Page 129 of Badges
Sitting me opposite him, he pulls out a small toolkit from his desk and takes off my tracker.
My leg feels suddenly lighter.
“Maybe I should leave it on. It’s how I knew where you were.” His lopsided grin turns lecherous as his hands move up my thigh. “I told you I’d always find you. Now let’s get you home and pick up where we left off.”
“I love that idea.” I melt against him when he helps me stand.
Billy stands from behind the main counter when he sees us. “The D.A. already came and left. Said something about you working holidays for free from now on.” His eyes bounce between Wade and I nervously.
“Worth it,” Wade grunts, then pushes us out into the cold night.
Abe rises from the couch quickly when Wade opens the door for me.
“Hey, you made it back!” he exclaims in a hushed voice.
“I did. Fuck Paige,” I mutter, shaking my head.
He laughs softly. “It may have been a while since my wife died, but I’d happily remain celibate then go there.” He pats Wade on the shoulder before stepping outside. “You all have a good night.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Wade gives him a small wave.
“That’s what grandpas are for.” Abe’s smile flashes in the dark as he disappears.
I can feel the color fade out of my cheeks. “Oh my god, did your dad have to get you free?” I remember leaving him naked and cuffed to the bed before Paige showed up.
He shakes his head, his dark coppery hair curly against his forehead. “The only number my damn phone would call by voice was Blue.” His eyes widen with a grin. “He’s too busy having a baby. April’s in labor.”
“That’s so exciting! Did she have a boy or a girl?” I’ve managed to meet her a few times. Each visit we get to be better friends.
Now that I can drive again, I hope I can see her more often.
“Dunno.” He shrugs. “I didn’t want to chat.”
Because he was tied up.
“I’m sorry.” I shed the stupid prison scrubs and throw them into the corner. “I shouldn’t have left you like that. I was just kinda, in shock I guess.”
That’s when I notice how he got out.
The top rail of the bed is splintered at one end, ripped completely out of the post.
His hands circle my waist. “Nothing will stop me from finding you, baby girl.” He sits on the edge of the mattress, pulling me onto his lap. “I should have told you before about your dad. It’snot exactly an easy thing to bring up in conversation.” Heat from his long exhale tickles over my bare skin.
“I’m glad it was you.” My head rests on his chest. “It makes me love you more knowing you’d do anything to protect the people you care about.”
“It’s true.” He folds me against him, then pulls the blanket open far enough that we can both lie back.
Tenderly, his fingertips feather over my body, from my shoulder down to my ankle.
“Hmm,” he rumbles. “Now that you’re free to roam, did you still want to marry me even knowing what I did?”
“More than ever.” My thumb works a slow circle over his Adam’s apple that bobs as he swallows.
“When?” His voice is hoarse, full of unspoken emotion.
“I don’t know. Sometime before the baby is born?” I freeze to watch his reaction.
He draws a sharp inhale, then jerks up onto his elbow. “What? Seriously?”
