Page 127 of Detectives in Love

“Hey,” I murmur, touching his elbow. “We’re home.”

He blinks up at me, gaze slow and unfocused. It takes a second for him to register where he is—yeah, the meds are definitely kicking in.

“The journalists are still here,” I say, keeping my voice low. “We need to move quickly.”

For a few seconds, Xavier just stares like he’s still catching up, and my heart stutters at the fog in his eyes. But then he nods and reaches for the door handle, pushing it open.

The moment we step out of the cab, two guys with cameras and a woman smoking by the curb spot us—and instantly spring into action, charging toward us.

I curse under my breath and grab Xavier’s arm, steering him away fast. The last thing I want is to find out what happens when drugged-up Xavier runs into paparazzi.

He glances back, frowning.

“Let’s just get inside,” I mutter, giving him a light push between the shoulder blades. He doesn’t resist, and we hurry toward the front door.

Xavier slips inside first—and I almost follow.

Almost.

Just as I reach the entrance, one of the journalists—a woman with straight black hair and lipstick red as blood—lunges forward and slams the door behind him, shutting me out. She plants herself in front of it, blocking the way.

“Mr. Doherty! Just a few words for theDaily Star!”

“Please, move,” I say, my mouth a flat line.

“I just need a moment,” she says, smiling like it’s rehearsed. “Tell us about Katie Fairfax—who is she?”

“Nobody,” I snap.

“How did Xavier Ormond react to the news of your engagement to her?”

I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to shove her. Obviously, I’m not going to push a woman—but she’s really testing my nerves.

And the worst part—I don’t even know why it’s getting under my skin this badly.

It’s not because of Katie, that’s for sure. She can handle herself just fine. No, it’s the way they’re spinning this whole thing—twisting it into some pathetic story about Xavier pining after me like some lovesick fool.

And that—

That gets under my skin more than I want to admit. My chest pulls taut. Heat surges through my veins. I don’t even notice my fists clenching until they’re already tight.

Calm down. Don’t do anything stupid.

“Are you planning to leave Hickory Road?”

The same damn questions. Over and over and over again.

“Do you love Xavier Ormond?”

Don’t do anything stupid.

“Yes, of course I love him!” I snap, loud enough to startle even myself. “We’re going to get married, adopt a puppy named Gladstone, and open a charming little bakery in the suburbs. Happy now?!”

I glare at them, my pulse thudding in my throat. “Now get the hell out of here.”

They freeze—dead still. For a second, it’s like I’ve smacked the three of them silent. Not a click, not a word. They just stare at me, like they can’t decide whether I’ve completely lost it or handed them the story of the year.

And that’s when I catch it—just at the edge of my vision. A tiny, flickering light.