Page 46 of Let Me Love You

“That man left maybe an hour before you showed up.”

A man in a dark hoodie enters the house, and then Elias fast-forwards to when he exits. He has his hood pulled over his face. All his features are covered. The only traits we can discern are his estimated height and build.

This intruder … He destroyed my wife’s house … Put my wife and step daughter in danger … I can’t let him get away with it again. Who knows when he’ll strike next?

“Wait,” I say as I catch something, hoping it wasn’t a speck of dirt. “Rewind the feed a few seconds.”

Elias does as I request, and I see it again. “Do you see that mark on his wrist when he stretched his arm out?”

He nods once. “But I can’t make out what it is.”

“Can you get a screenshot of this image and send it to me? I have a guy who might be able to discern what it is.”

“Of course.” He clicks a few buttons, and my phone vibrates.

I immediately open the email and send it off to Matt. If anyone can figure it out, it will be him.

Elias stands and heads out to his living room. Since Serenity is still at Sully’s, I’ll head back to my hotel. I won’t be able to sleep after everything—not until it’s all figured out.

“Do you want to stay for a beer?” Elias asks as I’m about to pull on my dress shoes.

I pause. We’re not exactly friends, but I can’t let this opportunity pass by, especially considering I know I won’t get a wink of sleep tonight. Most people who want to spend time with me only want to use my name and influence. But here, in the privacy of his home, I might be able to trust him.

I nod, and he strides into the kitchen, grabbing two beers from his refrigerator. I sit on his sofa and tap my fingers on my legs. When he comes back, he hands me an already opened Dos Equis.

“Are you going to tell Serenity about tonight?” Elias asks as I take a sip of my beer.

I sigh. I don’t want to add to Serenity’s stress, and I don’t have all the information. It will take at least a few days for Matt to have anything for me. “I’m not sure yet.”

He nods and turns on the television. A sporting event pops onto the screen. “I don’t keep things from Harmony, and she’s going to want to tell her sister.”

I shoot him a glare, but his gaze is still on the TV. He pumps his arm into the air, so I assume the team he wants to win just did something good. “Give me a few days so I can find more out.”

Elias turns to look at me. “Have you seen Serenity angry?”

I can’t stop the chuckle that comes out. “On more than one occasion, yes.”

“Then you know you need to tell her ASAP.”

I’ll have to get through the storm she’ll bring down on me. Why tell her before I know the facts? In business, I don’t enter a meeting without all my research. This can’t be any different than that. “I’ll tell her when the time is right. She’s been going through enough. I don’t want to add this to it.”

He holds my gaze. “Do you remember when you told me not to mess around with Harmony?”

I rub my temple with my free hand. “Yes. Where are you going with this?”

“Don’t fuck around with Serenity.” He turns to fully face me and crosses his bulky arms over his chest. “If you don’t have feelings for her, keep it contract only. But if you do fall for her, tell her, and love her properly. After everything she’s gone through, she deserves her happy ending, too. So, please believe me when I say this. If you don’t tell her about this break-in, she’ll never trust you again.”

“Fine. I’ll tell her.” I blow out a big breath.

He nods, seeming satisfied with my answer, and turns his attention back to the game.

I don’t want him to think I’m messing around with Serenity. “I told her yesterday that I want a real chance.”

Elias turns his head to look at me again, his dark eyes widening. “Wow. Good for you, man. Now, don’t let her run away just because she’s scared.”

The Serenity I know is the bravest woman I’ve ever met. “Other than the obvious, why is she scared?”

“Wouldn’t you be if the person you loved and trusted the most betrayed you?”