Page 105 of We Own Tonight
“Eli, this is Whitman and Vincenzo.” I point to each in turn. “They were who responded to yourfall.”
“Oh, wow.” Eli shakes their hands. “Thank you, guys. I’m reallygrateful.”
“We’re glad we could help.” They both brush it off. And in all honesty, it’s our job. Being praised for doing what we took an oath to do is sometimes weird. I always feel awkward because I love it. I want to help others. I like the calls where I get to make a difference, and those two did so much—for Eli and forme.
“I’m glad Heather had someone she knew there to help,” Eli says and then kisses the side of myhead.
Federico coughs, and I glare at him before finishing the introductions. “You know Brody. This dumbass is Federico, that’s Jones, and—” I stare into the eyes of one man I didn’t think I’d see here. I don’t know why I never thought it was a possibility, but it’s happening. “My lieutenant, MattJamerson.”
“Nice to meet you guys.” Eli shakes all their hands and then wraps his arm around my waist when he reaches out to grab Matt’s hand. “I appreciate the help with thecrowd.”
I look to Brody and purse my lips, using my mind to yell at him about not warning me. In a weird way, he seems to understand my internal screaming and has enough sense to lookcontrite.
This is going to be so damnawkward.
“Well, we all love Heather and don’t want anyone to hurt her,” Federico says, as if I don’t know they bitched aboutit.
“Yes, we do,” Matt says inagreement.
Is he unhinged? Eli’s hand constricts against my side. “Good toknow.”
Matt steps closer. “She’s one of us. We protect ourown.”
I feel as if I’m having an out-of-body experience. I must be dreaming, because there’s no way my boyfriend and my ex-asshole are having this discussion, right? I’ve had some weird shit go down in the last few days, but this isn’treal.
“I completely understand,” Eli says smoothly. I look up, slightly confused by how he managed to miss the hidden meaning in Matt’s words. I’m not a guy and I get it. “It’s why I hired you all. Heather’s safety is paramount. I always take care of what’smine.”
And there itis.
“She wouldn’t need protectionnormally.”
“When she fell in love with me, things changed. However, I clearly have all intentions of taking care of her . . . in every way. I don’t walk away from my responsibilities, especially when it comes to people Ilove.”
This conversation is going to get out of hand real quick. I look to Brody, who is about two seconds away from popping popcorn, and the rest of the guys are grinning. Matt is a good cop, but no one likes him as aperson.
Time to endthis.
“You guys about done?” I ask. “Want to measure who is bigger? Although, I already know the answer tothat.”
Matt huffs and shakes his head. “I’ve got paperwork to fill out, I’m sure you’ll be fine withBrody.”
I watch the man I thought I loved for so long walk away. Someone I made vows to, and would still probably be with if he hadn’t left, and I wonder how I was soblind.
Matt would never have hired a bunch of police officers if my safety was at risk. He’d tell me I was being stupid. He wouldn’t go out of his way to make me feel comfortable or just take my hand for noreason.
Eli does all of those things andmore.
I turn back to Eli, who has his chest puffed out, his smile is ridiculously bright, and is probably two seconds away from him pounding his chest like acaveman.
“You’re that happy with yourself,huh?”
He grins at me. “You’rewelcome.”
I roll my eyes and drop my forehead to his chest. “You’re amess.”
Eli’s arms encompass me. “Your ex-husband is anidiot.”
“I’m wellaware.”
