Page 23 of Just One More Moment

A knock sounded on the bedroom door. “Forensics,” a redheaded woman said, walking inside the room with her bag and kit.

“We need to let her do her job. Raven, do you have some place to stay?” Garrett asked.

“She’s staying with me,” Remy said in a definitive tone that brooked no argument. If Raven wanted to fight him, she’d discover his stubborn side. When it came to her safety, he wouldn’t give in.

***

Remy led heroutside the bedroom of horrors that she’d never be comfortable in again. Once in her family room, she could catch her breath. Actually, she’d begun to breathe the minute she’d heard Remy’s voice.

She looked around the apartment like she’d never seen the place before.

“We’re leaving town,” Remy said.

She blinked, startled out of her thoughts. “What? No.”

Her words surprised her. For years, she’d told herself when Lance was released, she’d run, so she was shocked to discover, at the mention of doing just that, her spine straightened and she shook her head.

“You want to stay?” he asked, surprised.

She raised her chin. “This is my life and I’m going to fight for it.”

A slow smile lifted his lips, his eyes warm as he met her gaze. “Okay. Then at least come stay with me so we know you’re safe. Let’s see how things play out.”

Instinct would have had her saying no, she could handle herself, but Raven had read too many books where the heroine was, as readers liked to call it, too stupid to live. She might be wary of getting too close to Remy but she’d be a fool to fight him when it was in her best interest to go somewhere safe.

“Okay. After how easily Lance broke in and touched my things, I doubt I’ll feel safe staying there alone again. So yes, until I can figure out my next steps, I’ll go with you,” she said.

His wide smile told her he thought he’d won a huge victory. She shook her head and didn’t reply.

“Forensics won’t let you back in while they’re working. I’ll just have Fallon drop off some clothes for you in the morning.”

It was a testament to how freaked out she was that she didn’t argue with him.

A little while later, once the police took her cell phone number and found out where she’d be staying, she and Remy finally walked into his apartment. The place was familiar since she’d eaten dinner with him and done oh so much more.

He stopped short in the hallway leading to his room. “For tonight you can borrow a T-shirt from me. I’ve already texted Fallon and she said she would drop off clothes and toiletries in the morning.”

“I hate to put her out,” Raven said, the idea of being an imposition finally dawning on her.

“Fallon is happy to help.” He gestured to his bedroom and said, “Ladies first.”

She didn’t know what to expect but that hadn’t been it. “Remy, I’m not sure me sleeping in your room is a good idea.”

He leaned a shoulder against the doorframe and faced her. After a full day, he had sexy facial scruff and his eyes were heavy-lidded. “Are you still upset? Scared or worried?” he asked.

She released the lower lip she hadn’t realized she’d pulled between her teeth. “Yes.”

“And are we stillfriends with benefits?” He raised his eyebrows, the question clearly important to him.

She nodded.

“And friends help friends out. You don’t need to be alone tonight, or any night you’re here. Won’t you feel safer with me?”

She sighed. “Of course. But—”

“But nothing. Tonight, all I want to do is hold you so you can relax. Got any objection to that?” he asked.

“Of course not.” How could she say otherwise? “But, Remy?”

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