Chapter 11

“She’s staying with me.” Lucky stated this as if it were law. To him, it may as well be. “We get to my place, I’ll dive into the nearby CCTV feed, as well as the camera building’s entrance. Hopefully, one of those caught the bastard’s face.”

There was a long pause before Logan’s deep voice came through the phone’s speaker once more. “You sure you want a client in your personal space? Because you know the firm will flip for a hotel for you both.”

“Hotels are a security nightmare,” he shot that idea down real fast. “I have a spare room, my townhome is secured out the ass, and I live there, so…I already know the place inside and—”

“Ellie!”

Hearing the woman’s shouted voice, Lucky swung his head around to see a worried Archer jogging his way from across the street. With a half-wave, his teammate made sure Lucky saw him, and a handful of seconds later, Archer was there.

“Hey, Nash just got here,” Lucky informed Logan. “I’m going to bring him up to speed, and then I’m getting Ellie the hell out of here.”

“I’ll call Boyer and Van and bring them up to speed. I’ve also got a contact in the fire marshal’s office, so I’ll try to get ahold of her and see what they know.”

“If not, I bet Knox can,” Lucky suggested. “He and his partner are here, on scene.”

“Knox?” His team leader sounded confused. “Why is he—”

“Someone died in the fire.”

Logan cursed beneath his breath. “How’s Ellie holding up?”

He looked over to where he’d left her with Knox and Detective Brandt. But the partners were no longer there, and Ellie was standing near the yellow tape. Her guarded stare was locked in on the fire and she watched as it ravaged her home and everything in it.

The evening breeze blew her silken hair as it gently rolled past. She made no move to brush the strands from her face, but instead crossed her arms in front as if giving herself a hug. But even as she did, the impressive woman kept her chin held high.

“She’s good.” His heart slammed against his ribs when she turned that controlled gaze his way. “I mean, you know Ellie The woman’s tough as hell. But…”

“What is it?”

His gut knotted with a sense of dread he couldn’t seem to shake. “This asshole keeps coming at her like this…” Lucky’s words trailed. “I just keep thinking what would’ve happened if we’d been home.”

“The what-ifs will drive you fucking insane, brother. Trust me.”

A stretch of silence passed, and then, “Just…watch your back, Luck. And keep me posted.”

“Copy that.”

Lucky ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket. “Hey.” He walked and talked on his way back to Ellie.

“Jesus.” Archer’s dark star rose to the blaze still going strong up in the distance. “What the hell happened? You guys okay?”

Okaywasn’t exactly the word he’d use. But he couldn’t really think of one that fit his particular emotional situation, so Lucky gave his friend a nod and lied.

“We’re fine.” His nails dug into his palms as they hung in fists at his sides. “We weren’t anywhere near here when the fire started.”

“So you said on the phone.” The other man shot a sideways glance in Lucky’s direction. “Dancing? Really?”

“If we hadn’t gone out, we would’ve been up there when that fire started.” Lucky pointed to the engulfed brick building. “She was safe with me, Arch. I said I’d protect her with my life, and I will.” And he wasn’t in the mood to defend his decisions where Ellie’s safety was concerned. “Which is why I’m taking her to my place.”

When Archer’s lips parted—to most likely argue yet another choice—Lucky cut him off at the pass.

“Logan already agreed, and…no offense…but I’m not asking your opinion. This is happening, so you can either get on board or—”

“I was just going to say, I have a few things for Ellie to take with her when you go.” Archer’s expression remained cool and unfazed. “Cassie put some clothes and shoes and stuff for El to use until she can replace what she lost.”

Well, hell.

“Sorry.” He felt like a total ass. “I guess I’m just…on edge.”

In true Nash form, the man literally shrugged the unpleasant moment away as if it had never happened. “I get it.” He reached up and squeezed one of Lucky’s shoulders. “It’s been a helluva night.” Clearing his throat, his teammate dropped his hand and flashed Ellie an empathetic smile. “Hey, El.”

Lucky watched as the other man pulled her in for a tight hug.

“Hi, Arch.” Ellie’s voice quivered as she hugged her friend right back.

A surge of jealousy shot through his every vein. He wanted to be the one to hug her. It should be his arms pulling her close and offering her the comfort she obviously needed.

So why didn’t you?

“I’m so fucking sorry.” Archer pulled back to look down at his friend. “We’re going to catch this bastard. You know that, right?”

“I know.” She gave her head a jerky nod. “If anyone can…” Those baby blues of hers slid in Lucky’s direction. “It’s you.”

That’s right, sweetheart. Keep looking at me. Always me.

“I saw you talking to Knox and his partner,” Archer commented. “I assume if they’re here, it’s because—”

“Someone died in the fire,” Ellie confirmed. “An older woman who lived one floor down from me.”

Looking almost as pissed as Lucky felt, the other man raked a hand through his dark, wavy hair. “They know what caused it?”

“Arson.” Those fists at his sides grew tight once more. “Detective Knox said there were reports of a chemical smell coming from that corner of the building shortly before the fire broke out. Knox also said the fire marshal can all but confirm the fire started either in or around El’s apartment.”

“Damn.” Archer shook his head in disbelief. To Ellie, he told her, “Cassie fought like tooth and nail to come, but I talked her into staying put. I almost lost her to one psychopath already.” A haunted look left him frowning. “No offense, but I couldn’t risk her being anywhere near a scene like this.”

Understanding gave a tiny lift to the corners of Ellie’s kissable mouth. “I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want her here, either.” She glanced back up at her building and then to the growing crowd gathering on the sidewalks and street. “Some arsonists like to watch the show after the fact. Killers, too.”

Yeah, they sure as hell did.

Following her lead, both he and Archer scanned the crowd for anyone who may appear out of place. No one jumped out at him, but it wasn’t as if he expected the prick to give himself up by waiving.

Cameras. You need to check the cameras.

He’d have to wait until they got to his place to access everything, but Lucky abandoned the crowd to begin studying the nearby buildings. Taking a mental inventory, he spotted several security cams mounted high on a few of the businesses positioned between where they stood and Ellie’s building.

“What are you looking at?” She craned her neck to follow his line of sight.

“Cameras.” He noticed another one. “As soon as I get to my computer, I’ll—”

“Oh, shit!” Ellie’s wide eyes flew to up to his as her hand grabbed one of his arms. “Your laptop and tablet.” Her mind seemed to race. “And the clothes you brought with you the other day…” She looked back up at the towering flames.

“It’s okay.” He covered her hand with his and gave it a reassuring pat. “I have backups for all of my electronics. They’re all programmed to sync any new data in real-time, so anything I’ve worked on is safe. As for my clothes…” Lucky shrugged. “It was a few days’ worth of outfits I kept in my go-bag. Nothing to stress over. Really.”

Not when they had much more important things to be worried about. Like finding the fucker who set fire to Ellie’s home.

“Oh, good.” Relief poured over her, visibly easing the tension in her neck and shoulders. “That’s good.”

Lucky let his hand linger on hers a moment longer before he returned it to his side and faced Archer. “We’re parked right over there.” He pointed to his car. “Let’s get the things Cassie sent so I can get her the hell out of here.”

If the person who set the blaze was still lurking around, he didn’t want Ellie within a ten mile radius of this place. He sure as hell didn’t want her standing out in the open like this.

“Wait, what things?” A confused Ellie looked at first to him before landing her focus on Archer.

“Cass sent some clothes and stuff.” His expression softened. “Just to get you by.”

“Oh.” She slid a sideways glance toward the fire and back to Archer. “That was really sweet.” A quick check of her watch. “It’s late. I’ll call her in the morning to thank her.”

Archer grinned. “I’m sure she’ll be glad to hear from you.”

“Come on.” Lucky rested a guiding hand against Ellie’s lower back as they began to move.

With his head on a constant swivel, he kept his eyes peeled for the first sign of a threat while keeping her as close to her as he could while they walked. Splitting off, Archer began a half-jog down the street to retrieve the donated items from his vehicle.

A moment later, he was back with a small, wheeled suitcase and a large, overnight tote.

“Thank you both so much.” Ellie took the offered tote from the other man’s hand. “Tell Cassie I will be sure to clean and return everything as soon as I can.”

“No rush.” Archer placed the suitcase inside the trunk Lucky had already opened. “Actually, here.” He kept the trunk lid open and glanced down at the tote still hanging from Ellie’s hands. “You wanna just put that back here, too?”

“Sure.” She covered the few feet to the back of the car and carefully dropped the tote inside. “Thanks.”

Archer shut the lid and blew out a breath. “It goes without saying, but you two need anything…no matter what time it is—”

“Thanks, Arch.” Ellie wrapped her arms around the man’s center and gave him a squeeze. “And please make sure Cassie knows I’m okay.”

“I will, El.” His teammate hugged her back. “Be safe, and…” Letting his lips curve a bit, he jutted his chin in Lucky’s direction. “Don’t let this guy give you any grief. He does, you call me.”

“Bite me.” Lucky gave the other man the finger before his focus returned to El. “You ready?”

She nodded her pretty head. “Sure.”

“All right, man.” Archer offered an outstretched hand. “Let me know what you find out with the security footage.”

“I will, don’t you worry.” He grabbed the man’s hand and pulled him in for a half-hug, half-back slap. “And…thanks. For racing over here, and the clothes and all that.”

“Never have to thank me for that. Now, go.” Arher’s head tipped toward Lucky’s car. “Get out of here. And stay safe.”

“You, too.”

The two teammates shared a look before Archer turned to leave. As he did, Lucky and Ellie opened their respective doors and climbed into his Challenger. They were half a mile down the road when Ellie’s soft voice sounded from the passenger seat.

“I never even thought about where I’m going to stay tonight.” She looked over at him. “I guess you can just drop me off at a hotel. Thankfully, I brought my purse with me to the club, so I have all of my credit cards, my driver’s license, and all that.”

“You’re not staying in a fucking hotel,” Lucky barked. Nice, jackass. Very smooth. “Sorry.” He cleared his throat and switched lanes. “What I meant to say was that I’m taking you to my place.”

“Your place? Lucky, no,” Ellie began to argue. “You’ve already gone above and beyond for me. I can’t ask you to let me invade your home just because mine no longer exists.”

“First of all, you didn’t ask. I offered.” He switched lanes again. “Second, hotels are shit when comes to security, and lastly, my apartment is one of the most secure spaces in the city.” Lucky looked away from the road long enough to meet her gaze and make his point clear. “No one, and I mean no one, is getting to you there.”

Not by fucking fire or any other means.

Ellie held his stare a beat before returning her focus to the darkened scenery blurring past. Silence filled the car’s interior for so long, he was certain she was going to contest the idea further.

Much to his relief, she didn’t.

“If you really think that’s the safest place for me to be…”

“I do.”

Her gaze shifted back to his. With a slight dip of her chin, Ellie said, “Okay.”

She grew quiet again, and for the remainder of the ride, they both became lost in their own thoughts. Lucky had no idea what was going through her head, but he could only imagine.

Losing a home to a fire like that was devastating for anyone. Knowing it had been intentionally set…and that, most likely, the bastard had done so in her fucking apartment…

Lucky’s grip on his steering wheel tightened to the point he was surprised the damn thing didn’t bend from the pressure. No one deserved to have their home destroyed by some sick, twisted freak. Especially not Ellie.

He slid a hidden glance her way. She was staring out the passenger window, her head turned from his so that her beautiful face was hidden. Lucky’s heart ached for what she’d been through.

The shooting. The fire. And what terrified him was wondering what the bastard would try next.

He’s going to keep coming for her. He’s going to try again. But next time…next time I’ll be ready.

Something else he knew he’d lose sleep over were all the what-ifs. What if they’d been inside the apartment when the son of a bitch had showed up? Would they have been trapped by the fire, unable to escape?

The thought left his gut churning with fury.

Thank God we left to go dancing when we did.

Just like that, a flash of a memory filled his mind’s eye. Lucky could see Ellie back on that dance floor. Her hips swaying back and forth as she became lost in the slow, steady beat of the drum.

His fingers curled tighter around the steering wheel as he remembered the way those hips had felt beneath his touch. His dick grew hard and painfully full as Lucky imagined the way her body had pressed flush against his.

The entire ride home, he’d imagined their bodies moving as they had on that dance floor…except in his fantasy, they’d been naked and in bed. For a moment, there, he’d considered saying fuck it to the rules. But then they’d arrived at her building only to find the damn thing engulfed in flames.

Flames that had been purposely created by a sick freak targeting Ellie.

Lucky looked over at her once more. She was still silent. Still staring out the window. His fingers itched to reach for her, but instead, he kept his hands on the wheel and his focus returned to the road.

Minutes later, Lucky was pulling into his apartment complex. Located just east of the Denny Triangle, the Aristol Apartment Building rose high above the city lights. The high-end complex was gated with a security guard posted at its entrance twenty-four-seven.

Between that and the guards working the front desk and the structure’s sleek, modern design, Lucky was sold on the place within the first five minutes of his tour. And since he was who he was—and he worked for who he worked for—the building’s owner had given him one hell of a discount on rent. He’d also given Lucky permission to…enhance the security system within his own apartment.

He pulled onto the paved driveway and slowed the car to a stop at the gate. Rolling his window down, he greeted the man standing guard.

“Hey, Charlie.” Lucky smiled at the graying man.

A retired SPD narcotics officer, Charles Doss was tall, muscular, and tatted from shoulders to wrists. Lucky only knew that last part about him because the short-sleeved uniform shirt he often wore revealed the man’s intricate ink.

“Mr. Lucas.” Charlie’s salt-n-pepper beard lifted with his usual, friendly smile. “How are you this fine evening?”

“I’m doing well,” he lied. “Thank you.”

Because…what else was he going to say?

“Glad to hear it.” Charlie pressed a button on the control panel inside his small booth. Two seconds later, the large, rod iron gate began to open.

“Have a wonderful rest of your night,” Charlie offered.

“You, too.” Lucky smiled. He pressed his foot to the accelerator and slowly rolled his Challenger through the open gate.

“You live here?”

Ellie’s surprised tone had him sparing her a quick glance as he drove.

“For about nine months now, yeah.” He tipped his head in a single nod.

“Wow.” Her blue eyes were wide as they stared up at the massive structure. “It looks…expensive.”

“It’s not cheap, that’s for sure.” He pulled his car into the building’s attached parking garage. “But it’s the most secure and up-to-date apartment complex in the city. And given what I do—”

“Security is important,” she finished for him. “No, I get it. That’s why I chose the building I live…er…lived in. Between its location, modern amenities, and high-end security system, I figured it was the best choice all around.” Her shoulders fell with a disheartened sigh. “Of course, had I known how easy it would be for some maniac just to waltz right in and burn the place down, I probably would’ve continued with my search.”

Despite the truth in her statement, Lucky felt his lips curving upward. “Glad to see you still have your sense of humor.” He pulled the car into his designated spot.

“Well, I’ve lost pretty much everything else,” she muttered low. “Figure I’d better hang on to what’s left.”

Beneath the oozing sarcasm was an ocean of pain and something more. Fear, perhaps? Possibly anger? After what she’d been through, he wouldn’t blame her for feeling all those things and more.

“Arch was right,” Lucky referred to his teammate’s statement back at the scene. “We’re going to find the son of a bitch.”

“You still think it’s Harvey, don’t you?” Those blue eyes turned his way.

“I don’t know who’s after you, El,” he answered truthfully. “But no matter who it is, we will find him…and we will stop him.”

His use of the pronoun was based on years of experience, and the knowledge of how these kinds of people worked. Statistically speaking, when dealing with a female offender, the attacks are typically less violent.

Slashed tires. Vandalism. Poison.

Someone shooting into a crowd of people and then burning half a fucking building down…that screamed the work of a man. Given that—and the facts of the case as they knew them up to this point—Harvey was at the very tip top of his suspect list.

“Come on.” Lucky pushed the button to pop open his trunk. “Let’s get you inside. I have two full bathrooms and a tankless water heater, so we can both hit the shower when we get inside.”

“Is that your way of saying I smell bad?” Ellie opened her door and climbed out of the car.

Bad?

“Hell no, you don’t smell bad.” He exited the vehicle and shut the door behind him. When they met at the back of the car, Lucky met her trepid gaze. Stepping closer to where she stood, he lowered his voice before asking her, “You want to know the truth?”

Ellie nodded but said nothing.

Lucky leaned in just a smidge, and with a rumbled whisper, he told the mouthwatering attorney, “The truth is, I think you smell fucking delicious.”

If Archer was there, the other man would no doubt threaten to kick his ass. But while the comment was highly suggestive and far less than professional, Lucky hadn’t technically broken any rules.

Sorry, Arch. I promised not to sleep with her. Never said a word about flirting.

It was, after all, one of his many God-given talents. Sure seemed like such a waste not to use it. Especially when it came to the very sexy Eloise Fisher.

And if there was ever any doubt, the woman’s sudden, sharp intake of air was all the proof he needed.