Page 68 of Master Cole

“What’s it to you?”

“That’s my fiancée,” Cole said. Janie’s eyes went wide. “Sorry, sweetie, I didn’t plan to announce it to the world that way.” A tear slid down Janie’s cheek.

“How touching.” Harold sneered. “Maybe I should test the bitch out first.” Harold moved the knife slightly.

Before Cole could blink, Janie stomped on Harold’s foot, which caused Harold to drop his arm. Janie spun around, slammed her palm up into his face, and her knee rose at the same time. Harold fell to the ground screaming, and the police department swarmed him.

“Janie!” Cole yelled.

The sea of blue parted, and Janie ran into Cole’s arms. “Oh, Cole.”

He hugged her close, his heart pounding. He’d come so close to losing her. “Oh, God, Janie.” He tightened his arms around her “Are you hurt?”

“Nothing a hot bath and some ice won’t cure.” She glanced over at Alicia and Liz, and then held out an arm. The two women rushed over, and they were all hugging and crying. Cole wasn’t about to release Janie for anything.

“Ms. Murphy,” the police sergeant said, “Sorry to interrupt, but we need your statement.”

“Of course.” Alicia and Liz moved away, but Cole kept his arm around Janie’s waist.

“Where you go, I go.”

Janie’s face lit up. “Then let’s get this over with so we can go home.”

* * *

Three hours later,Janie was lounging in Cole’s bathroom in the big tub, with a bag of ice on her cheek.

“How are you feeling?” Cole asked.

“Better, as I’ve told you the last twenty times you’ve asked.” But Janie couldn’t be angry with Cole. She’d seen the stark fear in his face when Harold had held the knife to her throat. And heard the absolute conviction in his voice when he called her his fiancée.

She had faith in her training and the knowledge the police department wouldn’t let Harold get away with her. Now that it was over, she was calmer in the knowledge everything had worked out.

“When I saw that asshole holding you with that knife, I ... ” He stroked her unblemished cheek.

“He’s in custody.” She lowered the ice pack. “Let me get out of the tub so we can talk.”

“Your wish is my command.” Cole helped her to her feet and out of the tub before wrapping her in a warm, fluffy white towel.

“I never dared tell you this, but I love it when you do these kinds of things for me,” she said as he started to dry her off.

“I get great pleasure in taking care of you.” His blue gaze met hers, and she nodded. He’d been so caring, so loving since they’d left the clinic. Janie didn’t want to break the bubble they were in, but they needed to talk.

Cole kissed the bruise on her hip and cheek before helping her into his robe. Then he picked her up and carried her into his bedroom.

“No, not the bed.”

Cole paused.

“We really need to talk first.” He nodded and proceeded to carry her down the stairs to the library.

“I can walk, you know.” Not that she minded being in his arms; she’d never thought she’d be in them again.

“I told you I’m never letting go of you again.”

Janie sighed, but didn’t say anything. Cole sat in one of the overstuffed chairs with Janie in his lap. “Cole,” she started but he placed his fingers on her lips and shook his head.

“Me first. I’m sorry.”

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