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“Yep,” I replied, a smile forming as I remembered our time in the woods. Never would I have wanted Lilah to see me like that, but I couldn’t act like her response didn’t affect me.

“She’ll never stay with you. She’ll never do better than me.” Covered in piss and blood, he still clung to his delusions. It wasn’t until Charlie put a bullet in his brain that he finally shut up. Part of me wasn’t thrilled that she was the one to pull the trigger.

“Don’t sulk. It’s not attractive. This way, if Lilah ever asks, you have plausible deniability. No blood on your hands.” Looking at my very bloody hands, she shrugged.

“Alright. Let’s get cleaned up, then meet at the bar for some beers. I’ll fill you in on the story we’re spinning. I’d expect a visit from the cops eventually.”

Barely a week later, two detectives showed up at the house. Lilah had a hesitant expression on her face as she led the suits in, the badges on their belts clued me in on her nerves.

“They said they had some questions about Kyle,” Lilah said, coming to sit next to me on the couch. My leg was propped up. I was doing my best to follow the doctor’s orders so my recovery had no bumps. I pressed a kiss to her head, pulling her into my side.

“My fiancé was in a car accident. I hope you don’t mind if we talk in here. Please have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?” Lilah asked, leaning forward to get up. But I tugged her back in place, not interested in delaying the conversation. Thankfully, the detective closest to me caught on.

“That’s fine, Ms.Wright. We just have a few questions for you and then we’ll get out of your hair.” His tone was efficient, his eyes scanning the house, taking everything in.

“When was the last time you spoke to Kyle Spencer?” the other detective asked. She was a tall woman, her bright blonde hair pulled back in a severe looking bun. She was sitting closer to Lilah, her body angled toward her. The detective glanced my way, her expression curious.

“Um, well…I didn’t actually speak to him, but he called and left me a series of voicemails after a news article I participated in was published. We reported it to the cops, then I already had a restraining order out against him. I still have them saved if you need them?” my girl answered earnestly. I couldn’t help but smile. More than ever, I appreciated Charlie taking the lead on the Kyle situation. She had protected all of us. The club princess was far smarter than anyone gave her credit for.

“Not at this time. So this article…That was the one by Camilla Jones?” the blonde detective asked.

“Yes. I haven’t seen him in person since I left town, though. Can I ask what this is about?” The detectives exchanged a look, communicating wordlessly until the male took over the conversation.

“Shortly after the release of that article, Kyle stopped coming into work. Their publicists said he was on personal leave, but it sounds like he became something of a recluse. His family checked in on him, but he rarely let them inside.” Lilah’s eyes were wide, confusion and surprise on her face.

“Okay. I’m sorry. Is he suing me? Trying to blame this ’work leave’ on the article?” Her back stiffened, and I hated to see her scared. She wasn’t wrong to think that. I was sure Kyle would have tried it if he were still around.

“No. Nothing like that. His family called in a wellness check, and it looks like Kyle left town. The family doesn’t believe he went willingly. They’re convinced something happened to him. But he had several pictures and letters of you in his house, so we had to come and discuss it with you.” She blanched, looking at me with fear.

“So he’s missing? Is Lilah in danger?” Nothing would happen to my Angel, but I wanted to see where the cops’ alliances were.

“We don’t mean to alarm you. Our techs have done some digging, and it looks like he emptied all his bank accounts and fled the country. We’re happy to provide a few patrol cars, and you can call us directly if you hear from him. We got confirmation early this morning that he boarded a flight to Turkey a few days ago.” Damn. Charlie had gone above and beyond, covering all the bases. She had just earned herself something shiny and unnecessary—I owed her.

The questions shifted to a more casual conversation as the two detectives discussed the article with Lilah before exchanging information. After they left, she curled up next to me on the couch, a frown on her forehead. She tilted her head to look up at me, her eyes studying mine.

“You’re incredibly calm about this. Did you finally give in and take one of the good pain pills?” she asked, one dark eyebrow arched sassily. Bending down, I kissed the frown off her face. Pulling away just enough so I could speak, my eyes held hers.

“Do you trust me?” I asked. We were so close that I was breathing the words into her, not realizing how much I needed the answer.

“Of course. More than anyone on this earth.” Closing the distance between us, she kissed me again—an edge to it this time, as if offended by my question.

“You have nothing to worry about. And that’s all you need to know.” She froze, understanding crossing her expression. Her body was tense for a moment before she melted against me, still cautious of my injuries, but close enough that we were still entwined.

“Okay, then. What do you want for dinner?”

I smiled—a true smile, the feeling foreign on my face as if the muscles were in shock.

My Angel. She was perfect for me in every way.

Chapter 39

Scythe

It was early. Far earlier than I needed to be up, but how could I sleep on such a big day? Reaching an arm out, all I found was empty space. I forgot that Lilah was spending the night at my mom’s. We weren’t supposed to see each other until the wedding.

Our wedding.

Kicking the blanket off, I got out of bed. Throwing clothes on, I left the house, just needing to move. It was still dark out, the sun having barely risen by the time I was walking around the familiar streets and culdesacs. My mind calmed for a bit as I tried to break down the feelings rioting inside of me.