Page 19 of Beneath the Scars

And because I'm a stupid head or way too freaking romantic, his words help me feel better. He sounds so confident that I find myself smiling at him in response.

"I know." He's still frowning at me, so I lean across and give him a quick kiss. But before I can pull away, his hand digs into my hair again and holds me close to deepen the kiss, stealing my breath.

His lips bruise and coax small moans of pleasure from me as his tongue delves into my mouth, dominating me.

"Iwillkeep you safe," he whispers against my lips when he finally pulls away.

"I know," I respond, sounding as if I've just run a marathon. From one kiss.

"Now, I should probably get you to work before you get into trouble, right?"

We laugh at that because I'd already explained that Karl would just say I had afeminineemergency. A surefire way to get my boss to make a quick U-turn and run the other way.

But we still finish our coffee and make our way to the hospital because, at the end of the day, we both have work to do, and that work includes catching a very bad guy and stopping him from doing other bad things.

The trip to the hospital is quick, and Byron keeps his hand on my leg the entire time, keeping all those butterflies alive and well. I'm not exactly sure how I went from hiding from the world as a whole to having a new semi-best friend, a lover, and a stalker in less than a week, but I'm not going to question my sudden good luck. For once, I will pretend I don't have the worst luck in the world and enjoy the good. For however long I have it.

And when it gets ripped from me, and Byron either leaves or Jayne realizes what a dry, boring friend I am, I'll at least have the happy memories.

We stop in front of the large doors leading into the morgue, Byron pulling me into his arms and wrapping me in his embrace before taking my mouth in a deep, claiming kiss. "I'll see you this afternoon after your shift. Don't leave without me, okay?"

Smiling, I stand on the tips of my toes, giving him another soft kiss before nodding in response.

I watch him as he walks away, thinking of the night we've shared and wondering if we could keep up the stamina two nights in a row.

There's only one way to find out. And I can't wait to try.

Chapter Sixteen

My Dearest Lillian,

I’m so sorry if my gifts have scared you, that was never my intention. All I want is to love you, appreciate you and show you how cherished you deserve to be.

Please know that I will always watch over you and keep you safe, you have nothing to fear from me.

We’re meant to be. You’re the other half of my soul, the soft to my hard and the sweet to my tart. Without you there is no meaning.

I’m counting down the days until we can be together.

Yours Always

xo

Chapter Seventeen

Byron

ThenoteawaitsLilyon her apartment door when we stop by after work to get her some clean clothes. She tries to stay brave, but there is no denying that the words creep her out. She rushes around her place, drawing shut all her blinds before double-checking the locks on the windows.

"This is good and useful. I'll send it to be printed and checked. Maybe your stalker is in the system. By the way, it's been placed against your door. I doubt the delivery guy touched it, which means we might get some workable prints.

Watching her rush around her home, looking over her shoulder every few minutes, is more challenging than I care to admit, so I gravitate towards her kitchen and take in the cornucopia of hanging plants all over the small place. "Can I water these for you?" I call her, heading to the sink where the cutest watering can covered in painted wildflowers waits to be filled.

"Please! One can full of water in the top basket only, please." She peeks her head into the kitchen, a sweet smile on her face. "It's set up so the water runs through to the bottom pots, the ones on top needing the most." She shrugs, her grin growing sheepish. "You get the idea."

When I've watered all her colorful friends, she's waiting for me with a bag over her shoulder.

"I packed for a few days. I'll ask Mrs. Ross to come water the plants if I'm not back tomorrow to be safe."

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