

My mind is running in a loop, not piecing any of the information together. My knees are weak and the only thing that will make me feel in control again is to retaliate.

“How can you let this happen? Isn’t ityourjobto stop criminals?”

His head is hanging heavily but he nods it slowly, eerily. Then he laughs. A deep humorless laugh that startles me.

“I should have known. I’ve been working my ass off to keep you and your brother safe. I’ve been going in circles trying to solve this but you want to inflict pain. Fine. I get it. Hit me. Hit me, again, if it will make you feel better.” He strides over to me, stopping so close that his toes touch the tips of my shoes. My chest rising and falling is the only movement between us.

“Nothing you spew at me will stop me from keeping Dec safe. Nothing you say is going to change the facts. So, instead of fighting me every step of the way, listen for once and play nice.” His breathing is as ragged as mine, neither of us backing down from this.

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