by Clarissa Yip
Kane grunted. “Maybe you can have one of them take you to the wedding tonight.”
“We can’t disappoint your mom. It’ll be fun.” She settled into her seat, pulling the seat belt over her chest as Kane started the ignition. She caught the nervous energy radiating from him. Reaching over, she took his hand in hers. “We can face anything together.”
He leveled his gaze on her. His Adam’s apple jumped as he swallowed hard. “Thank you.”
…
The tightness in his chest wouldn’t go away. Watching the groom and bride exchange vows, he should have been happy that his stepsister was married now. Instead, he couldn’t stop thinking: What if he’d been the one to stand at the altar? Next to Lauren. The usual fear at such a thought didn’t appear and force him to make an excuse to leave.
Instead, he wanted to stay.
Lauren squeezed his arm. “You okay?”
Her bright smile teased him, and he drew her to his side. “Yeah. I’m fine. What are we waiting for?”
“I just wanted to say hi to your mom.”
He shrugged. The usual awkwardness he experienced with his mother’s family was absent. He didn’t know if it was because of Lauren. But he prayed he wouldn’t ruin this event for anyone. Especially his mother.
His gaze circled the parking lot. There were still people milling around, getting ready to go to the reception. “We could just meet them all at the house.”
She curled her fingers in the crook of his arm. “We’ll say hi first and then go.”
“I guess.” Kane drew in a deep breath. His stepsister and husband had already left in the limo, leaving their guests behind. His mother, stepfather, and stepbrothers were still inside the church gathering their belongings.
Lauren laid a hand on his chest. His heartbeat escalated. His insides softened at her teasing expression. “We can leave the reception early if you’re good.”
He grinned. “Good, how?”
She bit her bottom lip; a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. “We’ll see.
His gaze trailed over her delicate features. The past few days had been stressful on them both since he’d refused to let her out of his sight, plus they still didn’t have a clue as to Burke’s whereabouts. But returning to the house each night to find Lauren waiting for him filled a longing in him. He’d get out of work, go home, and they’d make dinner together, then unwind before he’d carry her to bed. There, after they’d made love, he’d hold her and they’d talk. Just like old times. Except she’d ask more about Lily, and he held nothing back.
The shields around his heart were slowly melting away. And he didn’t want to do anything to stop it.
Kane looked up just as his mother and stepfather appeared at the entrance of the church. He watched his stepfather give his mother a peck on the cheek and make his way toward the parking lot.
Lauren followed his gaze. “I’ll wait for you at the car.”
He started to protest, but Lauren was already striding to the car. He shoved his hands in his pocket as his mother came down the church steps. What should he say?
As Maria approached, her fingers clenched around her beaded purse, then she stopped right in front of him.
They stood in silence for a minute before he took in a deep breath and gave her a tight smile. “Nice wedding.”
She nodded. “I can’t believe Sara is married now.”
“She’s not a baby anymore.”
His mother took a step closer. “But she’s still my baby. Just as you are, no matter what.”
His insides tightened. He thought of Lily growing up and getting married. She’d never have that. He cleared his throat. “I’ll bring Lauren over to the reception.”
He turned to leave just as his mother called out to him. “Son.”
He stilled and slowly pivoted around to face her. “Yeah.”
Maria’s eyes teared up. “I’m really glad you came. I know you didn’t want to, but it means a lot to me and everyone else. Even if you don’t feel like you belong in this family, you’re still family.”
His throat closed and he drew in small breaths. “Mom.”
Her hand flew to her mouth. A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Kane cursed and moved forward, pulling his mother into his arms. “I’m sorry.”
A sob sounded against his chest. “Me, too.”
Warmth closed around him. Memories of his mother holding him when he’d fallen off his bike or teasing him over his girl crushes rushed to his mind. He’d missed his mother so much. He hugged her tighter.
“You and Lily will always be my children, whether either of you are here or not.”
Emotion stung his senses. “Lily’s gone and it’s my fault.”
Maria pulled back abruptly. She clutched her chest with one hand and shook her head. “No. It’s always been my fault. You were a baby, sweetie. If I hadn’t left you both at home…” The same guilt he’d lived with for an eternity shone in his mother’s expression. He’d never known. A ragged cry ripped past his throat.
“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I took Lily away from you.” Her knees bent and she started to fall. His arms reached out and caught her before she touched the pavement. Sobs racked her frail frame, each sound filling the emptiness in him.
He tightened his hold around her, his hand smoothing over her hair. “You didn’t kill Lily.”
“I know you hate me because of it, but—”
Kane drew back and settled his hands on his mother’s shoulders. “It’s neither of our faults. I don’t hate you at all, and Lily wouldn’t want us to be unhappy.”
She pressed her fingers to her mouth as if to hold in her cries. She blinked watery eyes at him. He thought of all the time he’d wasted running away from his mother, believing that he’d been saving her from despair, but he’d only furthered her pain.
He gave her a bright smile. “Give me some time. I want to be your son again.”
Maria gasped and hugged him.
His homecoming couldn’t have been any better.
…
Kane held Lauren against him, swaying to the jazz music under the lit lanterns on the dance floor. Stars shone down on them from the clear night sky. Couples crowded the area, laughter surrounded them, and everyone was having a good time. The event was well planned—all apparent from the hard work his mother had put in to ensure her child had the best possible wedding.
After his talk with his mother, they’d held each other until Bill had shown up at their side and informed them they needed to get ready for the reception.
The lightness that had taken over his body rendered him speechless, like the weight had been taken off his shoulders and he could finally start to breathe. Now on the dance floor, he reveled in the feel of the woman in his arms. If it weren’t for her, his demons would continue to plague him, make him believe he needed his guilt to survive and only redeem himself through justice. But Lauren had given him his last redemption.
He wanted to live for Lily.
His hand pressed against Lauren’s slender back; the smooth material of her dress teased his fingers as to what lay beneath. He wished they were at home in bed, but he settled for just holding her. “Are you having a good time?”
She smiled up at him. “I’m always having a good time when you’re around. There hasn’t been a boring moment.”
He laughed, the sound startling the couples around them…and himself. “I’m glad you’re easily entertained.”
“Not as entertained as Ryan over there.” She tilted her head toward his partner, who stood surrounded by a group of women. “I thought he had a girlfriend.”
Kane glanced at Ryan. “Who knows. He’s in and out of relationships. We don’t do the whole girl-talk thing.”
Lauren chuckled. “If you did, I may be worried.”
With a grin, he pulled her closer. He leaned in toward her ear and blew out a soft breath. “We could go home early and do our own chat.”
Her giggle warmed hi
s heart. Her fingers teased the hair at his nape, sending heat down his spine. He slipped his leg between hers, needing to feel more of her.
“And disappoint your mother? I don’t think so.”
He sighed. Instead of hovering over him, his mother watched him from a distance, the dark shadows no longer apparent in her pale blue eyes. They’d shared a few smiles across the room, and he’d noted his stepfather’s relief at seeing his wife’s carefree attitude. Kane had picked up on his family’s concern when he’d arrived, but he’d only received respectful nods and an enthused hug from his stepsister so far. He was glad he hadn’t ruined the wedding. And now that he’d seen the happiness in his mother’s eyes, he’d do anything to keep the people around him safe. Especially Lauren.
His throat constricted as he tilted her chin up. “Have I said thank you?
She looked up at him in surprise. “What trouble did I get into this time?”
He smiled. She had a way about her that at times reminded him of Lily, but always made his heart jump with every laugh she drew out of him. Now that he thought about the past, a sense of foolishness came over him. No way could he return to being the loner. He needed Lauren in his life, needed to wake up next to her each morning, see her smile at him, have her tease him out of his misery, and most of all for her to love him. “Lauren, I—”
“Yo, Kane.” Ryan appeared at his side.
He stilled and closed his eyes in frustration. He pushed aside his courage in baring his heart. No way in hell he’d do it in front of Ryan, either. His partner had the worse timing in everything. He kept his arm around Lauren as he turned around and faced his partner. He noted the paleness across Ryan’s taut features. Alarm took over. “What happened?”
Ryan glanced around, then showed him the message displayed on his cell phone. Text from Beckett.
We got another pearl kill.
Chapter Nineteen
“Dammit, why isn’t Wendall here yet?”
Lauren jumped at the irritation in his voice. Her hands trembled as she slid out of the car. Kane rounded the side and slid an arm around her waist as they walked to the door. “I could have stayed at the party.”
He fiercely shook his head. “No. I’m not leaving you without protection unless I know you’re safe. I’ll wait till Wendall gets here. The guys can handle it for now.”
“Your captain is going to be mad that you didn’t go.”
He grimaced but didn’t say anything as he went to unlock the door and did his usual check, then allowed her in. Waiting until he closed the door, she wrapped her arms around him. “You should go now. You wasted enough time bringing me home.”
His lips thinned.
“I’ll be fine. You’re just going to the crime scene.” She shuddered. Yvette Wilkins. She’d been the woman Lauren caught Daniel with before she’d left him. How many more was the killer after? How many more people were going to die before the killer got to her?
As if Kane picked up on her thoughts, he hugged her tighter. “You know her, don’t you?”
She nodded against his chest. “Yvette used to be one of Daniel’s assistants. She quit, but then I found them in bed together.”
Kane growled. “Bastard. When I find him, I swear I’ll—”
“Do nothing, but make him sign my divorce papers.” She found her first smile as she leaned back to look up at him. “It doesn’t matter what Daniel’s done. Whether or not he’s really alive, I just want all this to stop.”
He sighed and hugged her tight. His musky cologne teased her nose and gave her comfort. He’d protect her no matter what, and she believed in him. Lauren swallowed hard as Kane released her and moved to the living room to look out the window. “Where is Wendall?”
“Just go. I’ll be fine.” Or so she told herself. They’d left the reception in a hurry, with Ryan heading out first. Kane stopped to tell his mother and stepfather good-bye before they literally tore out of the place. His angst made her nervous. She didn’t want him to put her before justice. His sense of duty was what made him the man she loved.
He gave her a hesitant look, then relief broke over him when a patrol car pulled up across the street. “All right. I’ll be back soon.”
She nodded as he strode to the door. She stopped him with her hand and slid her arms around him, kissing him before he could react.
Once she broke away, he stared down at her, dazed, and she had to laugh. “Go. Come back to me in one piece.”
A soft smile splayed across his face. His hand lifted and his knuckles rubbed against her cheek. Her heart tightened at the emotion in his expression. She stilled. He gave her one last kiss and jogged down the walkway to his car. He got in, started the engine, and pulled away.
Knowing Kane, he would only blame himself if anything happened to her or his family, and it’d add to the guilt he was already slowly letting go of. The change in him had shown her a different side of him. Like a little kid, he’d taken joy in doing everything with her—from cooking to cleaning to even blow-drying her hair. The late-night talks were the best. Tonight proved to her that he was willing to try with his mother, and it gave her hope for a future between the two of them. Her hand fluttered to her stomach.
He’d been the one to bring up their lack of responsibility the first two times they hadn’t used protection. After, they’d been better about it, but she knew he hated the extra barrier when they made love. She couldn’t help smiling.
She wanted kids more than anything—especially Kane’s children. With his protectiveness and at times stern demeanor, he’d make a great father. He just didn’t know it.
Lauren glanced at the patrol car across the street and waved. Surprisingly, Officer Wendall didn’t wave back like normal. With a shrug, she went into the kitchen for a drink, then headed up the stairs. As much as she loved dressing up, she’d rather curl up in her pajamas and Kane’s sweatshirt to wait for him.
Even without Kane, his house felt safe. The idea of returning to her own gave her a chill. That place was never going to be the same, now that she’d found a home with Kane.
But how long before he’d give in and admit his love?
Maybe she was wishing for too much in such a short period, but she’d seen it in his eyes—his love teased her every time he looked at her, touched her, kissed her. Why hadn’t she realized that sooner? Warmth spread through her the more she thought of him.
She reached the landing and moved to the bedroom. Just as she started to flick the light switch, a ruffling of sort sounded in the corner. Before she could react, something closed around her neck and a warm wall pushed against her back. Air rushed out of her lungs. Her hands jerked to her throat. She couldn’t breathe. Her mind swam as she fought to focus. Out of her peripheral vision, she could see only black. Her fingers felt the tight rope digging into her skin and nails tried to pick it away, but the rope only tightened.
“It’s your turn,” said a raspy whisper.
Lauren blacked out.
…
Kane shoved his hand through his hair as he tore down I-90. Unease gripped his stomach as he got farther and farther away from Lauren. Something didn’t feel right.
Since the killer struck again, Peters was a free man. No killer in custody to be held accountable for the past homicides. And Lauren’s bastard of a husband was still missing. Unable to push aside the tension taking over his body, he let out a deep breath when his cell vibrated in his pocket. He dug the phone out and saw Ryan’s ugly mug appear on the screen. He hit the talk button and pressed the phone to his ear. “Hollister.”
“Yo, Kane.” Ryan let out a ragged sigh, the sound elevating Kane’s irritation.
He glanced up at the sign. Only two more exits. “What’s happening on-scene?”
“Ted just got here. It’s another one of Burke’s ex-lovers, but listen to this: the neighbor downstairs turned out to be Peters’s current assistant. Yvette Wilkins used to work for Burke and Peters.”
“I know.” Kane held in his curse.
“Apparently, each woman that Burke has slept with ends up getting fired because Peters enforced a ‘no involvement’ rule at the workplace.”
His fingers tightened around the steering wheel. “Well, the man is going to be free now that he’s apparently not our killer.”
“Listen,” Ryan growled.
Kane let out a frustrated sigh.
“Kerry—Lauren’s assistant—used to work for Burke.”
An image of the redhead flashed before him as he recalled the one time she’d walked in on him and Lauren in the fitting room. That same night they’d found the mutilated cat and the derogatory term splattered across the wall in blood. His chest tightened.
“Kane, hold on,” Ryan muttered. He heard muffled voices before Ryan cursed loudly. Kane frowned and held the phone away from his ear for a second as he changed lanes. Ryan’s next words gripped him in shock. “We found Burke.”
He thought he heard wrong. “Where?”
“In a cabin by Lake George. A civilian heard banging and decided to check it out. He saw Burke tied up and called the cops. The sheriff’s department up there has him now.”
Relief surged through him. Finally, the bastard was found. “Why was he tied up?”
“That’s a good question. The cabin belongs to Lauren’s assistant.”
A sudden fear gripped him. The hairs on his neck rose. “Have uniforms pick her up. Let me call and check on Lauren. Wendall was running late for some reason tonight.”
“Kane, Wendall called out tonight. She’s not working. Family emergency.”
He stopped breathing. “No, she pulled up in her squad car.”
“Carter was supposed to meet you at the house before you left. You didn’t see him?” Ryan’s voice rose with each syllable.
“No.” Kane froze. If Wendall was out, then who was in her squad car? Kerry’s image flashed again. This time he recalled the pearls around her neck—the same ones she’d kept fingering when she’d walked in on them. Terror tore at his insides. “Send a team to my house.”
Clicking the phone off, he spotted a No U-turn sign and swerved the car into the empty space, circling around on the highway.
