Page 41 of Criminally Yours

“Being predictable isn’t bad, Millie,” Dexter replied.

She studied Strike’s mouth. He licked his lips under her gaze. She wanted to taste him, but she also wanted him to leave her alone. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he stared back.

“I’m thinking of going on holiday for a couple of weeks,” she said as Strike continued to survey her, his face blank.

“Where and who with?”

Her mouth dried. “I… to the seaside.” She worried her lip and grabbed the tool back. “I’m going with… with…”

Someone from uni, Strike mouthed.You bumped into them at the singles event.

She repeated Strike’s idea to her brother.

“Who?” Dexter asked. “In case mum asks.”

“You don’t have to protect me,” she said, staring at Strike, whose face cracked. His side smile tugged at her heart.

Sorry, he mouthed.

“Gilly from my counselling course. She’s lovely. She still lives with her parents, and she’s a counsellor for…” She tapped her fingers against her thigh. “… children.”

She held her breath. Strike’s fingers curled around hers, making shivers zip down her spine.

“I insist you check in every couple of days and message methe address of where you’re staying,” he replied. Millie gritted her teeth, and Strike ran the back of his finger against her jaw, easing its tension. “For all I know, you’ve been kidnapped, and I’m not speaking to the real Millie but someone faking your voice.”

“For fuck’s sake, Dex,” Millie said. “Tell your wife all the ways you’ve gone over the top in this conversation so she can remind you that you’re ridiculous.”

“Whatever. Call me in two days, or I’ll call you. Love you, Pixie.”

“Sod off, dickweed. I love you too.” She ended the call, and her thoughts scattered as Strike’s fingers intwined with hers.

“Sorry,” he said again.

Her gaze dropped to where their hands were linked. He had no scars or tattoos. He was unblemished, but his heart seemed so damaged. “That’s three times. You’ve got to stop saying sorry.”

“I’ve got to stop fucking up and needing a reason to say it,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I wouldn’t let you have a say in what we do next.”

“Has Liss spoken to you?”

Strike laughed. It was a warm, honeyed sound, similar to his laugh when they were young and yet filled with the deep tones of a man. She closed her eyes and prayed she’d hear the sound again. “No. I came up with it all myself this time. I’m learning, Doc.”

She smiled but still couldn’t meet his stare. “I’m impressed.” He chuckled again. It was a glorious sound. “What else have you learned?”

“That your family are as protective as they used to be, and I don’t want to be like that. I want you to have freedom and a choice in this.” His skin was as smooth as it was unmarked, and she fought the need to test if his arms were the same. “And I should let you have ‘agency.’”

It was her turn to laugh. “I’m proud of you.”

“Do I get a reward?”

She stared at him, surprised. “Ummm, what do you want?” she stuttered.

“Sweets. Always sweets,” he replied. His off-centre smile disappeared. So he wasn’t flirting. It was for the best. She retracted her hand from his.

“You should eat something other than sweets. You didn’t have breakfast this morning.”

“Did you miss me?”

Millie rolled her eyes. “Get over yourself. I’m allowed to worry about people.”