Absolution (Honor Guard 1) - Page 21

“Yes, she told me you were innocent.”

“Imagine that,” he drawled, raising an eyebrow.

Hugo ignored Joseph’s sarcasm, shooting him an amused look. “She asked to see you. She says she has something of yours.”

“Of mine?” Joseph racked his brain but could think of nothing he’d forgotten at her place. Had she used the excuse of a forgotten object to get him to go see her? If so, maybe he hadn’t lost everything. Excitement pumped through his veins, and his voice came out rushed. “Oh, okay. Is she home now?”

Hugo nodded and smiled. “Good luck.”

***

Twenty minutes later, Eva sat, scowling at her phone. She’d been waiting for her father to call her back, and each second she held the box, the urge to peek inside grew. If she didn’t see Joseph, and soon, she would cave to the temptation. The small size suggested it held earrings…or a ring.

God, how she longed to go back in time. If only she’d not kicked him out that night and let him explain. If only she’d noticed the stripper stealing her unconscious boyfriend’s belongings, or how sick he’d looked.

Holy shit. Could he have been planning to propose?

Her heart sped up, and she set the box on the coffee table to wipe her clammy hands on her jeans. They’d been happy enough to warrant such an action—until she’d found him in bed with the whore. But, before that, he could have bought the ring and tucked it away. They’d made plans to go out to a “special” dinner before the incident that had ruined their relationship. The memory of their plans had long ago faded in the face of his betrayal—or rather, of what she’d thought he’d done.

A knock sounded at the door, and she jumped to her feet. Her father had men stationed outside her apartment, so the chances of it being a murderer were slim…but then again, it hadn’t stopped the Cartel before.

Her voice shook as she inquired, “Who is it?”

“It’s Joseph. Can I come in?”

She sucked in a deep breath, and once again wiped her hands on her pants. How were they so darn sticky? “Um, yeah. Hold on.”

Rushing to the door, she smoothed her hair and unlocked the bolt. When she opened the door, she fought the urge to fling herself into his arms, forcing a calm expression to her face, despite her racing heart.

He studied her from head to toe, clearing his throat and shoving his hands into his pockets. After several moments passed, he said, “Are you going to let me in, or what?”

Eva realized she blocked his way and stumbled backward. “Yes, of course. Come in.”

She smiled at the guards and shut the door firmly. After a moment’s hesitation, she locked the deadbolt again for good measure. She faced him and strode to the couch, perching on the edge. Her fingers shook, nervousness threatening to overcome her, so she sat on them. Joseph had made it clear he was done with her. She didn’t need to embarrass herself any further.

“Um, sit.”

He grinned and sat down beside her—far too close. He smelled of aftershave and Old Spice deodorant. And his warmth beckoned to her. She groaned aloud her frustration, shifting on the couch and feeling incredibly turned on. He toyed with a piece of her hair and her scalp tingled, sending shivers down her spine.

“You look gorgeous, even with a broken nose.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure I look fabulous.” Avoiding his gaze, she stared down at her lap. “I mean, um, thanks. I’m sure I look horrible, but it’s nice of you to lie.”

He scooted closer. When he tugged on a lock of her hair over her ear, she trembled.

“No, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Will ever see.”

With a sigh, he released her hair. He rubbed the back of his neck, and she glanced up in time to see his jaw flex. Could he be nervous, too?

“So, what did I leave here? Your father said you had something of mine?”

“Oh, right.” She cleared her throat and motioned toward the table in front of them.

He glanced where she’d indicated and returned his attention to her, staring at her face a mere second before his gaze shot back to the table. With a muttered curse, he reached out, grabbed the jewelry case, and tucked the box inside his pocket.

“Did you look at it?” he barked, his cheeks red.

She shook her head. “No, of course not. It didn’t seem right.” She blinked back tears and looked out the window. “I just thought you should have it.”

His arm resting against hers tensed, and he shot to his feet. His sudden movement drew her attention.

“Right.” He rubbed his jaw. “Well, I guess that’s it. G-good luck with your move. And with, uh, life.” He rolled his shoulders and looked down at her. Resignation and sadness stared her down and her heart wrenched. “Yeah. Okay, bye.”

Turning away, he strode to the door. Tears slipped over Eva’s cheeks, and she bit her lip. If she wasn’t mistaken, she’d seen his hand tremble. He never showed any signs of weakness.

“Wait!” She rose, taking an awkward step toward him only to stumble. She caught herself on the arm of the couch. “Can I ask you something?”

He stopped, but didn’t face her. “Yes?”

“Was it…is it…a ring?”

“Does it matter?” He pivoted to her, a frown wrinkling his brow. “Either way ends with me leaving and you moving. You made it quite clear what you wanted of me a few days ago.”

“I…I was scared. I didn’t mean—” She flailed her arms, struggling to find the right words.

“What?” His eyes narrowed, and he stalked to her. “Don’t f**k with me. Do you want me to stay or go?”

“Stay!” she cried. “I want you to stay, damn it!”

He swept her into his arms. “Do you believe me now?”

She nodded, tears running down her cheeks. “I-I should have listened to you earlier. I shouldn’t have told you I didn’t want you anymore. I was just…scared.”

He smiled, kissing every inch of her face. “God, I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

He kissed her forehead—a little too close to her nose—and she flinched.

“Ow.”

“Oh. Sorry.” He examined her nose, his eyes darkening. “I wish he was still alive so I could go kill him right now.”

A strange sound bubbled from her throat, half-laugh and half-groan. “Yeah. Me too.”

Tags: Diane Alberts Honor Guard Suspense
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