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They were in Beau’s house. With Beau’s security system firmly in place. But Beau was nowhere to be found.
“Ophelia texted me an update not too long ago. She isn’t giving up. Colton came to the station. Went over his statement again and left. When the cops tried to ask him about his time in New Orleans, he clammed up and got the hell out of there.”
Like that wasn’t a big, flashing, warning sign?
“Ophelia thinks the cops are suspicious of him now, but you still have the word of an arson investigator going against Beau. And, well, Beau did confess to pulling the knife.” He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “The man is confessing to far too damn much these days.”
She let the curtain fall. Beau wasn’t close. She should stop looking into the dark. “You’re referring to the extracurriculars?”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
Avalon turned toward him. “I mean the habit you and Beau seem to have where you track down killers, knock them out, and leave them cuffed for the cops to find. Oh, and you put red bows on them. Because that’s just a touch that can’t be forgotten, am I right?”
He folded his arms over his chest. “Why the hell would I do something like that?”
“Because you don’t like the idea of killers getting away with their crimes?” That was her suspicion. “But it’s one very deadly habit.”
Royal grunted. “You’re one to talk. Though I guess, technically, yours isn’t a habit so much as it is a deadly career path.”
It had certainly taken a deadly turn recently. “You’re playing with fire.”
Laughter. “No, I think that would be the guy after you. He’s the one starting fires left and right.” Now he rose from the couch. “Come on, Avalon, would you really be pissed if Beau and I caught the man who has been after you for so long? If we cuffed him and had him waiting for the cops like a way early Christmas present?”
“Is that the plan? Cuffing him? Or is it killing him?”
Royal closed in on her. “I think if Beau had his way, the guy would just wind up in the ground.”
“And is that what was supposed to happen? Beau started an investigation on the arsonist, he pulled in his team, and when the perp was located, you and Beau were just going to step in?” She held her breath as she waited for the answer.
His head cocked. “If I say yes, will that make you hate Beau? Will you go running from him because you think he’s some kind of monster?”
Her lips pressed together.
“He’s loved you for years.” Blunt. “I get that he’s not exactly Prince Charming, and I told him that he should just freaking talk to you and not hang in the shadows, but he’s never felt like he’s good enough for you. When you’re thrown away by the people who are supposed to protect you, it’s hard to ever feel good.”
He’s speaking about himself. Him and Beau. “Beau is plenty good.”
“Good enough for you to ever love? Can you look past what he is—what he’s done—to ever love him? Or when he takes care of the dirty work and clears up the ashes so that you’re finally safe—truly safe—will you walk away and never look back?”
They needed to be very clear on this. “I have no intention of walking away from Beau.”
His eyes widened.
“But I also have no intention of letting the father of my future children sneak out and hunt killers every night. Far too dangerous of a pastime, don’t you think? I’d prefer that he take up golfing. Much less stressful.”
“He can’t golf for shit.” A dazed shake of Royal’s head. “Did you just call him the father of your kids?”
“Future children. Don’t have any yet. Can’t have any until he gets his butt out of the police station.” Once more, she headed back for the window. She peered out.
Darkness.
“You’re in love with him.”
“And I have been since he nearly died saving my life. I’ve got one hell of a hero fixation, and the only hero I ever see? It’s him. So don’t talk to me about Beau not being good enough.” Her grip tightened on the curtain. “He is everything I want.”
“You want a man with a dark side?”
“You have no idea how much darkness I have inside myself. Beau fits me, perfectly.” In every way.
