No Limit (Armed & Dangerous #1)(60)

“And I bet Drake paid off the media to keep suspicion away from him. It would clearly ruin his image.”

I nodded. “I guess you can’t blame the guy considering he was innocent, but it still doesn’t change the fact that he could buy people’s silence. If he was actually the killer, he could’ve easily gotten away with murder.”

“Why do you think I got you two involved?” Ryan countered.

“Because we’re the best,” I said, hoping to brighten Jason up. I winked at him and he smirked.

“Is there anything else?”

I shook my head. “I think that’s it. I’m just glad it’s over. My only regret is that we couldn’t save any of the other girls.”

Ryan stood and walked around to Jason, placing his hand on his shoulder. “You did good, son, both of you,” he added, meeting my gaze. “Once everything’s settled, I’m sure you’ll be heading back home, correct?”

“I guess so,” Jason replied. “I have some people I want to say goodbye to and I’m sure Aylee does as well.” I did, but the thought of telling everyone goodbye made my chest ache.

Ryan held out his hand and Jason shook it. “Just make sure to stop by and see me before you go. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate everything you’ve both done.”

“Thanks, chief. I think we’re going to need a vacation after this.”

“That’s an understatement,” I added with a laugh.

Ryan smiled at us both and backed away toward the door, leaving Jason and I alone. We stared at each other for the longest time, his fingers tracing softly up my arm and back down to my hand. Lifting my hand to his cheek, he closed his eyes. “I love you, Aylee. I was so afraid I’d never be able to say it to you ever again.” When he opened his eyes, a tear slid down his cheek. It was my undoing.

“I love you too. But there’s one thing I need to know.”

“Anything,” he murmured.

“How were you able to find me?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spread across his face. “Let’s just say it all started the night I snuck into your room.”





One Week Later



“He hasn’t said a word about you two staying together or making things work?” Diane asked incredulously.

I scooped a huge bite of her famous broccoli and cheese quiche into my mouth and rolled my eyes. “Nope, and tomorrow’s our last night in Vegas.”

“Why don’t you ask him then? You both love each other, so why not?”

“You know why I don’t.”

She snorted. “You don’t want to look needy. I swear, for a girl who runs head first into danger you sure do cower at the thought of love. Makes no sense.”

I sighed. “I just don’t want to hear him say he can’t do it, that it’d be too hard.”

“Do you think it will?”

“I know it won’t be easy living that far away from each other, but I’m willing to try.”

“That’s the first step, sweetheart. I’m sure he’s thought about all of this and is just waiting for the right time. You still have until tomorrow night. Just be patient.”

“The right time would’ve been days ago. He’s already booked his flight home.”

“Have you?”

I looked down at my food and sighed. “Not yet. I told him I did, but I kept hoping something would change. With him scheduling his flight it’s obvious he’s going home no matter what.”

“Where is he? I’m surprised you aren’t with him.”

“He’s saying goodbye to his fighter friends at the gym. We’ve been so busy this week at the station, we haven’t had time to see everyone. But I had to make sure I saw you before I left.”

Her eyes misted over and she smiled. “I appreciate that. Veronica wanted me to give you this,” she said, pulling out a long, black box from her purse. “It’s her way of saying thank you.”

I opened it up and gasped. Inside sat a beautiful diamond and sapphire bracelet. “Wow. I can’t even imagine how much this cost.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about that. She can afford it now that her girls and boys are back to work. She even told me to tell you that if you ever needed any of the gentlemen services, you have a membership for life.”

Snickering, I pulled the bracelet out and clasped it around my wrist. “That’s an amazing offer. I wonder what Jason would say if I told him?”

“I’m sure he’d get pretty angry, but it might also light a fire under his ass. I’d give it a try,” she mentioned, smiling slyly.

I winked. “I think I will.”

“Before you go, we need to walk down to my shop. I have some things I want to give you.”

“Diane, you’ve already given me too much. I can’t possibly accept anymore.”

Gaze firm, she pursed her lips. “Do you remember what I told you the last time you were attempting to be difficult?”

I burst out in laughter. “Okay, fine, I’ll stop being a pain.”

When we got to her shop, she strolled right over to two large boxes sitting on the counter. “I had these flown in from New York.” She pulled out some clothes from inside and held them up. “I thought you could use them in Maine. These are from my winter line.” There were jackets, pants, long-sleeve blouses, and even a pair of winter boots with wool inside.