Page 88 of Diamonds & Deception

“You should always be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are.”

This is it. The closure I’ve been looking for. While I can’t celebrate with my mom and Randy or give them comfort that Carly’s murderer is dead, I can hopefully find other ways to help them heal.

Lenora’s parents still haven’t responded to any of my calls, emails, or texts, and her obituary was limited, but it did say the service was for immediate family only. I won’t be able to give them closure, but I have mine.

This also means I no longer have to stay locked and protected in Drake’s penthouse. I’m free to go. I can go home to Philly. I’m torn about how to react.

“Baby?” Drake strokes the back of his knuckles down my cheek. “What’s going on in that beautiful mind of yours?”

“My work here in Boston is done.” I cast my eyes downward, afraid if I look at him, he’ll see the questions swirling around.

Does he want me to stay? What’s happening with our relationship? Does he love me?

“I don’t know about that. I’d say you have your work cut out for you here.”

“What do you mean?” I glance up at him and bite my bottom lip.

“We have unfinished business to take care of.”

I furrow my brow and cock my head in confusion. Drake stands and separates my legs with his hands, stepping between them.

“I’m still working on my calculations. You’re not only part of the problem, you’re part of the solution.”

“I’m part of your problem?”

“Damn straight you are.”

I curl my lip at him and huff out an annoyed snort. “Well, let me get out of your way then.”

“Can’t do that. You see, my problem starts when I wake up. If you’re not in bed with me, curled into my chest, or my arms draped over your middle, I know I’m going to have a shitty day.”

My heart picks up its pace.

“The midday slump is tough to get through without another vat of caffeine, which isn’t very healthy, you know. If you were working up here or maybe in an office down the hall from mine, it would be much easier to get my fix than if you were in Philly.”

“You want me to get you coffee in the middle of the day?”

“No.” He lowers his head so our mouths are inches apart. “I need a healthy dose ofyou.Kisses or a nooner, I’ll take either.”

I gasp and laugh at the same time, and he takes the opportunity to kiss me. I loop my arms around his neck and hold him close.

“When you’re not ripping my clothes off in your office or mine, we can get our daily dose of vitamin D and bring Daisy for a walk.”

“She’d like that.”

“Mmm.” He rubs his nose behind my ear and kisses my neck. “I also have a problem with dinner.”

“You need me to cook for you?”

“I need to eat you.” He pinches my hip, and I giggle. “I mean, eat dinner with you, whether we go out, make dinner together, or skip dinner and go right to sex. Either way, I’m flexible, but I’m needy. I don’t want to be alone.”

“You have your friends.”

“They’re not able to... assist me the way you can.”

“Oh, really.” I toy with the ends of his hair and smile up at him. “And how exactly do you need my assistance?”

“For starters, helping me get undressed.”

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