Page 66 of Ceremony of Lust

“I have friends in the police department. I’ll ask around, get as much information as possible. If I even think they’re going to question you, I’ll do my best to call you. But I have to warn you, this doesn’t look good. You gave her money, and she kept calling you.”

“I know what it looks like, Fraser. I know I look fucking guilty, but I didn’t kill her.”

He holds up his hands. “Okay, okay. I believe you. Most likely, one of her dealers did it. Especially if she couldn’t pay.”

“I don’t care if I’m questioned. All I care about is Yael. Make sure she’s safe. Protect her, no matter what.”

His face transforms with a huge shit-eating grin. “Well, well, well. I never thought I’d see the day when Zev Landau was actually in love.”

“I’m not,” I insist. “Lust? Fuck, yes. I lust after Yael. It’s insatiable and consuming. I care about her and want to protect her, but I don’t love her.”

“Yet,” he states. “You don’t love her yet.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know if I’m capable of love, Fraser.”

He shifts, reaching into his pocket, and pulls out a wad of cash. He thumbs through it quickly before laying down a couple of bills on the desk with a loud slap. “Two hundred bucks says you’re going to fall in love with her.”

I stand and push the money toward him. “I don’t want your money. Are we done here?”

“Yes, we’re finished.” He reaches for the money and stuffs it back into his pocket. “I’ll get started on everything as soon as you leave. She’ll be protected, don’t worry.”

“Thank you,” I tell him, feeling as if an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

As I walk out to my car, my phone rings, and Yael’s name flashes across the screen. I can’t help the smile that instantly forms on my lips as I swipe across to answer it. “Hello, sweetheart,” I greet her.

“Zev,” she says, fear heavy in her soft voice. “Don’t come home.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“The police are here. They’re looking for you.”

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Don’t say a word, Yael.” I end the call and rush back to Fraser’s office. My heart is racing, sweat drips down my brow, and my hands shake as one thought trickles into my mind—it’s too soon. I can’t leave her now, not when she’s still vulnerable.

37

Yael

“How old are you, Mrs. Landau?”one of the officers asks me.

I fidget in my seat. Zev told me not to say a word but telling the two officers my age doesn’t seem like a big deal. “Eighteen,” I answer.

Their eyes bulge, and one of them whistles low.

“And when do you expect your husband home?”

I shrug. “I’m not sure.” This is a lie because Zev should be home soon. I called him as soon as I saw the police cruiser pull up in front of the house.

The front door opens, and as if on cue, Zev appears in the doorway with another man close behind.

Zev looks toward me, his eyes wide and full of rage. “Are you okay?” he asks, rushing toward me. He gathers me into his arms, burying his hand in my hair.

I look up at him and give him my best smile. “I’m fine.”

“Are you Zev Landau?” one of the officers asks.

We both turn toward them. “I am,” Zev confirms as he tightens his grip on me.

The man who came in with Zev steps into the living room, announcing himself. “I’m Fraser Allen, Mr. Landau’s lawyer. That’s the only question he’ll be answering today.”