Page 36 of Protected

“I told you to be more careful about the information you put online damn it.” She could tell he was fighting to keep the growl out of his voice.

“Calm down, Detective.” She glared right back. “I didn’t post about my night out until after we got to the nightclub, which was our third location of the evening.”

He shook his head. “I'll need to ask you more questions, but you’re exhausted. Why don't we finish your statement tomorrow? There’s a Crime Scene Response team on its way to gather evidence.”

“Fine, we'll wait downstairs for you. Let me know when I can come back up.”

“You're not staying here tonight,” Bradley and Michael said in unison.

“Just great. Now I have two overprotective men in my life.”

Bradley gripped her arm and scowled at her. “Don't be a fucking idiot, Darci. It's not safe here.” She cringed at his harsh tone.

“He's right, Darci. Stay with a friend tonight. I’m declaring your apartment a crime scene until further notice. Legally you can’t stay here,” Michael said smugly. “And for the love of God, don't talk about this on your blog.”

“I won't, Michael. Jesus, I’m not that stupid.” Now they were just insulting her and Darci didn’t appreciate it.

“I know you’re not stupid, sweetheart. I'm just trying to watch out for you. I'm sorry. Just let me know where you're staying.” Michael’s tone was kinder this time, and she offered him a small smile.

“She's staying with me,” Bradley declared. Her smile faded, and Michael scowled. She opened her mouth to argue but closed it when Bradley threw her another glare.

“Wait downstairs, and I'll come talk to you soon,” Michael said. Bradley steered her out of the apartment and toward the elevator with a hand on her elbow.

“Don't fucking speak for me like that,” she hissed as they stepped onto the elevator.

“Darci, calm down. I'm just trying to watch out for you.”

Calm down? Like that will happen. “I'm not sleeping with you again, so don’t get your hopes up.” The glare on her face lasted all of five seconds as the energy in the elevator shifted, and she instantly regretted her harsh words.

“Do you really think that little of me?” Even though his tone was low, she could tell anger was bubbling just beneath the surface. He stepped closer to her until their noses almost touched and he placed his hands on the elevator wall on either side of her head. She stared up at him as her heart rate increased. “A man breaks into your apartment and threatens your life, and you think I'm just trying to fuck you?” He didn't bother hiding his anger now. Fury filled his dark eyes as he waited for her to answer his question.

“I'm sorry,” she whispered. Then the dam broke, and tears streamed down her cheeks. His expression softened, and all traces of fury left his face. He pulled her into his arms. “Shhh, I'm sorry baby.” He whispered soothing words while running his hand through her hair.

The elevator doors slid open, and he walked her to the couch in the lobby, keeping her pulled tightly to him. “You scared me so bad when you called me.” He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and pressed it into her hand. As she dabbed at her eyes and nose, she struggled to regain her composure.

“I'm sorry I got mad at you.”

“Shhh, it's OK. I was being pushy.” He pulled her into a hug. “Oh Darci, I just want to keep you safe.” She nodded into his neck and closed her eyes. His scent was clean and calming. She could have stayed there forever.

“I'm glad you were close,” she murmured into his chest. Sitting back, she smiled shyly at him. He gave her a small smile of his own, but worry clouded his deep blue eyes. He brushed a wayward strand of hair out of her face.

“Me too,” he said, his hand lingering on her cheek for a few more seconds. Then he turned and waved at the doorman.

“Can we get her some water?”

The doorman jumped at the opportunity to have something to do and quickly produced a bottle of water. Darci drank it gratefully.

A moment later, Michael stepped out of the elevator.

“Hey, you OK?”

“I'm fine, just overwhelmed.” She offered her friend a shaky smile. “Are you all done up there?”

“Not yet. Crime Scene Response is only a few minutes away. My officers are taking pictures and closing off the scene, though.”

“Can I get some clothes and my laptop?”

“You can get clothes, but we’ll need to take your computer,” he said apologetically.

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