Yve stood beside me. “He’s really dead, Valentina. He’s never going to hurt anyone again.”
Confused, I looked from one woman to the other. I was missing something. And then Johnson Haines’s rant came to mind. The daughter of a judge.
Valentina Noble had been victimized by Jay Haines too. The man had deserved every bullet he’d gotten, and I was glad as hell I’d crushed his nuts too.
Valentina rushed over to Yve and enveloped her in a hug. Yve winced and the other woman pulled back. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry. Did he—?” Her question hung in the air.
Yve shook her head. “His bitch of a fiancée. Don’t worry about it.”
“That bitch. We need champagne. We need to celebrate.” Her head swiveled around. “Shit. I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Can Yve and I get a moment alone?”
My fingers were still twined through Yve’s, and I squeezed.
She grinned. “Lucas isn’t exactly letting me out of his sight yet.”
Valentina smiled. “Good for him. Smart man, and he picked a good woman. I can’t tell you how glad I am that you never caved to my father’s demands to ask me out. It would’ve just bruised your ego when I said no.”
The chuckle worked its way out of my lips unexpectedly. “I have to say, I’m glad too.”
“Ms. Noble, I’ll be happy to escort you out,” Hennessy said. “We need to get back to settling the formalities surrounding Mr. Haines’s death.”
Valentina released the grip she still had on Yve’s other hand, and leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek. “Be well, Yve. And don’t be a stranger. I think this whole bullshit can be over, about no one knowing how we’re connected. It’s a new day, and neither of us has anything to fear anymore.”
Yve nodded in agreement, and Valentina turned and headed toward the door. Flipping her black hair over her shoulder, she stared Hennessy down. “I’ll see myself out, Detective.”
Hennessy’s eyes never left her as she strutted out. Finally, he shook his head. “I’ll be right back.” Then he was out the door and after her.
Interesting.
Once we were alone, I lowered back into the incredibly uncomfortable interview chair and lifted Yve sideways onto my lap.
She looked up at me, eyebrow raised. “I don’t think this is proper interview procedure.”
“Like I care.”
“Make your own rules wherever you go?”
“Is that even a question?”
“I guess not.” She leaned into me. “I’m ready to go home now, though. Can you work that into the rules?”
“Regardless of whether we’re done or not, we’re leaving in fifteen minutes.”
“Good. I’m tired. Hospitals suck for sleep.”
Which was why Jerome was happy as hell to be out of there. His sister’s flight had landed this morning, and she’d made her way to the hospital immediately. When he’d been released, she’d clucked and fussed over him relentlessly. Knowing he was in good hands, I’d agreed that we would come to the station to get everything squared away.
Hennessy came back in the room and shut the door. I raised an eyebrow, but he said nothing.
“Let’s make it quick, Hennessy. Yve’s had a rough couple of days, and I want to get her home.”
“Well, that’s convenient because I’ve just been informed that the DA has officially dropped all charges.”
“Perfect.” I stood, lifting Yve to her feet, and held out a hand to Hennessy. “You ever need anything, just ask.” I had no problem making the offer to Hennessy, because he wasn’t the kind of guy who’d probably ever use it. Too much pride. Like recognizing like, I guessed.
“Don’t be surprised if I take you up on it.”
With a nod, we left, and I took Yve home.
Did I mention I wasn’t letting her leave?
“YOU CAN STOP CARRYING ME everywhere, you know that, right?”
“Eventually,” Lucas replied as he hauled me into the house and carried me up to our room.
Wait, but was it? Ours? It seemed a little crazy for me to call it that. We’d said the words, but we hadn’t worked out the details.
Could I just move in with Lucas? Well, stay moved in? Just like that? Doubts crept in, even though I knew what I wanted.
Him.
“Are you sure this is going to work?” I asked.
Lucas set me on the bed. “What?”
“You and me? Being an ‘us’? Are you sure that’s what you want? This is all really . . . big and sudden.”
Lucas studied me. “Are you changing your mind?”
“No, not at all. I just want to make sure you’re cool with it.”
He pressed a hand on the mattress on either side of my hips. “You still haven’t figured it out, have you?”
“What?”
“I play for keeps. I don’t let something go once it’s truly mine. That’s not going to change, and you—I’m keeping. You had your chance to run, but you didn’t take it.”
“I had my chance, did I?”
He nodded. “You didn’t take it. And for some unknown reason, you love me.”