Page 20 of Be Very Quiet

He sighed. “There’s been another murder.”

The room spun, and if not for Luca’s quick reflexes, she would’ve ended up on the floor. He slid his arms around her and carried her to the sofa. She wanted to protest. She was a strong, independent woman. But, gosh darn it, she didn’t feel like one right now. She absorbed his strength. The steady beat of his heart beneath her ear was comforting.

When she felt composed, Liliana moved from his embrace before she did something stupid, like asking him to hold her for the rest of her life. She dropped into a chair adjacent to the couch.

“You’re sure it’s Rader?”

“No.”

Hope had her sitting upright.

“There are similarities,” he cautioned, “but there are differences too. We might be dealing with a copycat.”

“It’s too coincidental that they are happening where I live. It must be him.”

“We don’t know that for certain. Until the perp is caught, I’ll be sticking to you like glue.”

Liliana shook her head. “I don’t need protection, Luca. You probably don’t believe it, judging by how I reacted earlier, but I can take care of myself. I haven’t eaten much and was lightheaded, that’s all.”

“Liliana, I know you can. I don’t doubt that a bit. Hell, you own your own business.”

“How do you know that?”

“It’s what I do. I also know you are intelligent. You realize that whoever is killing these women is ruthless and cunning. This isn’t about you not being able to protect yourself. It’s about keeping you alive.”

Liliana paled. She knew how cold-blooded Rader was since she’d made it her mission to learn everything she could about him after he had attacked Erin. Luca was right. It wasn’t about independence, but safety. Still, she wasn’t sure she could handle having him around without wanting to jump his bones constantly. “Fine. I’ll take your advice, but you don’t need to stay here. I have two associates who can watch out for me.”

The hurt on his face was like a knife in her heart. She hadn’t meant to offend him. She was trying to protect her sanity.

His expression hardened. “This isn’t up for discussion. My company will provide protection.”

“Your company? You said you weren’t a detective anymore. What do you do now?”

“I work for a private security firm. One of my coworkers will arrive tomorrow. He or she can be your bodyguard.” Luca stood and headed for the door. “Lock this when I leave.”

“Luca, wait.”

He stopped but didn’t turn around. He’d done nothing wrong, and she’d treated him poorly. In fact, he’d flown here for her, though she didn’t know from where except that it wasn’t Minnesota. He deserved the truth. “Please, come sit down.”

He paused for so long, she wasn’t sure he would honor her request. She let out a breath when he spun around and returned to the sofa.

“I’ve reacted badly to seeing you again and want to apologize.”

He gave a brusque nod. “Apology accepted.”

She noticed with a hint of amusement that he didn’t dispute her unpleasant behavior.

“The weeks after Erin’s murder almost destroyed me . . . well,” she waved a hand, “you know that.” He nodded sympathetically. “I worked extremely hard to crawl out of that hole. There were times that I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I did. I strengthened my body and my mind. I learned how to defend myself. It was a long, tough road, but I persevered. Contrary to how I reacted earlier, I’m not that scared young woman you used to know.”

“I realize that, Liliana.”

“No, I don’t think you do, Luca.” She took a deep breath. “You see, when I saw you this afternoon and again tonight, all I wanted to do was walk into your arms and beg you to take care of me.”

She could tell by the stunned expression that she’d shocked him. Well, get in line. She’d surprised herself. Damn wine, loosening her lips. She hadn’t meant to reveal so much. Too late now.

“I would’ve done it,” he rumbled huskily.

“I know. And I would’ve become lost in the process. That’s also why I had to leave Minnesota all those years ago. It would’ve been so easy to continue to lean on you, have you watch out for me, and take care of everything. I would have ended up hating the woman I was becoming. I needed to find myself and couldn’t do that with you.”

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