Page 56 of Fate's Unseen Shadow

“Why not?” Xavier asked.

“For a million reasons.” He looked down at her, considering. Finally, he asked, “How quickly can you get ready to leave?”

“Super quick.” Ella stood, but Damon stopped her with a hand on her wrist.

“Hold up.” Damon brought the back of her hand to his lips. “This does not mean you go with me on other cases. Understand?”

She definitely understood that having him give her orders was easier to swallow when he was affectionate at the same time.

“Why today?” she asked.

“I doubt this will end up being anything we can help with. I’m not chasing down nineteen-year-olds the same way. I realize their lives are just as important, but I can’t get locked down in a case and miss helping a child.”

“Understood. No other cases. Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be ready.”

Damon still didn’t release her. He tugged her back to him. “Remember to do what I say when we’re out there. I’m not going to lose you to the stalker or a witch hunt by the Feds if someone recognizes you just so you can see Savannah.”

She cupped his cheek and kissed him. “I will do everything you say. Thank you.”

He smirked. “For letting you go?”

“No.” Brushing her thumb along his temple, she whispered, “For everything. And it’s not just going to Savannah. It’s going with you.” She kissed him again and left. Damon would never know how much she needed him at this moment in her life. He might not believe in fate, but she had to believe. Fate made this entire situation make sense. To turn a horrible point in her life into something good.

And that good was Damon.

17

Damon and Ella stood along River Street in Savannah, Georgia, as the bars started to open for the day. Some people were already out, walking the iconic street. A few others jogged along the riverfront, sweating in the late May heat. He and Xavier had come here a couple of times in their twenties, drunk too many adult slushies, and gotten into a few fights. And now he reached for Ella’s hand, a completely different man than he was back then.

“I haven’t been here in ages,” Damon said, looking around as they waited for the others to arrive. “Keep your sunglasses on as much as you can.” With a hard sigh, he added, “Please.”

She lifted her face to his for a kiss. “That looked like it hurt, but thanks for the effort.”

“I just want you safe.” He kissed her, once again, disappointed he hadn’t gotten to spend today alone with her. He needed time to figure out this thing between them. It felt too real too fast. Especially for him. He’d never considered being in a serious relationship before. And now, after a handful of days, the idea of her leaving to go back to her life in Atlanta left a knot in his stomach.

Because his attraction to her was a world away from simply physical.

“They made it,” Ella announced as Slater parked.

“Don’t you two look like a cute couple.” Slater climbed out of the passenger side. “Like one of those romance movies my mom watches.”

Xavier shot out of the driver’s side. “God! I love this damn thing.” He tossed Slater his keys. “Thanks.”

Slater grabbed them in midair. “I don’t know why you don’t buy a sports car. You obviously enjoy cars.”

He shrugged. “Why buy one when I can drive yours, Damon’s, Ryker’s bikes, and now Ella’s hundred-thousand-dollar sedan? I pick friends with good taste in cars.”

“Speaking of Ryker, where is he?” Damon pulled out his phone to look up his location. “He usually beats us places on his bike.”

“Well, we drove down the interstate first to let the little boy play with his toy.” Slater turned as Ryker revved his bike twice, rolling into the parking lot.

He parked beside Damon’s car and killed the engine. He pulled off his helmet. “That was intense as shit. Thanks for running scout.”

“I don’t get it,” Ella said to Damon.

“Slater and Xavier drove ahead of him to warn him of any police.” Damon shook his head. “How long did it take you?”

“An hour.”

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