Page 83 of Criminally Yours

“Millie could. You’re fucked up, we both are, but I’m honoured to call you my friend and wouldn’t want anyone else by my side, whether fighting or watchingtelevision.”

Strike laughed. “Thanks. I feel the same. But when it comes to Millie, she could do better than me.”

He didn’t share that after the hungry way she’d looked at him in the early hours, he’d made his workout extra punishing. He needed to tire out his brain so he’d sleep without fantasising about her. But he’d failed. At least he’d managed to stay in the gym, unlike after his call with his therapist.

“She couldn’t do better than you. And you can’t control this like it’s a risk assessment. You’ve just got to see what happens. Do what you do best and just be there for her. You love her, don’t you?”

He sucked in a breath and finally admitted, “Yes. I always have.”

“Then fight for her. Be your real self. Surely, these last days have shown you that you can lose things any second. Don’t let her be something you lose again.”

Strike flexed his jaw. The idea he might never see Millie again gripped his throat. But that meant putting himself out there and giving his heart to a woman who might never want him.

He shook his head. She’d had his heart all this time without knowing. At least now, she deserved to make a decision about what to do with it.

“Back to work.” He cleared his throat, still debating if Millie would be able to cope with the way his past threw shadows over his present and dogged his thoughts of the future. Would he always have to hide a part of himself from her? “Randolph’s contacted me several times. He’s trying to track Millie.”

“It’s worse than that. I’ve spoken to Cain. Someone contacted his bodyguard company and tried to hire them to find Millie. Cain turned him down when he learned we were involved, but he heard a rumour they’re talking to Finshaw.”

Strike grunted. “Finshaw and his team are ruthless. If they find Millie, they’ll drag her to the Danksworths.”

“You need to keep her with you while Luke works on the video. We will sort this.”

“I’ll ensure this house is locked down tight.” Strike strode toward the kitchen, his shoulders hunched. “Breakfast first. I need carbs.”

“If I can help with anything else, let me know.”

“Will do.”

“And thank you for telling me about the past. You’re a good man. Make sure you tell Millie how you feel.”

“I will.” The warmth washing over him died. A note sat on the counter.

I’ve gone for a walk into the town to clear my head. I’ll be back by lunchtime.

Millie xx

“Fuck, I’ve got to go. Millie’s gone.”

“By choice?”

“I think so. I’ll be in touch.”

Strike called Millie as soon as he hung up, but there was no answer.

He scrunched the note and yanked on his boots. His pulse raced wildly as he fumbled with the laces. The idea she’d been taken before he got to declare his feelings was too much.

He needed to bring his woman home.

CHAPTER 36

Millie

Millie breathed in the salty air as she walked the cliff route to the town. This was the closest she’d felt to freedom in weeks, maybe months.

She twisted the promise ring around her finger. It made sense to keep wearing it in case she bumped into someone who’d heard honeymooners were staying.

Strike would be pissed she’d sneaked out, but after all the revelations of the last days, she needed thinking space.