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Lexie went willingly, feeling drained.
Sitting her down, Nico knelt in front of her, face full of concern. “I think it’s time you be honest with me, honey.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
Nico gave her a few minutes to compose herself, then escorted her inside where she was led through a short hallway and into what appeared to be an interview room. There was nothing in the room except a table and two chairs on either side. The floor was white linoleum, and the air conditioner made her skin come up in goosebumps as she sat down. To her left was a window. If she looked closely, she could see her own translucent reflection staring back at her.
Nico excused himself for a moment, leaving her alone. Before she had any thoughts beyond what she was about to do, a light knock sounded. Lexie turned to see Zoe lingering in the doorway.
“Hey,” she said, looking unsure. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean— It’s just— Nico was out when you called.”
Lexie nodded. “It’s okay.”
Zoe looked at Lexie’s neck, the bruises. “Are you alright?”
The words “I’m fine” lodged in Lexie’s throat, so she cleared it and went with something more honest. “I will be.” Desperate to shift the attention off herself, she said, “You know, my brother has been asking about you.”
As if a switch got flipped, Zoe’s demeanor became instantly colder. Her back straightened and her chin lifted. “Can’t imagine why. He’s living the life he always wanted.”
“Zoe.” Lexie’s tone pleaded for her understanding, but the other woman was already backing away.
“You take care, Lexie.”
Alone again, Lexie sighed. Why on earth had her brother thrown away a girl like Zoe? She was perfect for him in every way. Maybe if he hadn’t taken off, she wouldn’t have ended up—
Lexie stopped that train of thought before it even left the station.
That was for another day.
Today . . . Well, today was just about getting through this.
She’d figure the rest out tomorrow.
“Alright,” Nico said, opening a fresh page to take notes. “Whenever you’re ready.”
It took a good minute for Lexie to meet his eyes. He didn’t say a word, just waited for her to open up to him on her own.
Nico had spent much of his morning in deep thought, wondering how exactly this woman had gotten so far under his skin, and what the hell he should do about it. Walking away from her last night, especially after getting a taste of those lips, was up there with one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Shit, how easy would it have been to coax her into letting him stay? Too easy. That was the problem. He’d stopped for a reason, at least that’s what he’d told himself the entire drive back to town while his hard-on argued that he was being a frigging idiot. Then she’d sent that message . . .
For a while now, Nico’s gut had been telling him that there was more to her story than she was letting on. He’d planned on letting her take her time, figure out for herself if he was worthy of a look behind that curtain, let her learn to trust him bit by bit. Now, that courtesy was no longer his to give. Watching her sit nervously under the fluorescent lights, all red and puffy from crying, Nico cursed the asshole who’d snatched that privacy away from her.
It had been pure luck that he’d been standing within earshot of Zoe’s desk when she received Lexie’s call an hour ago. Even more luck that Zoe hadn’t seen him return and continued to reassure Lexie that he was out on a job. Convincing West to let him handle it had taken some persuasion, but he’d eventually shaken his head and allowed it, warning Nico to not let his personal feelings—whatever they may be—get in the way of his job. Nico knew he’d have a hard time with that last part. What he felt for Lexie was becoming more than just a physical attraction, and as much as he hated to admit it, she meant something to him. He wasn’t sure what yet, but he damn sure wouldn’t stand for some bastard laying hands on her.
“I lied to you,” Lexie finally said. “When you asked me if I was married.”
Nico nodded. “Okay.”
“My husband’s name is Kyle Garrett. He’s a local. We’ve been separated for three years.”
“But not divorced?”
“No.” She shook her head. “He refuses to sign the papers.”
Nico considered that. “Would you say that he’s possessive of you?”
Lexie’s laugh wasn’t mocking. It was sad. “Yes. I would.”
Her tone was so deadpan as she said it, like she was totally shutting down emotionally, feeling nothing. Nico found it a little unnerving, but he understood it. He’d been there too.
