Page 89 of Say My Name

“Can I ask you something?” she whispers.

“Sure.”

“Who do you think is behind it?” Her eyes won’t meet mine, and I’m a little perplexed by her question. Not because she’s asked it, but because I have to actually try to think of whocouldbe behind all these murders.

“Honestly, I don’t know.”

“Do you think it’s someone from the club?” The worry in her voice is tangible. It makes me want to wrap her up and protect her from this crazy world.

“I do.” Maybe I shouldn’t be talking about this with her, but there’s something about this woman that makes me want to bare my soul to her. To trust her. “I want you to know something, Swan.” I move across the hot tub until I’m right in front of her. “I’m doing everything in my power to catch this asshole and bring him to justice.”

“What do you mean?” She moves away from me. “You’re doing your own manhunt?” She gets out of the hot tub, and I follow her.

“I have to know who’s behind this.”

“You should let the cops do their job. You should actually call the detectives and tell them everything you just told me.”

Her words make me laugh. I move over to a cabinet by the pool and grab two large white fluffy towels. I open one to wrap around her. “The cops? You’re kidding, right?” I dry myself off with the other towel. “The cops wouldn’t know how to catch a murderer if he was standing right in front of them.”

Swan blinks up at me, drops of water clinging to her thick lashes. “You’re wrong. I can’t believe you’re trying to be some sort of vigilante. You could get hurt, Devereaux. Or possibly die.”

“Somebody has to do something.” I’m not sure why she’s so upset with me. “I get you’re probably worried, but I can’t just sit around.”

“Somebodyisdoing something.”

“Who?” She’s marching away from me. “The cops?” I laugh. “Those lame-ass fuckers aren’t doing anything.”

She whirls around before entering the house through the back slider. “They are doing things. You think they’re just sitting around eating donuts?”

I wrap the towel around my waist and remove my boxers. “Well, yeah. I’m sure they love jelly the best.”

Her green eyes turn to hard chips of jade. “I can’t believe you’re being so obtuse.” She enters the house and stands in the center of the dining area. “Now tell me which room is mine.”

I stride over to her. “Swan, I don’t understand why you’re angry.”

“I’m upset you’re trying to do this on your own and not letting the proper authorities handle it. Besides, you’re risking your life.” She takes off toward the spiral staircase and I follow her up.

“Swan, I can’t just sit around and do nothing.”

She stops in front of a door. “Is this my room?”

I shake my head. “No, your room is over here.”

She stops in front of a linen closet. “This one?”

I crack a grin. “No.” I step in front of her so I can lead her to the right place. I open the door for her and walk her into the guest room. “You can stay here. I won’t bother you.”

She walks into the spacious room and stands at the foot of the queen-size bed. “It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks. I’ll grab your bag while you take a shower in the en suite bathroom.” I point to the door. “If you need anything, let me know.”

“I won’t.”

I shut the door, hoping more than anything she’ll change her mind and need me.

Chapter 26

Chloe

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