Page 38 of Make You Mine

They share a look I can’t decipher, and then those baby blues settle back on mine. “Should we head inside, too?”

“Are you okay?” Without conscious thought, I reach out and take her hand in mine. Give those small fingers a gentle squeeze. “Need anything?”

“You’re here now.” Her voice is a gentle caress. So honest and sweet. And fuck me if those simple words don’t make me feel a hundred feet tall. It also fortifies my need to keep her safe above all else.

She deserves to know how bad things are.

It’s true, and I hate it.

Hate that the fears she’s lost will be back.

Hate that once we step through my door things will get heavy, so I try to lighten the mood.

I give her a cocky grin and waggle my brows. “Is this your way of saying I’m your knight in shining armor?”

Her response is a roll of the eyes and a quick flick to my forehead. Hard, too. “Don’t let it go to your head, but I do, and it’s not easy for me to admit that either. Especially since I know you’re keeping something from me.”

The smile drops from my face. “Why do you say that?”

“Because I watch the news, Detective Ford.” The hand encased by one of mine shifts seconds before her thumb runs over my knuckles. “I’m also not blaming you.”

14

AVA

Elijah’s hiding something from me.

Has been for the last few days. Since I got here, really.

It’s this pesky little secret that comes to light every time he looks at me. That first glance always gives away his concern—the weight he carries on his shoulders is visible within those seconds before it’s replaced with want so consuming that I drown in those hazel eyes.

A longing that mirrors my own.

Unexplained and so sudden, but it’s also a reminder of why I can’t give in to these desires.

The last thing I’d ever want is Elijah in danger because his focus isn’t on what matters: finding Jason and making sure he never sees daylight again. For me. For past victims. Detective Ford can’t afford to be distracted, and on the same note, I can’t let my guard down.

“After you,” Elijah says then, turning me to face the entryway before stepping back. Eli’s fingers slip from mine and skim up my arm, then across my back to settle just above the waistline of my yoga pants. Low enough to tempt but still be appropriate. “I’ll close and lock up.”

With a brief smile, he gives me a gentle nudge forward, and a shiver rushes up my spine as his pinky extends to caress the bare skin there. “Thank you.” It leaves me in a low whisper as goosebumps rise on my arms. Ignoring my attraction to him is getting harder and harder by the minute. Nearly impossible.

You can’t, Ava. Don’t put him in a position where he could be hurt.

That reminder—my motto—feels like being doused with ice-cold water. It centers me enough that I fake it the best way I know how and step away from his touch. Squaring my shoulders hurts, and so does the loss of that masculine scent of warmth and earth with a hint of sea salt that’s uniquely him.

I don’t stop until I’m in the living room, where another face greets me. “Hi.”

“Good to see you again, Miss Perry.” Captain Perez stands, hand extended toward me, and I take it, giving it a small shake before pulling back. Two steps are all I get before Eli is beside me and watching our encounter with curiosity.

“Likewise.” There’s an oversized chair to my right, and I take a seat there, ignoring the urge to move closer to the man currently driving me insane.

“Again.” Eli doesn’t ask. It’s more of a demand for answers.

“Yeah.” My eyes flick to his boss, and he gives me a nod.Okay. So, I guess this one is on me.“We spoke through a video conference call when I was told I’d be transferring to Los Angeles. He was nice enough to try and give me some reassurance—explain what to expect and my accommodations.” At my explanation, Elijah just stares. Nothing in his facial expression gives way to his thoughts. “He’s the one that promised to place his best in charge of my protection. He gave me you.”

“I see.” That’s all he says, and I look at Perez for some help.

Can I be mad at him? No. Not really.

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