Page 37 of Burning Truth

“Yeah, I get that,” Severn said. “It’s probably why I stuck with this job, even after...” He trailed off, his thoughts drifting to the photo in his office. To the men in those suits, to the explosion that had changed everything.

Addie didn’t press him, didn’t ask what he was thinking. Instead, she reached over and placed a hand on his arm, a simple, gentle touch. “You don’t have to talk about it,” she said softly. “But if you ever want to, I’m here.”

Severn swallowed, the unexpected lump in his throat making it hard to speak. “Thanks,” he managed. Her hand was still on his arm, warm and steady, and he wondered if she could feel the way his pulse had quickened under her touch.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, focusing on the road. They were almost back to her place now. A small part of him wished the drive would last longer, that they could keep talking and not have to face the reality waiting for them.

Pulling into her neighborhood, he parked the truck and turned off the engine. For a moment, neither of them moved. The silence between them was comfortable, not awkward. Severn could feel the weight of her gaze on him, could sense the question lingering in the air.

“Severn,” Addie said finally, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I know you’re supposed to be protecting me, but... you don’t have to carry everything alone. I’m here too, you know?”

He looked at her, really looked at her. There was so much sincerity in her eyes, a genuine care that made his chest ache. He’d been alone for so long, by choice and by necessity. Opening up, letting someone in… it was a risk he wasn’t sure he knew how to take. But maybe Addie was worth the risk.

“I know,” he said quietly. “And I appreciate it. More than you know.”

Addie smiled at him, a soft, genuine smile that lit up her face. “Good. Because we’re a team now, whether you like it or not.”

He couldn’t help but smile back. “Yeah, I guess we are.”

They got out of the truck, and Severn walked her to her door, keeping a careful eye on their surroundings. The night was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of traffic. Addie unlocked her door and keyed off the alarm, then turned to face him.

“Thanks for tonight,” she said. “For the ice cream, and the conversation. I needed it. I needed the normalcy of it.”

“Me too,” Severn admitted as he followed her in.

For a long moment, he just stood there, watching her delicious behind disappear inside. For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel so alone. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

“I’m goingto watch the nine o’clock broadcast,” Addie said a little while later.

“I’ll join you.”

Addie sat in the corner of her couch, and Severn settled a little ways away, stretching his long legs out in front of him. She was very aware of him beside her, within arm’s reach, and she wondered what he would do if she slid over to snuggle.

The thought made her tummy clench. Maybe in a little bit...

They watched the news, but apparently it had been a slow day. There were several puff pieces that had been prerecorded. One piece she thought had already been aired.

“Well, I guess I’m glad it’s quiet.”

“Yeah,” he murmured.

Addie’s phone dinged. Her gaze met Severn’s. His mouth had gone tight-lipped, like he was forcing himself to stay quiet.

Addie reached for her phone. Then puffed out a breath when she saw it was a friend of hers.

“It’s not him,” she said, her voice clipped.

Her fucking heart was racing because she’d thought it was the arsonist. They’d had a really nice evening, and she thought she’d been relaxed, but this had shown her how relaxed she wasn’t.

She responded to her friend, then tossed the phone on the table. “My nerves are going to be shot by the time this is done.”

Tears filled her eyes, and Severn sighed, reaching out for her hand. “Hey, you’re all right.”

She sniffed, hating the weakness. “I know. I’m just worried. The thought of people being hurt because of me...”

Severn shifted toward her. “No. We talked about this. It’s not because of you. Anything that happens is because of him, and his actions.”

“But I’m not giving him access to me tonight. And I have a feeling he’s going to retaliate.”

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