“That’s Shannon’s sister.”
He looked where she did. “Except for the blonde hair, she could pass for Shannon. What’s the story?”
“Kedrov used her as leverage with me. And did the same with Shannon. She’s been through a lot.”
Two medics exited the house, then, carrying a stretcher between them. Kyle was strapped and cuffed to it. He wore a sling on his arm and two braces, one around his neck, the other, much longer, around his leg. His face twisted with hate when he spotted her.
“You little—”
The Rangers flanking the stretcher interceded, telling him threats would be added to his growing list of charges.
“He’s injured, but I’d really like to kick him again.”
“This bloodthirsty side of you is new,” Vince said. “Aimed at someone who deserves it, I kind of like it.”
She laughed, something she hadn’t thought possible that morning. “Have I told you I love you today?”
“Nope. I haven’t either. Let’s rectify that. After this…” He cupped the back of her head and drew her gently toward him.
The kiss was slow, careful, and full of everything they hadn’t been able to say.
Her fingers curled into his shirt, not ready to let go, when he rested his forehead against hers. “Next time, we’re skipping the charity gala.”
A tired smile tugged at her lips. “Okay by me. The kids will be fine getting a big fat check, and we’ll be extra fine staying home in bed.”
“Deal,” he murmured, drawing her closer.
Chapter 33
Two weeks after the raid, Erica sat in a small, shady park across the street from the medical building where Vince was attending his mandatory psychological evaluation.
The Texas sun was bright, but a breeze stirred the branches overhead, making the heat more tolerable.
She spotted him the moment he stepped outside. Tall, broad-shouldered, hatless.
His Stetson was part of the uniform. Off duty, he usually went without it. The afternoon sun glinted off the highlights in his hair—gold with a hint of red, of all things—as he crossed the street. He ambled more than walked in that same long-legged, easy stride she’d noticed the night they met.
Had it really only been a little over a month ago? It felt impossible. Lightning fast, but somehow like she’d known him forever.
In that time, she’d helped solve a murder, been kidnapped by a Russian crime boss, nearly lost the man she loved, and somehow ended up sleeping in his bed every night.
Life was strange. Vince made it a little more normal. Good normal.
He moved from the sunshine into the shade and followed the path toward her. His shoulder was healing well. He still moved a little carefully when he thought no one was looking, but otherwise seemed determined to pretend he’d never been shot at all.
Typical.
He dropped onto the bench beside her and stretched out his legs.
“Well?” she asked.
“The psychologist says I’m fit for duty.”
Relief surged through her.
“Really?”
“Eventually.”
