Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
The person who did these unspeakable things to these men deserves to be behind bars and if I can’t get that for them, what the fuck am I doing here? It’s a question I usually pose to Jay who is—once again—missing in action. I call him to find out where he is, but it rolls right over to voicemail. Six times now, just today.
He worries me. I hope he doesn’t have a terminal illness or something equally bad. Then again, he’s still with Cassandra and she might have something unspeakable, and he doesn’t want to tell me. Not that it’s any of my business.
When my shift is over, I leave it all behind and go in search of Amelia. I’m ready for birria nachos and a few ice-cold beers. Maybe what I need is girl talk and spend time with my friend. Maybe clearing my mind will help me see things I haven’t seen yet.
“Frankie!” Amelia is leaving her office just as I round the corner in the precinct. We both spot Damien at the same time. Her shoulders fall in disappointment, but I can’t help the excitement that bubbles up inside of me when I see him.
“Hey babe. What are you doing here?”
Damien greets me with a kiss so hot it melts the bones in my legs. I kiss him back with all the longing I have for him. “I’m here for you, of course.”
“Me? I wasn’t expecting you,” I tell him. “Amelia and I are going out for dinner and girl talk.”
The light in his eyes dims and instantly I feel terrible. What kind of wife turns down her husband who shows up at work to surprise her? “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had plans. I got us last minute reservations at Seaside by Marco.”
Seaside by Marco is only the newest, hottest and the hippest restaurant in Los Angeles. They specialize in seafood dishes from around the globe and everyone who’s anyone is waiting to get a table there. Damien got us a table. “You did?”
He nods. “I should have called you ahead of time,” he begins with a sincere expression. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to surprise you.”
“It’s okay. You know I love surprises.” I take his hand in mine, brushing a kiss to his knuckles. “Just let me reschedule with Amelia, okay?”
His nod is slow and unsure, and I feel worse. “Just a few minutes, I promise.”
Amelia is shaking her head as I approach her. “You’re not going out with me.” It’s not a question, just a disappointing fact.
“He got us reservations at Seaside by Marco,” I say, trying to sound excited, but I see the disgust on her face.
She rolls her eyes. “Impressive, but don’t you see what he’s doing?”
I frown. “Being incredibly romantic?”
Amelia’s sigh is well past annoyed. “Sure, it’s romantic. It’s also incredibly controlling. You see him doing all these wonderful things for you, but I see a man who’s holding on to you so tight that you can’t have a life of your own.”
“That’s not true,” I insist.
“It is,” she snaps, her gaze darting over my shoulder to Damien. “You couldn’t work out with me last week. Why?”
“You’re ridiculous. Damien upgraded the home gym, so I’d be safe.” I don’t love the home gym but it’s a thoughtful gesture and I am grateful. “Fine, maybe he’s hanging on a little tight after my house was burned down but he’s just worried.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s all it is. Worry.” Amelia takes a step back. “You know, I always thought it was bullshit when people say you lose your friends when they get married, but I’ve tried to spend time with you and it’s obvious to me now you just don’t want that.”
“Ames,” I begin, but she doesn’t want to hear it.
“I’ll see you around, Frankie. Or not. Enjoy Seaside by Marco.” With that parting shot, she brushes past me and goes back into her office, slamming the door behind her.
I want to go after her, badly. Amelia is my friend, and I don’t want her to feel like I don’t value our friendship but I’m a newlywed and it makes sense that I want to spend more time with Damien right now. Later, I promise myself. I’ll make it up to her in the morning.
I hope there’s a path to forgiveness as I make my way back to Damien.
“Everything all right? That looked intense.”
“It will be all right,” I say but I’m not ready to talk about it. “Let’s go. Am I dressed okay?”
His gaze rakes over me as heavy and intense as a caress. “No, but I have something for you.” He hands me a bag that has some heft to it.
I roll my eyes. “You don’t have to keep buying me things, Damien. I love you for you.”
“I know and I love you, but I enjoy spoiling you. The look of surprise you get never fails to make my cock hard. I can help you change if you like?”