Page 93 of Fracture

“Okay?”

Lorelei scrunched up her face. “I didn’t tell him why we broke up.”

“Because Mark was an insecure dick who thought you were a bitch because you didn’t need him?”

Lorelei snorted. “Pretty much. How am I supposed to tell Vinnie that? That the last relationship I was in was with a man who didn’t want me because I’m too independent.”

“You’re not the same person you were, Lore. You’ve changed. Even more in the last two months. I didn’t want you to go through all the shit you did, but I’m not disappointed you changed a few things about how you live your life.”

“Like not being so independent?” Lorelei asked.

Adam laughed. “Something like that.” He nudged her with his hip. “You’re strong and smart and capable. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Unless it means I’m alone my whole life.”

“If that was what made you happy, then no, there would be nothing wrong with that. But I don’t think it is, and I know you’re not alone. You have a lot of people who care about you.”

“I just don’t have that one who’d do anything for me.”

Adam turned and leaned his hip against the railing. “Did you miss the part about Vinnie risking his job to save you? About him skipping town and not telling anyone where he was going? Or him letting you live with him and taking a leave so he could be there with you? Or all the things he’s done since you disappeared?”

Lorelei fought a smile. “Okay, I guess he has proved a few things.”

“Listen, I love you. You’re an amazing partner and a great friend. I would do anything for you. But the way Vinnie is, the way he looks at you and how he cares for you, that’s how I feel about Raina.”

Lorelei nodded slowly. “Karli and the other girls were saying the same thing last night.”

“I think he’s in love with you. Don’t let something dumb like Mark ruin things with Vinnie.”

Lorelei snorted. “Yeah, you’re right. I…” She shook her head. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“You were thinking you’re scared. Because you don’t know for sure that he’s in the same place as you. At some point, you have to ask him. You have to tell him how you feel or risk letting a stupid misunderstanding ruin what you could have. It’s not worth letting him walk away.”

Lorelei nodded. “Thanks, Adam. I appreciate it.”

“Any time. What are you doing to celebrate getting your cast off?”

She shrugged. “Vinnie’s working so I don’t have any plans.”

“Come back to our place. Raina was worried when you called. She knew if it was work she couldn’t be here, but she wants an update.”

“Let’s go see her. I’ll invade you guys for the day and go from there.”

“Sounds good.”

Vinnie was not in a hurry to leave work. After learning the shooter died on the way to the hospital, he had to answer questions about why he took the shot. He knew he was in the right, but it was policy to question everyone. It was a long fucking day.

But after the way he acted that morning with Lorelei, he wasn’t in a hurry to get it over with.

He was finally cleared for duty, and the higher-ups verified that he was within his rights to shoot the man who was pointing a gun at his partner, especially with civilians, including children, in close proximity. Vinnie didn’t like ending a life, but he knew it was part of the job. His least favorite part, but still a part of it.

Night had arrived by the time he made his way to his SUV, and he felt guilty leaving Lorelei for so long. They needed to talk. And if he was honest with himself, he wanted to see her. It was the longest time he’d spent away from her since the day he let himself into her apartment and found her.

He drove home, practicing his apology on the way. When he pulled into his complex, he knew words weren’t enough, but he didn’t want to turn around and go find something else.

He raced up the stairs to his floor, then let himself in without thinking about how dark the apartment was. Not a single light was on.

Vinnie set his bag down near the door and locked the door. He let his eyes adjust and scanned the room. Lorelei wasn’t on the couch or in the kitchen. He turned a light on to make sure nothing had been disturbed.

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