Page 53 of Make You Mine

I pause with my cell in hand, and the resounding crack of my neck as I turn my head to look at him is loud. To his credit, the captain just holds a hand up but doesn’t step back.

“I’m sorry, Ford, but my hands are tied here. They won’t let me move her.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” My tone is calm, but my ire is palpable. Walking over to the table, I place my phone atop the file there and turn to face him fully. “Explain.”

“Watch the tone, Detective. I’m your boss and?—”

“When it comes to her safety, I don’t give a flying fuck who you are.” Taking the remaining steps between us, I get in his face and meet his hard stare dead on. I’ll quit right now and leave with her if I have to. “You’re not putting her in danger to satisfy some DA’s fetish of catching him with her as the bait. Not happening.”

“I have no choice but to follow orders, Detective Ford.” I can hear the remorse in his words. Take in how upset Perez is, and it’s the only reason I keep my hands off him. It’s why I don’t storm out while sending the universe to go and fuck itself.

“I can’t?—”

“Then don’t, Elijah. Remember what I said when I asked you to protect her?”

“At all costs.”

“Exactly. And while I need to enforce the orders coming from above, I won’t hold against you how they’re interpreted. Do what you must. Whatever the fuck that is, but both of you stay.”

“You’re saying find a loophole.”

“I’m saying I trust you.”

“Is the coffee on?” I ask her, trying to evade any questions she might have, at least until after I find out who the call is from. Holding a hand out, I wait for my phone, but she shakes her head. “Give it.”

“What’s going on?”

“Don’t know until I see who’s calling.”

Ava purses her lips while narrowing her eyes. “Swear?”

“Yes, babes. Give me a minute or two, and we’ll talk.”

“Fine.” She rises to the tips of her toes and kisses my chin. Then nips my neck. Her small hand places the device in mine, and it begins to vibrate. “Go. I’ll make you a plate while you answer. Deal?”

“Deal.” My mouth lowers and I kiss her plump mouth, a quick, harsh kiss while my hand gives her ass a gentle smack. A taste. “I’ll meet you in there.”

“Okay.” I don’t miss how she pushes back against my hand.She likes it.I give one more love tap to her right asscheek before heading toward my bedroom, making a quick stop at the en-suite bath to brush my teeth and then wash my face. The phone vibrates again while I’m there, and I figure out who the culprit is.

“Hello, Mother,” I say loud enough that my voice carries in Ava’s direction while entering my office. The door remains open, and I pull the phone from my ear, hitting the speaker button so I can scroll through any missed calls. It confirms my suspicions; she’s curious as to whyI’ve been avoiding her. “Did someone die, or did the house burn down?”

“Don’t get smart, kid.” There’s the sound of cutlery and then her sipping something. “Where are you? Are you workinghiscase?”

There it is. She’s worried.

“Yes and no.” Walking around the desk, I sit and lean back, closing my eyes as the scent of fresh coffee infiltrates my senses. “I am working, but you know I can’t share the particulars.”

“Are you being safe?”

“Always.” Knowing what’s coming next, I lean forward and access my laptop to check my email. With the way things are—how no one’s to be trusted—I made a new account last night that only Perez knows the address for.

“...the family business is suffering. You’re killing me, Elijah.”

“Not happening.” It’s a never-ending conversation between us. She wants me to run the publishing house our family owns, the one passed down by her grandfather, and it looks like my cousin will take over while I silently sit on the board. Not active, just as another shareholder. They love it and are passionate about discovering new authors, but it’s not for me. My call has always been to serve and protect the citizens of this city. Saving lives is fulfilling—a challenge I thrive on. “But I do have something that might interest you...” I trail off on purpose.

Dangle gossip and she caves. She’s lovingly nosy.

“Tell me.” It’s a demand, and I roll my eyes. Mom’s where I get it from.

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