Page 87 of Concealed

“It could have been so much worse,” she whispers.

“It could have,” I agree, “but it wasn’t.”

“This time.”

The words hang in the air because there isn’t much I can say – she’s right. But it also won’t change anything for me. I didn’t become a cop without understanding and accepting the risks. None of us go to work wanting to die, but as cops, we know it’s a real possibility.

And it’s not exclusive to those of us working violent crimes. Even a traffic violation can turn ugly.

“You can crash in the guest room,” I tell Gabe.

He shakes his head. “I have to work in the morning. But I’m glad you’re still alive to keep being a pain in my ass. Call me tomorrow.”

Gabe hugs both of us, and then he leaves before we can further protest and encourage him to stay. The drive to LA isn’t too far, but he was here for Rebecca when I couldn’t be, and I’d like to hang out with him a bit.

Our reunion will have to wait for another time.

Rebecca looks terrified, and I completely understand why she hates my job. Fear isn’t a comfortable emotion to live with, and I can’t blame her for not being willing to take it on after what she’s been through.

A thousand emotions cross her face before she takes my hand and leads me upstairs without another word.

I’m so grateful she isn’t running in the opposite direction.

We walk into my bedroom and straight through to the en-suite – at this point, I’d follow her anywhere.

Rebecca’s hands shake when she pulls my T-shirt over my head, and I don’t know if it’s from leftover fear or brand new anticipation, but I’m hoping it’s the latter.

It will be my mission to ensure she’s never scared in my presence.

“Holy shit!”

Her eyes are wide as saucers, and her mouth hangs open, shock painted all over her face. She sounds so appalled that I can’t help but chuckle.

“You find itfunny?”

“It’s just a bruise, babe.”

“Just a… Holy shit!”

“I’m okay, I promise.”

My rapt attention remains focused on her when she moves toward the shower stall, turning the water on so hot that it steams. I’m still not clear on exactly what we’re doing, but I’m here for whatever she has in mind.

Rebecca strips out of her tank top and shorts, revealing all of her gloriously golden bare skin, and I suck a breath through my teeth because goddamnthis woman is perfect.

“Your turn,” she says, returning to me and unhooking my belt. Her fingertips graze my cock when she undoes the button fly, and my abs tremble from even that small contact.

My jeans fall to the floor, and she pulls my boxer briefs off. But she doesn’t check me out in the same way that my eyes soak her in, and I frown at her.

“There’s only one thing to be done about this day,” she whispers, her lips against mine while she backs up into the shower, pulling me along with her. “Wash it the fuck away.”

“I like when you talk dirty,” I say through a grin.

“Stop teasing me, or I’ll start teasing you.”

“You think walking around naked doesn’t qualify? Do you have any idea how often I dream about this view?”

“Why don’t you tell me?”

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