Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
She smiles up at me. “You’re not off duty, are you?”
“Not with you.” Another kiss—brief but lingering—then I force myself to step away.
My place sits on the outskirts: ranch-style, tall fences, security floodlights. But tonight the silence feels wrong. I stow the duffel, change into jeans and a jacket, grab the Glock and head out again. Dean’s waiting.
County jail smells of disinfectant and stale sweat. Dean meets me by intake, sliding a manila folder under his arm. “Judge signed no-bail order an hour ago. Sinclair’s flipping on his financiers. Cartel reps won’t touch him—he’s radioactive now.”
I scan the paperwork. Charges stack like bricks: kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy. “He stays in until trial.”
“Count on it.” Dean studies me. “You still wired.”
I rub the back of my neck. “Leaving her felt wrong.”
“You got perimeter cams at her building, two armed guards in the lobby, and you’re on speed dial.” He smirks. “Also, Wade’s in orange scrubs.”
The image helps. We finish signatures, I ensure the electronic hold is flagged on Wade’s record, then step back into the night. Stars burn over the gulf, bright and indifferent.
I text Charlotte: Perimeter secure. You okay?
The reply pings seconds later: Mom and Mel forcing face masks and rom-coms. Wish you were here.
I grin despite myself, fingers flying. Tomorrow brunch. Then we talk Denver plans.
Ellipsis bubbles appear. Tomorrow. Heart emoji.
Pocketing the phone, I finally feel the earlier tension seep away. She’s safe, Wade’s locked, and tomorrow we start mapping a life where security isn’t a cage but a foundation—ours.
For the first time in days, the air feels clear enough to breathe.
33
Charlotte
My mom fell asleep halfway through the second rom-com. She drifted off somewhere around the moment Julia Roberts finally realized Hugh Grant was her soulmate, and now she lies curled up beneath a plush chenille throw, breathing softly. I lower the TV volume and nudge Melanie gently, nodding toward my mom.
"Think she liked the movie?" I whisper, my lips twitching with amusement.
Melanie giggles softly into her wine glass. "She liked the nap, at least."
I carefully tiptoe to the kitchen to grab us another bottle of wine, then settle back onto the oversized sofa next to Melanie. It's past midnight, but neither of us wants to sleep yet. The glow of streetlights filters through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the hardwood floors and plush furniture, wrapping us in a cozy, hushed ambiance.
Melanie pulls her feet under her, sipping her rosé. Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "So, spill. How was the cabin getaway with your very own superhero? You two certainly looked cozy walking in here earlier."
I roll my eyes, but I feel a blush creeping onto my cheeks. "It was perfect, honestly. Once I got past the kidnapping and near-death part."
"Well, obviously." Melanie waves dismissively. "Aside from the criminal melodrama, did you and Mr. Hot-Body get some quality alone time? You know... romantic, soul-baring, heart-thumping stuff?"
I laugh, leaning back into the cushions and cradling my glass. "Surprisingly, yes. Once Asher dropped the whole 'Mr. Intense Protector' thing and relaxed a little, it was…" I trail off, smiling softly. "It was really nice. Normal, even. Cooking dinner, just talking, planning a future. I felt like I finally found what I always wanted."
Melanie's smile softens. "You deserve it, Charlotte. After everything you've been through, it's about damn time you had someone you can trust."
I nod, warmth spreading in my chest at the thought of Asher. "He's different from anyone I've ever known. Strong, yes, but he’s also thoughtful. Genuine. He actually listens when I talk—like, really listens."
Melanie's eyes widen dramatically. "A man who listens? Hold onto him. Marry him immediately. Or clone him, so I can have one."
We both laugh quietly, careful not to wake my mother. Melanie nudges my shoulder lightly with hers. "But seriously, Char, I've never seen you this happy. You're glowing."
I duck my head shyly. "Am I?"
"Yes," Melanie insists, setting her glass aside and clasping my hands between hers. "And that's exactly why I approve of your ridiculously gorgeous bodyguard. I mean, I may have even swooned a little when he walked in here tonight."
I raise an eyebrow, teasing her. "Careful, Mel. Didn't you mention you had your own secret admirer? You might make him jealous."
Melanie immediately blushes, biting her lip and reaching for her wine again. "Ugh, you're impossible."
"Nope," I counter playfully, bumping her shoulder again. "You don't get off that easy. Tell me more about this mystery man. You've been texting nonstop for days. Spill."
Melanie's cheeks flush even deeper, but she finally sighs dramatically. "Fine. His name is Diego."
I gasp theatrically. "Diego? Very mysterious and exotic. And does Diego have a last name?"
"Of course he does, Charlotte," Melanie laughs, rolling her eyes. "But he hasn’t told me yet."
"Oh, come on," I pout, drawing out the vowels. "Really?"
She waves her hand dismissively. "It's still new. Very new. We haven't even met face-to-face yet."