Page 37 of Sweet Oblivion

The warning clear as day.

Can she do that?

I guess so since he doesn’t seem the least bit bothered when he flicks his eyes my way. “Second time you’ve been in here in a few months, Ms. Rousseau. Maybe try to stay out of trouble, so we don’t have to make it a third.”

I rock back on my feet, feeling those words hit as hard as if he’s slapped me himself.

My father is a bad man.

He’s been a bad man most of my life.

But that’s him, not me.

I helped send him to jail after he kidnapped Ashton.

But I didn’t have a damn thing to do with that happening.

Just with bringing it to an end.

“Are you insinuating Ms. Rousseau was in any way responsible for what happened to her, detective? That anything that happened to her was her fault? Because if you are, I swear on my legal license that I will have your badge before my head hits the pillow tonight. And I promise you, I’ll sleep like a baby after.”

I take it back.

I don’t want to be Ryker when I grow up.

I want to be Olivia.

I mean, she’s probably only a few years older than me, but damn... she’s impressive.

“Come on, Delaney.” She gently guides me through the door. “Ryker’s done, and we’re leaving.” When I turn, I catch her nailing Brooks with a glare so lethal, I’m surprised he’s still breathing. “If you have any further questions, you can contact my office. But I would advise you to consider your next words to my client very carefully because I will not hesitate to slap a lawsuit on this precinct so fast your head will spin.” She stares at me until I take the hint and move through the door I’m blocking, and I turn in time to catch her smile and wave. “Have a nice night, detective.”

Once we’re in the hall, my shoulders sag with relief. That was awful. “How’s Ryker?”

The hesitant look in her eyes is concerning. “He’s waiting in the lobby.” She leans closer. “Remember, you’re in love and getting married. Now go sell this, Delaney.”

I pull back, reading between the lines.

They’re watching.

When I was a little girl, I played Dorothy inThe Wizard of Oz. I had dark hair and a hand-me-down costume from one of the waitresses at my parents’ bar. Apparently, that’s all I needed to get the part because I learned quickly just what an awful actress I was.

Here’s hoping I’ve gotten better.

We round the corner, and I see Ryker leaning with his back against the wall and his thick arms crossed over his chest. His gray Kings tee pulled tight. My dark knight.

Here goes nothing.

I walk right into his space, fighting through the hesitation trying to hold me back.

“How’d it—” He freezes as I wrap my arms around his shoulders and bury my face in his neck like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“Are you okay?” I ask, careful to speak quietly against his ear.

His strong arms pull me closer, hold me tighter. Lifting me from my feet. I ignore the spark of pain in my ribs and focus on the strange unfamiliar comfort I’m wrapped in instead. “Yeah, Bambi. I’ll be fine. Are you okay?”

“Yes. But I want to go home,” I admit quietly.

He sets me back on my feet. “Then let’s go home.”