Page 57 of Alexis

What should I say? Do I throw Dimitri under the bus without any actual proof? Anyone could have a lighter like this, and the last time I saw it was in his possession. What if I mention it and he has his? Then I’ve persecuted an innocent man.

What the hell do I do?

“Do you see something, Alex?” Captain leans forward in his chair, resting his forearms on his desk as he examines my face. I can’t let anything show.

“If this is the same person, he really got sloppy. He’s never set fire to an occupied building, and he’s definitely never left anything behind. Did something trigger this rash fire? Is his obsession escalating to a point where he no longer cares about anyone’s safety?”

“This is why I knew you’d be an amazing addition to the arson investigation team. I gave my recommendation to look at adding you when an opening became available.”

“You did?” My mouth hangs open at the confidence he has in me.

I slide the pictures back over to him, the images contained in them embedded in my memory, especially the last one.

“I did, Alex. Now get back to work.” He smiles and I stand, hastily making my departure.

But the picture has done its damage. The rest of the day, if we’re not on a call, I’m fretting over how I’m going to ask Dimitri—desperately hoping it’s not true.

That one of the men I love, one who’s also spent nights in my bed, giving me orgasm after orgasm, is not an arsonist.

But what I hope most is he’s not a killer.

Chapter twenty-six

Donovan

“Can we put in an offer?” I ask Lisa, the real estate agent, who’s been batting her eyes at us since Dimitri and I stepped out of the car.

“Absolutely, Mr. Candlish. We will include any issues that require the owners’ immediate attention on our list.” She reaches out, placing her hand on my chest, and I take a step back.

“Alex is going to love this. She’s our girlfriend and future wife and mother of our children.” Dimitri makes sure to refresh Lisa’s mind about why we’re here.

“Of course, any woman would love this home. It’s perfect for raising children. In fact, the owner raised six children here and now they are selling so they can travel the world.” She quickly changes the conversation as she tries to recover her composure.

“I’ve noticed some issues that need to be handled. If you reduce the asking price to accommodate those costs, we’d be glad to handle the repairs. Is that also something that can be done?” I chance my luck.

“I’d be happy to take that offer to the owners. We’ll have someone come out and calculate the costs. Once I have them, I’ll let you know so you can make your formal offer. Now will your girlfriend be coming to see the home as well?” I can’t help but grin at how uncomfortable she looks when she says girlfriend. Sorry lady, we only have eyes for one woman. We are officially off the market and taken men.

“First, let’s hear what the owner says. Then we can schedule an appointment for her to come and see it. I’m sure she’ll have a load of renovations in mind. It was a pleasure meeting you, Lisa.” I shake her hand and leave, Dimitri falling in step beside me.

“What a fucking bitch,” he spits out when we’re back in the car and out of her earshot.

“I know. But she’s the one handling the property. So we have to play nice,” I remind him.

My phone vibrates in the console and I pick it up at the same time Dimitri looks at his. It can be only one person.

Our girl.

Gorgeous: Can I meet with the two of you tonight?

Me: Yeah. Dimitri and I are actually together now.

Gorgeous: Okay good. I just need some answers.

Me: Is everything okay?

Dimitri: Did the asshole contact you? He’s violating his order again if he did. It’s grounds for arrest.

Gorgeous: No. He didn’t. But there’s something else. It’s important and I want to do it face to face. And since we are a unit I think it should be addressed together.

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