Page 54 of Sizzling Desire

Trevor’s sunglasses slide down his nose. “Holy shit.”

Ian swears under his breath. “Jesus, Kane.”

Declan turns fully toward me. “Was she inside?”

I shake my head. “Yeah. She’d just got home when it started. Made it out in time.”

The guys absorb that, their easygoing attitudes shifting into something more serious.

Ian rubs his jaw. “And we’re just hearing about this now?”

I shrug. “Happened last night.”

Trevor leans forward. “Arson?”

I nod once. “Fire started in a vacant unit. No forced entry, no signs of accelerants left behind, but the burn pattern? It was intentional.”

Declan swears. “Motherfucker.”

Ian casts his line again, shaking his head. “Any leads?”

I grit my teeth. “No solid ones.”

Trevor taps his fingers against the cooler. “You think it’s connected to the other fires?”

I exhale sharply. “I don’t think. I know.”

Hudson lets out a low whistle. “Damn.”

Silence stretches between us for a moment before Declan speaks again. “And Grace? She okay?”

I hesitate. “She will be.”

Ian gives me a look. “That doesn’t sound like she’s okay.”

I drag my hand through my hair. “She’s Grace. She acts like she’s fine, but she’s not.”

Hudson watches me carefully. “And that’s why you’re so on edge.”

I roll my shoulders. “She’s staying with Kate, which means she’s out of immediate danger. But if another fire happens, if whoever’s doing this isn’t done…”

Trevor exhales. “She’s still in the line of fire.”

I nod once.

Declan shakes his head. “And she ran.”

“Yeah.” I glance out at the water, jaw clenched. “Yeah.”

Ian casts his line. “And you let her?”

My eyes snap to his. “You think I should’ve forced her to stay?”

He shrugs. “I think you should stop pretending you’re fine with it.”

I grind my teeth, my fingers flexing against the reel. “She doesn’t want me chasing after her.”

Hudson huffs a laugh. “Grace doesn’t know what the hell she wants.”

---