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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

XAVIER

“You have enough flowers in there?”

Dante peers into the apartment, his smirk turning to a wide grin. “I’m not sure you bought enough,” he adds. “You might want to see if the local florists have any left.”

“Ha. Very funny.” Swatting him on the arm, I add, “I seem to recall some gifts you bought for Sarah not too long ago. She mentioned something about a movie? A tear-jerker? And how sweet it was that you watched it with her?”

“I was trying to cheer her up,” Dante replies, a hint of defense in his tone. “And it was just a movie. I didn’t buy out three florists and order half the candles on Amazon.”

“She liked it. That’s all that matters.”

Besides, I don’t care if the guys give me shit about flowers and candles. Just like when we teased Niall about his big romantic gesture for Jade, it wasn’t malicious. We were happy that Niall had finally gotten together with the woman he’d been half in love with for years.

Did that mean we wouldn’t tease him about it? Of course not.

I never thought I’d be on the receiving end, but here I am. And I’m more than okay with it.

Dante sobers. “I’m glad, Xav. Before Sarah, I didn’t get it. Grand gestures and romance and all that. I mean, I knew it happened, saw friends falling in love, but I didn’t think—” He shrugs. “It’s different when you meet the right person.”

“Yeah, it is.” The apartment door a few inches ajar, I cock my ear towards it, listening for any sign of movement—the shower running or the coffee maker kicking on—but everything is quiet. I’m not surprised Lucy’s still asleep after our late night; we didn’t fall asleep until well past midnight, after dinner and dancing and three rounds of ravishing.

Thankfully, the news from Matt didn’t put a damper on our night. Quite the opposite. With the end of Lucy’s ordeal in sight, we had even more reason to celebrate.

It’s almost surreal that this could all be over. Is over, barring some unexpected development. Once the piece of garbage who hurt and traumatized Lucy is in prison, she can go back to her normal life again. She can go outside without being scared, work at the bookstore if she wants, see her parents…

She can go back to her house in Seguin, if she chooses.

I don’t want her to, though. I want Lucy to stay here. With me. Living together as a couple, planning a future together, and hopefully, once things settle down, even a wedding.

Of course I want to propose to her. The only question is when. Do I ask her to move in with me first? Should I wait a few months until things have thoroughly settled down? Or do I throw caution to the wind and ask her right away, like my heart is telling me?

“So she must be so relieved,” Dante says, still keeping his voice low so it doesn’t carry into the apartment.

“Very. I think she’s still processing, honestly. After everything, to find out it’s some guy she never met, doesn’t even live in Texas…”

“Yeah.” Dante’s expression darkens. “But thanks to Matt, Leo, and Beth, that asshole won’t get a chance to hurt anyone else.”

The asshole, or piece of garbage, as I like to call him, is actually Garrett Wilton, a hacker from San Jose, California. He has a history of activity on the dark web, though nothing near as sinister as his fucked up game—mostly hacking financial institutions and selling the data he stole. But when Matt looked closer into Wilton’s background, he discovered some disturbing connections to the sex trade and snuff films.

It makes me sick to think about this fucker targeting Lucy, watching her, profiting off her terror… When I found out his identity early this morning, my first instinct was to insist on going to California to confront him. To make him suffer just like he did to Lucy.

But that would not have been the smartest option, although it would have been the most satisfying one.

Instead, Matt shared his findings with the FBI, and they sent agents from the nearest field office to arrest Wilton. And as of six AM this morning, he’s in FBI custody, away from computers and any opportunity to continue his fucked up game.

“Did you get any more news from Cruz?” I ask. “Does the guy have an attorney yet?”

“He does,” Dante replies. “But because of the early hour the FBI brought him in, Wilton’s still waiting for the attorney to get there. Apparently, the asshole clammed up immediately, so they’re still waiting to interrogate him.”

My jaw clenches. “As if there’s anything that piece of garbage can say to get out of this.”

Dante nods. “It looks that way. The evidence connecting Wilton to the cryptocurrency payments looks solid.”

“As long as he doesn’t get out on a technicality.” I nearly crack my molars just thinking about it. “We can’t let that happen.”

“We won’t.” His eyes narrow. “We won’t let him.”

“If he gets out… ” My voice dips dangerously. “I won’t stand by. I’ll go after him.”

Dante lifts his chin, his gaze steady on mine. “If he gets out, I’ll be right there with you.”

The band squeezing my chest releases. It’s not that I really think Wilton will be freed, given the evidence against him, but I’m not taking any chances with Lucy’s safety.

Changing the subject, I say, “So, her parents. They’re still at their place in France, but I know they’re eager to get back here to see Lucy. I’m thinking it’s probably okay to give them the green light.”

After a brief pause, Dante nods. “Yeah. I think it’s safe. Based on the evidence, it looks like Wilton was in control of everything. All the money was routed to him. So there shouldn’t be any accomplices trying to pick up where he left off.”

“Still, I’ll tell them to use extra caution. And I’ll go over to check out their security system. Talk to the guards in their gated community. It’ll make Lucy feel better, if nothing else.”

“Good idea. And I imagine you’ll want to keep a close eye on Lucy for a little while, at least.”

“For as long as she lets me,” I concede with a smile. “Though I know she’s eager to see her friends. Go out and do normal things again.”

From inside the apartment, I hear the faint sound of the shower turning on, and my thoughts drift for a second to Lucy naked, water sluicing down her breasts and hips, her skin flushed from the heat…

Shit. Not now. I need to wrap up this conversation first.

“I get it. Sarah was the same way.” Dante glances at his watch, then adds, “So. We’ll meet later today as a team. Hopefully by then, we’ll have more info from Cruz. And we’ve got a couple jobs coming up to discuss.”

I move towards the door, putting my hand on the doorknob. “I’d like to stay back at HQ for a couple weeks more, just to make sure Lucy’s okay. An overnight job wouldn’t be bad, but one of the longer ones… I’m not comfortable leaving her alone yet.”

“Of course.” With a quick chin lift, Dante says, “No one would expect you to leave on a multi-week case. Not now.” His eyes meet mine, filled with understanding. “You guys covered for me when Sarah was hurt and I didn’t want to leave her. Now it’s your turn. We’ve got your six.”

Unexpected emotion makes my throat thick. “Thanks.” Then I hear the shower shut off, so I say, “I’m going to get back to Lucy. But I’ll be down to the gym in a while. And let me know about the meeting.”

Dante smiles. “Gotcha. Enjoy your morning. And Xav—” He claps my shoulder. “I’m really glad this all worked out.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

It’s not that I doubted the abilities of my team. I was sure we’d solve Lucy’s case, eventually. But there were times when I wondered how long this would go on for, when I worried Lucy would be stuck in limbo for months, her spirit slowly crushed by the constant fear and anxiety.

And then there were those terrible moments when I feared for her safety. Like when she ran off after the flashback, and I was imagining the worst—Lucy lost in the woods, hurt, possibly recaptured.

Then those two assholes who broke through our fence. I was confident I could take them down, but I didn’t want Lucy to have to see that. To see the dangerous, ruthless part of me that I try to keep hidden from her. Because if I’d been the one coming face to face with them, they wouldn't have come out unscathed.

But she’s fine. Safe. Getting stronger by the day.

Will she always bear the invisible scars from her experience? As much as I hate it, she probably will. She’ll still be the same sweet, sunny, smart woman I met in the bookstore, but the terrible memories will never be fully erased. We might need to keep nightlights on in every room, and she may never be as trusting as she used to be.

Don’t we all have our own scars, though? Memories that shape who we become? I do. So do all of my teammates. It doesn’t make us weak, but the opposite. I think those scars make us stronger. They let us know we’ve made it through some nasty shit and survived.

And my Lucy…

She’s so damn strong, even though I wish she didn’t have to be.

But now’s not the time for thinking about all that. Not on this beautiful morning, with the sun streaming through the windows and the apartment bursting with color. Not on the heels of such promising news, news that means actual dates and trips and a return to normal life again.

I can take Lucy to that house on the beach this summer. We can spend time with her parents, which is important, since I’m hoping to be their son-in-law one day. And we can head east to visit with my friends out there—the Sleepy Hollow team and some of my old Army buddies living up north in Vermont.

Man. They’re going to fall over from shock. Me, dating. In a committed relationship. And possibly engaged by then?

“Are you planning on starting the coffee, or are you just going to stare at it?”

There’s a hint of laughter in Lucy’s voice as she comes into the kitchen, her gaze on the coffee maker I was admittedly staring at while lost in my thoughts. She grins, and her whole face lights up with it. “Were you thinking about last night, instead?”

I turn away from the counter and cross the kitchen to meet her, pulling her into my arms. As she tilts her head up to look at me, I capture her lips, first tasting, then taking the kiss deeper. She tastes of sweet mint, she still carries the soft aroma of the vanilla scented shampoo she uses, and her curves feel so right against me I can’t breathe from the rightness of it.

When we finally break apart, I just look at Lucy for a moment, memorizing everything about her. The spray of freckles across her nose. Her kiss-swollen lips. Her eyes, bright and sparkling like topaz. The streaks of gold and honey and bronze in her hair, shining as the sun hits them.

And the way she looks at me. Like I’m the only person in the world who matters.

“I love you, Lucy.” Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, I brush my lips across hers. “So much.”

“Oh, Xavier.” Her features soften. “I love you, too.”

Shit. She looks so gorgeous, I’m tempted to take her back to bed. Forget coffee and the gym. Forget a lazy breakfast after. We could spend all morning in bed instead.

Although, there was all the ravishing last night. It might be better to give Lucy a break.

Lucy’s lips quirk. “What are you thinking about?” But from the glint in her eye, she has a pretty good idea.

“Well.” To avoid further temptation, I head back over to the coffeemaker, adding over my shoulder, “I was thinking about ravishing you again. But then I decided it would probably be better to wait. Have our coffee, head to the gym…”

She sidles up next to me and leans against the counter. “I did enjoy all the ravishing. But I guess I’m a little sore. Maybe tonight would be better.”

“Sunshine. I’m sorry.”

“No. Don’t be.” Lucy smiles. “It’s a good sore. It reminds me of last night. And I definitely want to remember that.”

A swell of pride fills my chest, a sort of caveman-esque satisfaction that comes from hearing I pleased her. “And you liked dinner? The flowers? And the?—”

“I loved all of it. It was such a special night, Xavier.” She plays with her new necklace as she adds, “It was wonderful.”

As the aroma of brewing coffee fills the kitchen, my phone buzzes from the counter. Not the official B and A tone this time, but a regular one, which means it could be just about anyone. But when I glance at the screen, I see Niall’s name flash across it, along with a message.

Headed to the gym in thirty. Want to spar for a bit?

Lucy’s brows raise in a silent question, so I explain, “It’s just Niall. He wants to spar during our workout. I’m thinking I’ll head down in about half an hour. Do you want to come? Or would you rather go over to Sarah and Dante’s place?”

She hesitates before answering, and worry spears through me. Did I mess up? Is she more upset about the news from last night than she’s letting on? “Do you want me to stay?” I ask quickly. “I can stay. We can have breakfast, maybe play some cards, watch a movie?—”

“It’s fine.” A pleased smile curves her lips. “Actually, I was thinking… Maybe I’ll just stay here. I… I had an idea for a story. In the shower. So I was thinking I might try getting started on it.”

Oh.

My nose prickles.

Lucy hasn’t been able to write since we rescued her from the cabin. She tried, but all it did was frustrate her to tears. And I know she’s been scared that she wouldn’t be able to write again. That somehow her experience stole her creativity.

I knew it hadn’t. She was just healing. Her mind needed to focus on other things.

“I think that’s a great idea.” Lacing my fingers between hers, I give her hand a gentle squeeze. “I knew you could do it.”

“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea,” she amends. “It might be terrible. But still… I want to get it down. Give it a try.”

“Do you want me to stay here? Not to bother you, but just, you know, for support?”

Though I didn’t come right out and say it, Lucy knows what I’m thinking. “I’ll be okay, Xavier. And I won’t try doing laundry until you’re back.”

“I didn’t mean that.” Much. Rationally, I know Lucy’s much better than she was back then. And we have those nightlights everywhere. Plus, she’s wearing a pair of earrings with trackers in them—I made sure she had those right after the flashback, just in case. So if she does have another flashback, I’ll be able to find her right away.

“It’s okay.” She grabs a mug and fills it with coffee, then hands it to me. “I don’t mind that you’re worried. I understand. But I feel good. Like things are really going to be okay.”

We’re just sitting down at the kitchen island with our coffee when we’re interrupted again. This time it’s Lucy’s phone, and as she reaches for it, she brightens. “Oh. It’s my mom. I can give her the good news.”

“Right. I was talking to Dante about that. I think it’s safe for them to come home.”

Lucy beams at me. “I can’t wait. My mom keeps asking when you’re coming over for dinner, and my dad thinks you’re just amazing. He wants to come see Blade and Arrow, too. If it’s okay to show him around?”

“Absolutely. He can come any time.” Just as Lucy’s about to answer, I quickly add, “Tell your mom I said hi.”

“I will.” She grins as she taps the screen, her voice light as she says, “Hi, Mom. How are you?”

She’s quiet as she listens, her forehead creasing in confusion. Then she asks, “You’re back home? But you’re supposed to be in Paris?—”

Another pause.

“What?” A second later, all the color drains from her face.

I jump off my stool and stand next to Lucy, wrapping my arm around her waist. Through the phone, I can hear the faint sound of a woman speaking, but I can’t tell what she’s saying.

“But—” Lucy’s voice pitches up. “Why didn’t you tell me? How long?—”

Shit. This can’t be good.

Lucy’s fingers tighten around the phone, her knuckles going white. “Of course I’m coming. I’ll be there—” She stops. Listens. And then, “As soon as I can. Today.”

Her parents are back? Why? I know Lucy hasn’t told them it’s safe yet.

“Okay.” She sniffs. Takes a shuddering breath. “I’ll see you soon. Tell Dad. I love you.”

As she sets the phone back on the counter, Lucy turns to me, tears welling in her eyes. “I have to see my dad. Right away.”

My stomach feels like lead. Something is very wrong.

Keeping my tone low and soothing, I ask, “What’s wrong?”

Her chin wobbles. “My dad. He’s sick. He… My mom said they had to come back. To see the doctors in San Antonio. She said… he’s been sick for a while. His heart?—”

A tear spills down her cheek. I brush it away, crooning, “It’s okay, Luce. We’ll figure this out.”

“He’s in heart failure. Mom said… he hasn’t been feeling well for weeks. He saw a doctor in Paris, and he recommended a specialist. But they were trying to wait until they could get back home. To see someone here.”

Questions and logistics are racing through my head. What’s the severity of her dad’s condition? What doctor is he seeing? How can I support Lucy through this?

“This is my fault.” Lucy looks at me, guilt written across her face. “If not for me, he’d already have seen the specialist. He would’ve been home, instead of in another country.”

I pull her into my embrace. “It’s not your fault.”

“It is. And now… Mom said… he needs surgery. And it might not be—” Her voice breaks. “It might not be enough.”

Fuck.

As Lucy shivers in my arms, I say, “I’ll talk to Matt. Find out who the best surgeon is. Make sure your dad sees the best one. And we’ll arrange?—”

“I need to see him, Xavier. Right away. Mom said they’re home, he’s basically just laying in bed, they’re waiting for the appointment with the surgeon and hoping it’s not too late.”

“Of course, Luce.” I hug her to me, pressing soft kisses to the top of her head. “We’ll go over right away.”