Page 137 of Criminally Yours

To help him, as soon as he woke, he’d moved between her thighs and left a fidget tool in each of her hands. He’d aimed to push her limits, edging her for hours.

His joy when she’d snapped both before orgasming against his mouth was unrelenting and endearing, even as she tried to eat breakfast.

At his wink, she giggled and yanked the toast off his plate while he was distracted. “Never change, Strike. You’re perfect.”

He beamed at her. “If you don’t give me my toast back, I’m going to chase you until you do.”

Her stomach bottomed out, and a flush hit her face. “You keep promising to chase me, but I don’t think you’ll do it.”

“I’m adding it to the list of things we’re going to try,” he said, grabbing his phone. “So you know I’m serious.”

She jumped off her chair. “You have a list?”

“I’m still Strike, Mr. Logical, who plans things to make them work for everyone.”

Her heart soared. “Does it include you dressing as a soldier for me?”

She raised her eyebrows quickly a couple of times, making him chuckle, before he replied, “What are your plans while I pack the car and make sure the house is as we found it?”

“Firstly, I’m eating your toast, and then I’m heading to town to say goodbye to my ladies. They’ve promised me one last cake at Merryn’s. I’m joining their craft hour.”

“You’ve made friends here quickly.”

She smiled. “I’ve spent years only able to make online friends, and they count, they really do, but in the last two weeks, there’s been you lads and Liss as well as those in the village. I’ve finally accepted who I am in the flesh, not just online.”

“I love that for you.”

She pressed her lips together, but the smile sneaked out. “I’m sad to leave here, but the ladies said I can visit anytime.”

“Then go say goodbye to them, and we’ll find a way to get you back here.”

“Thank you.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

She turned as she reached the door. He rubbed his arms as he stared at his phone.

“Are you okay?”

“I still feel uneasy about all of this. I can’t find a connection between Hugo and the lawyer. Bear spoke to Casey. They’ve made preliminary checks. Hugo’s fingerprints don’t match those on the shotgun casings they found after the shooting.”

“Maybe he got a professional to do it.”

“Yeah.” He nodded as he stared at his phone. “They’re still questioning him, so hopefully, he’ll tell the truth soon.”

“It will be okay. I’m safe.”

He mumbled something and shook his head. His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You’ve got your phone? If something comes up, I’ll call you.”

“Yes, soldier.” She winked, and his smile broadened, making his eyes crinkle.

She slipped out the door and breathed in the sea air. She itched at her arms and closed her eyes. Strike’s worries were getting to her, too.

She forced a pep in her step as she ambled toward the town.

Focusing on craft hour and what it would include, she considered the other groups she’d have loved to have joined if she’d stayed in the town. Pushing her glasses up her nose, she envisaged helping Elsie realise the dream the teenager had mentioned of starting a local bookshop and being cheered on by Joyce in the darts club.

Her sigh swirled around her on the breeze as she reached the beach. She’d have to keep that future a fantasy instead.

As she stared out to sea, her uncertainties increased.