Page 57 of Absolution

“I can’t believe I’ve killed someone.” Ella swallowed, gripping the stem of the wine glass.

It had been hours since Tucker’s lawyer had secured her bail, but even though she’d showered, she still couldn’t seem to get the taste of the police station out of the back of her mouth.

In all that time, she’d been running the events of the night before through her head. God knows, she’d gone through it enough times with the bloody cops. She ought to know every minute by heart.

“I know.” Tucker pulled her closer, kissing her hair. “I’m sorry, little girl. I should never have let it come to this.”

“It’s not your fault, sir.”

That was one thing she was sure about. Tucker had done everything he could to protect her, but in the end, she’d had to act. The idea that Collins could have gunned them all down was inconceivable. As it was, he’d put her father in intensive care.

“I don’t want you to worry about the charges.” He guided her head to meet his gaze. “Sanderson thinks he’ll be able to get them dropped. His friends in the Crown Prosecution Service know they can’t make a manslaughter charge stick.”

“I’m not worrying about that.”

That wasn’t strictly true. After spending time in the dank police cell, she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t contemplated being sent to prison, but her larger concern was the fact that, whether she was charged and convicted or not, there was still a man in the morgue because of her.

Not that he had been a good man. Hell, he’d come there to kill the man she loved, but still, he wassomeone—someone’s son and maybe someone’s lover and father. And now he was dead.

Because of me.

“Are you sure?” Tucker’s thumb stroked along her chin.

“It’s just alla lot, sir.” That might have been the understatement of the millennium. “But I do so appreciate how you and Sanderson have helped me.” She’d have been lost without them both.

“Ella.” He wrangled the glass from her fingers and placed it on the coffee table beside him. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, I’m going to help you. You shot the bastard who tried to kill me, and I fucking love you, by the way.”

She laughed at how he expressed his love for her. After everything they’d been through, she’d never been happier to hear the sentiment.

“I love you, too.” Wrapping her arms around him, she breathed in his familiar spicy scent. Even though her head still throbbed with recent events, she was so grateful for his steadfast presence.

“Do you need more food?” He motioned to the enormous Chinese banquet he’d ordered, most of which was still sitting in the middle of the coffee table.

“I’m fine, thank you, sir.” She glanced around the chic-looking lounge.

Tucker had taken her to another one of his city homes since the one they’d been staying in had become a crime scene.

“Do I need to put those cuffs back on you and make you eat, little girl?” His brow arched at her playfully.

“No, thank you.” She moved away from him and peered down at her wrists, remembering how restrictive the metal bracelets had been. “If you can believe it, I actually preferred your ropes.”

“Oh, really?” He chuckled as he patted his lap. “Come here. I want to kiss you.”

Her heart rate sped up as she inched closer on the couch and climbed to straddle him. “Like this?”

“Just like that.” His large hands lowered to her ass and squeezed. “I’ve missed you.”

Staring into his blue eyes, all she could do was concur. She’d missed him as well, especially during those long hours at the police station.

“Me, too. Thank you for finding somewhere for us to stay.”

“We can take our pick.” He tugged her closer. “I don’t mind where we stay.”

“But we can’t leave the country until my charges have been dropped.” Her pulse accelerated at the grim thought. The idea of holidaying with Tucker had been such an alluring thought.

“I told you not to worry about that,” he chided, smacking her ass gently. “In a few days, it will be resolved.”

“If you say so.” She appreciated his optimism but wasn’t sure she shared it.

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