Safe from Harm (Protect & Serve #2)(60)
“Jesus Christ,” he hissed. “How the hell did he even get access to these?”
There was only one answer—someone Monroe knew had somehow gained access to the criminal case against the man who’d killed Elle’s family. The photos would’ve been part of the evidence against him. That asshole Monroe had a connection at a courthouse or law office somewhere.
Elle’s quiet sobs brought his attention back to her, and he set aside the letter and photos to take her face in his hands and press a kiss to her forehead. “I’m so sorry, honey,” he murmured, his throat constricting with emotion, his heart aching, knowing the kind of pain she had to be experiencing. He moved out of his crouch to take a seat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. He held her as she cried, kissing her hair, murmuring endearments to her, knowing it wasn’t nearly enough.
“Why would he do this?” she asked as her tears subsided. “Why be so cruel?”
Gabe shook his head. “I have no idea. Maybe in Monroe’s mind, it’s a way to get back at you for the loss of his son.”
Elle angrily swiped away her tears. “I’m not letting that asshole get to me,” she ground out. Her lips pressed together in a determined line, she got to her feet and stormed to her bedroom. Gabe could hear drawers opening and then slamming shut as he followed her to her room.
He leaned against the doorframe as he watched her tear off her clothes and change into an orange-and-yellow sundress. She looked like a living, breathing flame, the anger radiating off of her magnifying the impression.
“My God, you’re beautiful,” he told her, his heart hammering in his chest at the sight of her. Was it really possible this fiery, brilliant, breathtaking woman cared for him, maybe even loved him? What the hell had he done to deserve such a gift?
Her expression immediately softened at his words, her cheeks flushing. “The way you say that makes me believe it.”
“Good,” he said, shoving off the doorframe and walking toward her to fold her into his embrace. “I hope you don’t get tired of hearing it because I intend to tell you every single day…if you’ll let me.”
Her arms tightened around his waist. “I think I can live with that.”
He held her for several minutes, offering what strength he could. Eventually, she eased out of his arms and sighed. “We should probably go.”
He lifted his brows. “You still want to go to Teddy’s party?”
She nodded, but he could tell she was struggling with the idea of putting on a smile when her heart was aching from what that piece of shit Monroe had done. He could only hope the bastard had finally slipped up and they’d manage to get some fingerprints from the letter or the photos that would allow them to at least bring harassment charges against him.
“I’ll let you finish getting ready,” he said, smoothing his hands up and down her arms. He gave her a brief kiss, then went back into the hall to gather up the letter and photos. He found a gallon-sized storage bag in her kitchen pantry and slipped the evidence inside, then made a brief call to his brother.
It went to voice mail, so he gave him a quick summary of what had been left for Elle and let him know he’d be dropping it off at the department for the folks there to check for fingerprints.
He’d just hung up when Elle came out of her bedroom.
She’d pulled her curls up into some kind of configuration at the crown of her head, but a few had escaped to frame her face and tickle her neck. He hadn’t thought she could be more breathtaking than when he’d first seen her in that sundress, but damned if she didn’t look even more stunning now.
She gave him a cautious look. “Gabe? What’s wrong?”
He shook his head a little, trying to get his shit back together. “Nothing. I’m good.”
But he knew that was a lie. He was far from good. He was in love with Elle. He knew he cared about her, admired her, lusted after her with a need that, instead of being satiated, was even greater now that he’d made love to her. But in that moment, he realized without a doubt that he was absolutely and completely in love with her, and no other woman would ever fill his heart the way she did.
Chapter 17
Gabe was pale as they pulled up to Jessica Andrews’s house. He’d been fine on the way to the sheriff’s department to drop off the baggie containing the article and photos. But his mood had rapidly darkened when they’d left there to head to Jessica’s. And he kept shifting in his seat, sending sidelong glances her way.
Maybe he was just nervous about seeing his best friend’s widow after so many months. She’d called to let Jessica know that Gabe wanted to come with her, but she’d gotten Jessica’s voice mail and so had had to leave a message asking Jess to call if she would prefer Gabe just drop Elle off.
Of course, his fidgeting could have something to do with the questions they might get showing up together. Maybe he wasn’t ready to go public. After all, their sparring over the years had hardly gone unnoticed.
Well, hell. Now she was nervous.
Trying to divert his attention, she took a deep breath and announced, “So Aunt Charlotte is pressing me to take a job offer that came my way recently from the women’s center where I volunteer.”
Based on his startled look, her announcement had had the desired effect. “What? What job? You’re thinking of leaving the county?”