News vans arrived like locusts outside the main gate. The grounds of the estate were overrun with law enforcement, fire, and hazardous materials personnel. The pool house was cordoned off.
Andy and Javier arrived with files to aid the investigation. Both detectives appeared distraught, advising their Virginia counterparts that solving this case was personal for them.
Near four o’clock in the morning, the police finished taking statements from all the witnesses. After the chief of police and the FBI director conferred, they decided the PD would be the public face of the investigation, utilizing FBI resources to aid with the investigation. An immediate press release declared Dr. Cassiopeia Ellis died in a heinous, violent way. No other information was issued.
Ian invited Andy and Javier to join Kieran and him in the office. “Chase, I’m sorry. You did the best you could. Hell, who would think RPGs?” Andy stopped speaking. “Shit, you two are cold bastards. You don’t look upset.”
Javier stamped his foot. “In fact, you look relieved. Where is she?”
“Rachel and Tuck are with her. She’s upstairs in my room.”
“You bastards. You—” Andy cursed.
“We needed believability,” Ian said without guilt.
“You think this will force them out, don’t you? And keep Cassie safe.” Andy leaned back in the chair.
At four-thirty, Kieran encouraged Rachel to leave Cassie’s side. He wanted her, Ellen, Sam, and Monique to go to bed.
As Ian entered his suite, Tucker turned his weapon on him. “Stand down.” Ian rested a hand on the gun’s slide.
“I’m sorry, Rachel and I told Cassie some of what happened and the plan. I know you wanted to tell her, but she was starting to tear the place apart to get to you. In fact, she began her salvo by standing on the bed and yanking out the feeding tube.” Tucker let out a choked laugh.
“I’ve got her. You need to take a break. Call Nikki and get some sleep. My folks are en route. Mom can take care of Cassie if need be, and Pete is coming in to relieve Eric—he needs to rest too.”
“And you?”
“Don’t worry about me.” Ian locked the door behind him. After a fast shower, careful to protect his wound, he climbed into bed beside Cassie, content she was safe.
The wind and rain remained recalcitrant. When thunder exploded overhead, Cassie sat up with a gasp. “It’s okay, sweetheart.”
She scrambled to her knees. Shaking, she held his face in her hands, worry washing over her eyes. “Ian?” She kissed him. “Ian?” She kissed him again. “Tuck told me some, but what’s going on? He’s covered with bruises. Who else is hurt?” She inspected his head and face. “What could I possibly know that makes them want me dead?”
“Right now, we both need more sleep. I promise I will tell you everything later.” Ian eased her back under the covers.
“Please hold me. I need to know you’re safe,” Cassie said.
Ian pulled her into his arms. “There is nothing I’d rather do more.”
Chapter Forty
Her body trembling, Cassie cried out Ian’s name in her sleep. He gave her a gentle shake until her eyes met his. Overwhelming emotion hit him—again, he almost lost her. Tuck and lousy weather prevented both of them from dying in her room.
Animalistic need took over as he seized her mouth in a frenzied kiss. “I can’t lose you.”
“I’m here. You have me. All of me.” She sat up and lifted her T-shirt over her head. All she wore was a wisp of green lace.
“Cassie, sweetheart, I don’t want to take advantage of what happened tonight.”
“I promise you’re not. Life is too short, and there are tons of things to be afraid of. One thing I am very sure about is I’m not afraid of you.”
The sure look in Cassie’s eyes made his heart flutter. “Cassie, I will never hurt you. I adore you.” He trembled as he planted slow, sweet kisses against each eyelid, her soft cheeks, and the tip of her nose.
Blushing, she took his face between her hands. “Tuck took out the tube. I got a little upset before.”
“Hmmm. I heard a different story. My feisty girl.” Their mouths met. This time, with complete control, Ian coaxed her lips apart with his tongue and felt her lean into him as she returned a gentle kiss. Conscious of her silky skin and honeysuckle scent, he lost himself in her soft sounds. He sighed at the touch of her hands sliding into his damp hair, down his neck, and across his broad shoulders.
He trailed the back of one finger along her temple, the length of her cheek and down her throat, resting on her pulse point. One finger glided beneath her chin. “Look at me, my sweet Cassie,” he said, breaking their kiss. “I need you to tell me if something feels wrong—if you want to stop—I will. I promise.”
