Page 30 of Dead Man's Wish
“Bexley—”
“I can’t live like this anymore, constantly feeling like a ghost is watching and toying with me. I’m going to find this son of a bitch if it’s the last thing I do.” She jumped off the bed, rambling about her fictitious failures—no invitation and not even a glance back.
“Bexley Renee!” I shouted, getting to my feet and grabbing the back of her nightgown. It was the first time I’d ever raised my voice to any level. It was also the first time she disregarded me.
It cut deep.
She stopped, whether out of shock or some other rational reason, I wasn’t sure. I pulled her back against me and wrapped my arms around her tight. I dropped my forehead to the top of hers.
“Please,” I begged, a hushed whisper into her hair. A prickly sting started in the back of my eyes. My throat grew tighter. A few tears dropped into her hair. “Stop.”
Her body relaxed and we stood there in silence. My body was coiled tight as I fought to contain it all for her.
Stay strong for her.
Everything I did, believed in, and stood by was for Bex.
“Don’t run away from me. It’s three in the morning. Going on a rampage through your office files will only create more confusion, frustration, and further your lack of sleep. Please, stay with me.” I didn’t wait for an answer, but I tested the waters and stepped back, bringing her with me. She didn’t fight it.
I sat on the edge of the bed, letting her process and decide to come with me. Sitting on my lap, I took that as her decision and scooped her up. We were intwined on my half of the bed and I wasn’t going to let go anytime soon.
“I need to tell you something.” Stunned into silence, she didn’t respond. “I had nightmares,” I admitted to her for the first time. “They started a little after a year later. We were good; life was good. I was comfortable in my skin again. We were starting a great life and it confused me. So, I decided not to tell you. I didn’t want to fuck up the trajectory we were on. We couldn’t be set back again. I found a therapist, that much you knew. Deep inside, I know you realized it. I knew some nights you pretended to be asleep if I accidentally woke you up. Some nights, you calmed me down, thinking I was still asleep, but when you rolled over, I knew that you did it for me.”
She pressed against me tighter.
“The therapist suggested that because we weren’t living in fight-or-flight, my body was able to process it and that’s the route it chose. Let me take care of you now. I understand—more than anyone, I do. I’m here to face anything with you.” I let the words fall between us and didn’t push for an answer. Silence with Bex was comforting and recharging.
“I should have told you,” she whispered.
“Ishould’ve told you. I kept a problem away from you, and that’s not what we built this relationship—this marriage—on. I’m sorry.” I pressed my forehead against hers. We weren’t ever close enough for my liking.
“It’s okay.” Her words tickled my cheek. I trailed my nose along hers.
“I’m sorry,” I repeated, my lips brushed against hers.
“Stop apologizing.”
“No.” I pulled her lips to mine. Slow and sweet, I drew her closer and closer, consuming her. She swept her tongue across mine, and I was ready to break down again. The overwhelming feeling of elation that she was in my arms, safe, and she’d stay that way filled me. “I will always apologize when I’ve done wrong. It’s the least you deserve in a partner.”
“Shut up and kiss me, idiot.” Without letting me get a word in, her lips covered mine. I wouldn’t take it further, but I’d enjoy the intimacy for the moment. My hand wrapped around her throat, and I pressed her into the mattress.
Bex drew in a breath—and I stole it. Nails bit into my shoulder as I sucked her tongue into my mouth. She traced my lip until she found the piercing, giving it a flick.
“Trouble.” It came out a ragged gasp as I reeled my desire back in.
“Always.”
August 8,2025
Bexley Wells
I walkedout of the closet, brushing the wrinkles flat on my blouse. Jaiden was on the bed, tying his shoes, when he looked up at me. “Look good?” I asked him.
“Beautiful as always, love.” He stood and came beside me. “Do you feel prepared?”
“Prepared or not, we need to give them this next part so we can narrow down our list. I don’t think this is the type of case to turn cold, but those women and their families deserve justice. We won’t get that if we prolong it.” I crossed the bedroom, making my way out the door and down the stairs with Jaiden following behind.
“Bishop’s expecting us, but he said no rush. Everyone’s been at the office, but they’re coming and going as they need. He’s not worried about anyone missing the profile. They can just catch up with his notes.” Downstairs, Jaiden went right toward the front entryway, and I went left, toward the kitchen.
