She jogged up onto the steps. “Sorry, we need breakfast, and I didn’t want to wake you.”
He took the bags from her hands and carried them inside, shutting and locking the door behind them.
“If something happened to you, how exactly would I explain to your brother that you left me asleep in your bed?” he asked, setting the bags on the kitchen counter.
“You’re allowed to sleep, Ash, and I’m not under house arrest.” She took the groceries out and began breakfast.
“I told him I’d look after you,” he said, coming up behind her and putting his palms on her hips and kissing her neck.
She tilted her head to the side, giving him better access. “I’d say you’re looking after me just fine.”
“You’re making me lose focus,” he said, turning her in his arms. His lips descended on hers, and he lifted her onto the counter. His big palms were beneath her shirt.
“That’s not a bad thing,” she said, reaching for his shirt and yanking it off.
“This has got to be the last time.”
“You better make it count,” she said, unbuckling his jeans.
And he did. Again.
They spent the next two days being together. She painted, and he reviewed the files on the missing women.
She’d put off going to the gallery for as long as she could, and he kept dodging her brother’s calls. It was almost as if they were newlyweds.
It was fun and refreshing. They’d discovered things about each other they never knew. Even though, inevitably, they knew this newfound freedom wouldn’t last. Nothing ever did.
10
Ashton
Stella kept a picture collage in her painting room. Many of the pictures were of her and Grant. It had surprised me to see there were quite a few of her and me. Even in those old weathered photos, I could read the affection in the sparkle of her eyes and the way she looked at me. I reflected the same look back at her. It was so blatantly obvious, and yet Grant didn’t have a clue. I’d been wise not to take matters too far back then. No way could I have walked away.
I’d been saving her from myself and what being with me would entail. My entire family had abilities, and I couldn’t let her get caught in those crosshairs if anyone poked our unique talents. I’d done the only thing I could to keep us all safe. Her talents as a painter made her destined for great things and placed her in the spotlight. The one place I could never go.
Like most of my other brothers, law enforcement in one form or another felt like protection from prying eyes and from those who would do us harm. The FBI was a means to an end to keeping those I loved safe, even if it came at the expense of my happiness.
Only now I realized how much better those years could have been had Stella been included in them.
Stella had planned to work at the art gallery. She’d gone to bed last night, letting me know she was running out of time to organize things and set up.
The sooner the art exhibit was over, the faster I’d whisk her away. Only, the thought of taking her to Grant was sitting like a raw egg in my gut. If she went home, we couldn’t be this free and transparent with one another, not with Grant around. Not with him watching her every move. He may have missed the signs of our affection when we were younger, but he wouldn’t miss them now. The thought of having to hide things again annoyed me.
We were grown adults now. Surely Grant would understand.
Maybe it was time to come clean.
Would Stella even want me to stick around, or would the absence of secrecy kill some of the thrill?
I shoved the thoughts aside, getting my head back in the game. Keeping her safe was the only thing that mattered. We’d deal with the rest when things came to pass.
I opened my computer and pulled up maps between her home and the art studio and various other places where we might have to venture, like the nearest store.
My phone rang. The Caller ID flashed a local number. I was quick to answer, keeping my voice down. “Special Agent Bennett.”
“Bennett, this is Detective Morrison. There’s been a development in the case. Do you have a minute?”
“Of course, but please don’t tell me you’ve got another abduction already,” I said, shoving my computer to the couch as I stood.
