Page 54

Marcus is out of his chair and pacing his office. “What the fuck...” His voice is a low growl. “What the fucking fuck, Melissa? Why didn’t I know about this?”

Looking up at him now, I can’t stop my emotions. I’m not sobbing, but warm tears line my cheeks. “I begged Elaine not to tell anyone.”

His face is pained, hazel eyes intense. “Why? Why wouldn’t you let her tell me? I would’ve buried that fucker.”

Shaking my head. “I was so ashamed.” He hands me a cloth handkerchief, and I touch my face with it. “I didn’t want anyone to know. I just wanted to be rid of him.”

“So you left him?”

“We were divorced, and Derek and I got together.” The memory of that floods my chest with so much warmth, I actually smile through my tears. “He was so good for me. I love him so much.”

Marcus is in front of me now, leaning against his desk. “I like him already.”

“That brings us to now.” My brow lines as I study the double Ms monogrammed on his handkerchief. “He was working on a case last year, and he crossed paths with Sloan again. He was convinced Sloan was coming for me.”

“Abusers never give up on their victims.” Marcus’s voice is matter of fact. “You belonged to him, regardless of whether you’d moved on.”

Nodding, I continue. “Derek and Patrick and this woman... Star, an escort—they were going to set a trap to catch him, to put him away for good.”

The room is tense. I can tell Marcus is waiting for me to say the worst. I don’t prolong his anticipation.

“Derek killed Sloan. He said Sloan was strangling Star, that she was about to die, and he killed him.”

“With a gun?” Marc’s voice is quiet.

“With his bare hands.”

The tick of his desk clock is the only noise in the room for one... two... three... seconds.

“I don’t blame him,” he says. “I’d have shot him in the face.”

Blinking up at him, I know the desperation is clear in my expression. “He’s been arrested for first-degree murder. He’s in jail in Baltimore, and we’ve got to get him out.”

My friend’s jaw clenches as he rounds the desk. “What’s his bail?”

“The judge wouldn’t set bail. Said he was a flight risk.”

“Fuck yeah, he’s a flight risk. If it were me, I’d have your pretty ass and my little boy with me on the first flight to Nice. One-way tickets.”

“The French Riviera,” I say with a smile. “I’ve always been a bit partial to Monaco.”

“Not sure of their extradition policy, princess. France is safer.” He gives me a tense smile. A pause, then he starts moving quickly. “I need you to send me everything, and I mean everything you have about this case, everything you have on Sloan and his past, his crimes, all the information about Derek’s past, any military honors he’s received, recognitions...”

“As soon as I get back to Princeton.” I’m out of my chair and heading to the door. He’s right behind me. “I’ll leave today.”

“Melissa?” I look up at him and he touches my chin. Marcus has such a beautiful smile. “It’s not going to be easy, but I’ll do everything I can. I want to be at your wedding next month.”

“I knew I could count on you.”

A kiss on the cheek, and I’m gone.

Chapter 12: Making a Plan

Stuart

Mariska’s eyes hold mine as she moves on my lap. Her long, chestnut waves fall over her shoulders in a rippling curtain, and I’m doing my best to hold on, not finish before her.

We’ve been together four months, and I’m only scratching the surface of making love to this woman. She’s sensual and elemental. She likes to feel every emotion, every sensation. It’s fucking amazing and impossible all at once.