Page 72 of His to Save

I lean up and steal a kiss. “With you? Always. Now, let’s go see what Ellis’s got going on in the kitchen.”

But before we can get out of bed, Ellis bangs on the door. “BLTs in five. Wake up or finish boning—either way, this shit isn’t good cold.”

Nora gasps, slapping her palm over her mouth. “He thinks we’re… we’re… having sex!”

I shrug. “He also said wake up, so maybe he thinks we’re sleeping.”

“We were sleeping!” Her wide eyes and pink cheeks are a sight to behold.

“So, then, nothing to worry about, right?” I force myself out of the bed and then extend a hand her way to help her out, too.

She glares but takes my hand all the same.

“Good evening, love birds,” Ellis says as we enter the kitchen. “For your dining pleasure, I’ve prepared BLTs on wheatberry with a side of Lay’s finest potato chips.” He slides two plates our way with all the flourish of a three-star chef. “Bon appétit.”

Nora laughs at Ellis’s antics as she eagerly bites into her sandwich, her earlier embarrassment long forgotten. “Oh, wow. This is good.”

“It’s my secret sauce.” Ellis winks.

I make a pfft sound. “It’s garlic aioli.”

“Which I made myself!” he shouts, sending a glare my way. “From scratch!”

“Whatever it is, it’s delicious.” Nora emphasizes her declaration with another big bite, moaning happily as she chews.

“Thank you, Nora. You’re my new favorite.”

She grins at him and then sticks her tongue out at me.Little brat.“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.”

“Are we watching anything tonight?” Ellis asks, smoothly—and wisely—changing the subject.

I shrug, content to let Nora decide.

“We can, but nothing too long. Atlas wore me out today and I’m tired.”

“Did he now?” Ellis grins, holding his hand my way for a high-five.

“At Target,” I clarify, pointedly ignoring his outstretched palm.

“Right.” He snickers to himself. “Before we watch whatever, do y’all mind if I check the news? There’s something I want to see.”

“I don’t mind,” I say, turning to Nora. “Do you?”

“Go for it.” She stands from her barstool. “Why don’t y’all go on and I’ll load our plates into the dishwasher.”

“Are you sure?” For some reason, I hate the thought of her doing any kind of housework. Probably because my dad all but forced her into servitude.

She rolls her eyes and kisses me on my cheek. “I’m sure. Go on.”

Ellis and I retreat to the living room. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you more about Rand,” he says, settling into his recliner, “but my schedule’s been so nuts I haven’t had a chance.”

My whole body tenses. “Okay, what’s up?”

“I’ve been thinking about those death certificates. I agree, something isn’t right with them, and I’d like to look into it more.”

“With the department?” I give him my full attention. “Do you think it’s enough for a warrant?”

He shrugs, looking toward me, but not quite meeting my eyes. “I’d like to look into it, regardless. Nora… she deserves it.”

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