Page 29 of Fate's Unseen Shadow

“My key works in all the doors.” He opened her door and then walked inside, turning on the lamp and immediately heading to her bedroom.

“Umm”—she closed the door behind them—“what are you doing?”

“Making sure it’s all clear.” He reached into his pocket, producing her jewelry. “Hand out.”

Ella extended her hand, palm facing upward. Carefully, he fastened her watch around her wrist, his gaze fixed intently on the clasp. “I believe I promised to return it to your body,” he said, finally looking up to meet her eyes. A subtle smile played across his lips, carrying an unexpected warmth.

And there went her blood pressure again.

He secured her watch and continued to hold her hand. “Aside from getting cut, how was the rest of your night?” His thumb gently brushed back and forth over the inside of her wrist.

Ella swallowed, trying to figure out the situation. Was he flirting or only acting concerned? “Good. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Will you be driving me again?”

“Of course. I have work in the morning, but I’ll come by to check on you around lunch,” he replied. After a soft sigh, he let go of her hand and picked up the pearls, holding them at both ends. “Turn around and lift your hair.”

She reached for the pearls. “I can?—”

“No.”

His eyes held a silent challenge that tempted her to defy him. The energy between them intensified with each moment their stubborn standoff continued.

“Ella, I’m going to keep my promise.” Without waiting for her to turn, Damon moved behind her, dangling the necklace before her. “Lift your hair.”

Reluctantly, she complied, the internal struggle between obedience and resistance fading as he draped the cool pearls low across her chest. His proximity was palpable; his thighs brushed against her as he stood close. Gently, he raised the pearls, letting them roll smoothly up to her neck.

Ella bowed her head slightly, the cool sensation of the pearls nearly sparking a shiver through her body.

Damon fastened the clasp, his fingers lightly grazing her neck, before he returned to stand before her. Extending hishand, he offered her the earrings. “Here,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “I’d put them on for you, but I wouldn’t want to drop one. Please, don’t wear these tomorrow.”

She took the earrings and stepped away, slipping them into her ears herself.

“Get some rest, Ella. The weekend nights are always the toughest. You’ll be at the bar until three. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He was almost out the door when he paused and turned back. “Lock the door. I want to know you’re safe before I leave.”

“I will.”

He narrowed his eyes, saying, “Come here.”

She flew over to him, thinking he wanted her close for some reason. “What?” she asked, sounding far too hopeful.

He must have caught the tone because she saw pure amusement in his expression. “You can’t lock the door from way over there.”

“Oh.”

With a small laugh, he pulled the door closed and said, “Good night, Ella.”

“Good night, Damon.” She locked the door, laying her forehead against it and closing her eyes. “I’m just tired,” she murmured, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. “The police are looking for you. A killer is looking for you. This isn’t your real life. Damon is only here to help.” With that stark reminder, she headed to bed and fell into a deep sleep until late morning.

After a refreshing morning shower, Ella settled down to watch the news. Within minutes, her face flashed across the TV. “Shit.” She put her coffee down and turned up the volume.

“Elizabeth Cassin is still missing. It’s been four weeks since Theodore Smith, CEO of Cassin Systems, was found dead. No other suspects have emerged in the case.”

She yelled, “I’m not a suspect!” at the TV, as if it could hear her.

An FBI agent appeared on screen. “At this point, we’ve increased the reward to two hundred thousand dollars for information leading to her apprehension. Alive,” he added, clearing his throat.

She switched off the TV, her mood soured. At least they were pretending to care about capturing her alive. Now, more than ever, she needed to trust the guys to help her find the real killer and clear her name. She enjoyed being with Damon, but this wasn’t her life. She had to remember that.

9

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