“What about Austin? I thought this was all about him!”
“He’ll meet me once I decide where to go.” She sounded so sure of herself.
“What about me?”
“What about you?” Cold, insolent. A vocal shrug.
“What’s going to happen to me?”
“I don’t know. Can you survive in the desert?” She laughed.
“Don’t even joke.”
“I didn’t say I was joking. Besides, you won’t have to survive. I’ll put a bullet in your head long before that. I can be merciful, you know.” I reconsidered going for the gun but knew I didn’t have a chance. It wouldn’t work.
It didn’t matter, either. Margo let out a string of curses. My head snapped up, following her gaze out the windshield.
“Holy hell.”
Sunlight glinted off the hoods of the line of cars only blocks away from us. Their lights flashed, almost like a beacon. Pulling us in. It was inevitable—we had to get through them to get to the freeway.
“Shit! Shit! Shit!” Margo pounded her palm on the steering wheel, slowing from her fifty miles per hour to a mere forty. “What am I supposed to do?”
“It’s over!” I shouted.
“No, it’s not!”
“Yes! What will you do? There are cars blocking us from turning off Century. We have nowhere to go! You have to stop!”
“Like hell, I do.” Her foot lowered, the car jumped forward even faster than before.
“Stop!” There was a line of cops facing us, guns drawn. Dan stood in the center of the line. “Please, stop! Don’t do this!”
We sped toward them.
Then, a popping noise. The car swerved out of control. We both screamed, Margo turning the wheel wildly, trying to regain control.
She couldn’t. The tire was shot out. I held my breath, waiting for the fallout.
Finally, we came to a stop. I hit my head against the driver’s seat, then hit the back of my seat with a spine-bruising slam.
I didn’t even realize I’d squeezed my eyes shut until I opened them.
Everything happened so fast.
I heard Dan’s voice, and another man’s. Officers swarmed over us, guns drawn. All of them pointed at Margo.
Only one of the men and women wasn’t focused on her. Dan fought to open my door. I shook my head—he couldn’t get it while the locks were thrown. It didn’t matter. It was enough to see him standing there.
“Hands up! Where we can see them!” It was screamed almost in unison. Margo’s hands were on the wheel.
“Do it, Margo,” I whispered. “It’s over. You know what they’ll do if you resist. It’s not worth it.”
“Isn’t it?”
I saw her hand move toward the passenger seat, and the gun. A chorus of screams resulted. She flinched back, then sighed. I saw her shoulders slump. A clicking sound told me she’d unlocked the doors.
“Thank you,” I murmured. Then the door flew open and Dan pulled me from the car. At the first touch of his hand on my arm, I burst into tears. The two of us crumpled to the ground together, me in his arms.
“Ow!” I yelped when he touched my right shoulder. “I think it’s dislocated.”
“Oh, God. We need an ambulance here!”
“I don’t think it’s that serious,” I managed to croak out, still crying. I didn’t want to go to the hospital. I didn’t want to do anything involving the two of us being apart, ever again.
In that moment, it was just us.
Sirens, flashing lights, and us.
I was dimly aware of Dan’s partner leading Margo away in handcuffs, and of the many police officers walking around, asking questions.
“I’m sorry,” Dan murmured, face pressed against the top of my head. “I’m so sorry.”
“For what?”
“I didn’t have a choice. I had to shoot out the tire. She wasn’t stopping.”
“No, she wouldn’t have stopped. You’re right.”
“I could have killed you.”
“You didn’t. And you wouldn’t have. I was wearing my belt.” I smiled through my tears.
He smiled through his. “I knew you would be.”
Then he took my chin in his hand and slowly—oh so slowly—kissed me. I started weeping all over again, just at the touch of his lips. I’d thought I would never feel them again.
“I love you,” I whispered once the kiss ended. It didn’t matter if he didn’t love me back, or if I would end up getting hurt in the end if he did.
All that mattered was being with him while I could, for as long as I could.
It was what life was all about.
“I love you, Miss Mabel.” He kissed me again, lightly this time, before paramedics reached us.
“Come on, miss. We’ll take you to the hospital.” I wanted to protest, but my shoulder and head gave me so much pain, I couldn’t resist.
Dan’s partner reached us as the paramedics loaded me onto a stretcher. “Good to see you again, Julia.” He grinned, then turned to Dan with his hand outstretched. Dan surprised us both by wrapping his arms around the bigger man, who returned the hug. They laughed together.
“I’ll have one of the other guys take your car to the hospital for you,” he said, taking Dan’s keys. “You go with her.”
“Thanks,” Dan said, then followed alongside me until we reached the ambulance.
“Are you sure you want to come with me?” I asked. He looked like he hadn’t slept since we woke up together the day before.
“You’re kidding, right? I’m not letting you out of my sight ever again.”
EPILOGUE
Julia
DAN WASN’T KIDDING ABOUT NOT LETTING me out of his sight. Two weeks later, he still checked in on me throughout the day.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” I told him for what felt like the hundredth time. “I’m fine. There’s no danger anymore.”
Margo was behind bars, awaiting trial. The judge had determined it wasn’t safe to allow bail—she was capable of anything, and needed mental help more than anything else.
“It doesn’t matter. You have a way of finding danger, Miss Mabel.”
He couldn’t see my scowl through the phone. “Thanks, Detective. You make me feel so good about myself.”
It was nice knowing he cared so much. A little smothering, sure, but nice. And I liked it. A lot.
I sat at my desk, still nursing a sore shoulder but in better shape than I’d been in in a long time.
Austin had given me the okay to go through with the article, deciding it was safe for the world to know about him and Emelia. It was immensely gratifying, knowing that I’d helped the truth come out.
Emelia wasn’t a junkie. She was a victim.
So was Austin, for that matter. Dan’s theory was on the money—he’d been taking pretty serious anti-anxiety meds in the days after the murder. Between losing the love of his life and being blackmailed into a relationship with a woman bent on destroying him, it was understandable.
Weeks later, he was in a much better place. He could publicly mourn his love with no fear of repercussions.
“So, Sal came into my office earlier,” I told Dan.
“Oh? What did he want? Another dangerous assignment?”
“No, because you are the type who insists on writing about the truth instead of whatever will sell more magazines. Of course, in the end, you ended up setting a record.”
“Which Sal reminded me of when he came in. It’s official: The Big Boss wants to make me an editor. I’d be Sal’s boss, even.”
“Whoa. Will you take the job?”
I chewed my lip, twirling a strand of hair between two fingers. I could see Sal’s office from mine, and the memory of his stoic face would sit with me for the rest of my life. He was the sort of person who would force himself to
be happy for me, even when his self-esteem crumbled.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “It’s a great opportunity, with more money. The thing is, I like writing. The celebs depend on me to work with them instead of against them. How would I keep all those awesome connections as an editor? And, jeez, editors don’t get themselves invited to glitzy events.”
“Or end up in high speed car chases,” he teased. “But seriously, these are all important points to think over. We can talk about it tonight, if you want.”
I gasped in mock horror. “You mean I’m allowed to talk about work while we’re having dinner? I thought that was one of your big rules, Detective. No shop talk while we’re on a date.”
“I’ll bend the rules tonight,” he said. “I’m a benevolent ruler.”
“Oh, don’t start on that nonsense.” I smiled, made a kissy noise into the phone—which I knew he hated—and hung up.
As soon as I did, the smile left my face. I couldn’t stop thinking of all the breaks Sal had given me. Why else would he mentor me the way he had if not to watch me ascend? Would it be career suicide to stay in one place just so I never hurt his feelings? When I thought about it that way, refusing the job seemed sort of silly. I couldn’t live my life for him, no matter how much I owed him professionally.
I wasn’t any closer to a decision by the time I got home. Once Margo was safely behind bars, it felt easier to be in the apartment. I would never feel as safe there as I once had, though knowing it was only Margo who tossed the place and not somebody hell-bent on hurting me helped. My shoulder had left me almost unable to do any serious clean-up, so Mia and Dan had helped with everything. It had been an interesting day, after which Mia gave me the thumbs up on Dan.
“He’s dreamy,” she’d whispered. “And he adores you.”
She was right on both counts, and I knew I was a lucky woman. If all I ever had in my life was the two of them, I’d be happy.
Dan made a reservation at the same seafood restaurant we’d visited on our first date. It felt like a decade since then, though it wasn’t even a month. I remembered with a laugh how freaked out I’d been before that date, deliberating over what to wear.
I also remembered the look on Dan’s face when he’d first seen me in my chosen dress and I felt warm all over.
The same look greeted me when I arrived at the restaurant. “You’re a goddess,” he whispered, presenting me with a single red rose.
“Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.” He looked just as delicious as ever in yet another of his perfect suits, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, a little scruff on his cheeks.
He made me want to skip dinner and get straight to dessert—preferably at his place.
Then my stomach rumbled, reminding me I’d skipped lunch on the promise of a big dinner. We went inside and I smiled when the host seated us at the same table we’d had on that first date.
“You remember everything, don’t you?” I asked, smiling.
“Of course I do. I remember how breathless you left me that night. How much I wanted you.” I blushed at his words, my own memories flooding back. The kiss by the car. The way my knees turned to jelly. It was still just as good—no, better, seeing as how much I loved him.
We discussed work over the meal, with me telling Dan I’d made up my mind about my job. “I can’t take it. I don’t want it. I’ve never wanted to be an editor—the whole thing with Sal just cements my decision.”
“I support you either way. You know that.” He grinned, taking a sip of Scotch.
He did support me, just the way he always had. When he’d come to my rescue, even in the old days, he was supporting me. When he took a chance on my theory about Emelia’s death, he was supportive. I had no reason to believe he’d ever stop.
After dinner, we took a walk on the beach. “You’re feeling very nostalgic tonight,” I observed quietly as we walked hand-in-hand.
“I guess I am. I don’t know. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”
“Anything you want to share? I mean, come on. We’ve been talking about me all night. Let me help you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.” I grinned, admiring his profile as I always did.
“Okay. I have a big decision to make. It’s been bothering me for days. I want to go in one direction, but I can’t go it alone. I would need a little help.”
“Gosh, what is it?” I stopped walking and he turned to face me. He looked just as troubled as he sounded.
How had I not known this decision, whatever it was, ate at him like that? Was I so self-involved?
“I wanted to know if you’ll move in with me.”
My heart nearly stopped. I gasped, my free hand covering my mouth.
“You don’t look happy,” he said, sounding nervous.
“Oh, I am. I’m just so surprised, is all. Wow,” I breathed.
“Only surprised? Nothing else?”
“I’m happy, too, you idiot.” I beamed. “Thrilled, if you really want to know.”
“Yes?” He smiled, taking my arms in his hands.
“Yes.” The last thing I saw was his brilliant smile before he pulled me to him for a deep, searching kiss that left us both breathless. I leaned against him for support since, as always, he turned my knees to jelly.
He held me, my head on his shoulder. “I’m so happy,” he murmured, kissing my forehead.
“Me, too. Just think, that beautiful pool could be turned into—”
“What?” He pulled back, glaring down at me. I smirked.
“Come on. You don’t know my sense of humor yet? And you say you want to live with me.” I shook my head.
“I wonder if I know what I’m getting myself into,” he muttered, grinning.
“So do I.” I smiled, then pulled his head down until his lips met mine again.
ALSO BY CJ THOMAS
Ruin Me Box Set
Promise Me Box Set
Save Me
Beyond Tonight Box Set
Capture Me
Heat
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I want to thank all of my readers for being supportive with each new story I write. It’s because of you and your willingness to WANT to read my stories that make this all possible. Mwah!
I also want to thank my editor, LNS, for bringing my stories to life and constantly providing constructive advice on how to improve my craft. The same goes to my street team and beta readers, for without you, I’m not sure I would have the confidence to continue living inside my characters’ heads day after day.
And last but not least, my family for giving me the love and inspiration to keep writing.
Never miss a release date. Sign up for my Newsletter! www.CJThomasBooks.com
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
On My Knees
Copyright
Books by CJ Thomas
About the Author
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Book 2
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Book 3
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Book 4
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Book 5
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Book 6
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Book 7
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Book 8
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Book 9
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83
Chapter 84
Chapter 85
Chapter 86
Chapter 87
Chapter 88
Chapter 89
Chapter 90
Book 10
Chapter 91
Chapter 92
Chapter 93
Chapter 94
Chapter 95
Chapter 96
Chapter 97
Chapter 98
Chapter 99
Chapter 100
Book 11
Chapter 101
Chapter 102
Chapter 103
Chapter 104
Chapter 105
Chapter 106
Chapter 107
Chapter 108
Chapter 109
Chapter 110
Book 12
Chapter 111
Chapter 112
Chapter 113
Chapter 114
Chapter 115
Chapter 116
Chapter 117
Chapter 118
Chapter 119
Chapter 120
Bonus book - Heat
Chapter 121
Chapter 122
Chapter 123
Chapter 124
Chapter 125
Chapter 126
Chapter 127
Chapter 128