He reached out a hand to cup my cheek. “Then I’ll never believe it.”

I shook my head. “Stubborn man.”

“Smart man.”

“Then kiss me.”

“Demanding,” he said softly as he lowered his lips to mine.

“I learned from the best,” I said, but the words were lost in his kiss.

For the first time, he didn’t devour and conquer. Instead, Lucas kissed me softly, carefully, as if I was rare and precious—something only he had ever made me feel.

When our mouths finally broke free, Lucas pinned me with that gorgeous green stare again.

“You love me.” It wasn’t a question. But then again, from him, I didn’t expect it to be.

“Yes.”

“Thank God.” And then he kissed me again. And again.

For the first time in my life, I was the girl who was going to get her happily ever after.

THE AFTERMATH OF SHOOTING AND killing someone was a lot messier than the blood you spilled. There was questioning, charges, lawyers, and a hell of a lot of paperwork. Yve and I spent nearly all of the next day at the police station. Hennessy tried to smooth things over as much as he could, but even he couldn’t change the facts.

I’d killed a man. It was a clear case of self-defense, but the formalities still had to be followed.

Through it all, I never let go of Yve’s hand. I didn’t know what exactly I’d done to make her love me, but I would figure it out so I could keep doing it for the rest of my life.

I would not lose her.

I’d Googled beast and library and Disney when we’d gone back inside the hospital last night, and had to be shushed by the nurse when I’d laughed so loudly that I’d nearly woken the entire unit.

Beauty and the Beast. And I was the Beast. It was fitting, I supposed. At least Yve wouldn’t be surprised when I really wouldn’t ever let her leave my castle. And if she tried, I’d distract her in the library.

I smiled, turning to stare at the woman beside me, and was startled when the door to the interrogation room flew open and a familiar woman stormed in, black hair swirling around her shoulders.

“Is he really dead? The bastard is really, truly dead?”

Hennessy stood to face Valentina Noble, and I struggled to make the connection of why the hell she’d be standing here.

“Ma’am, you—”

“Don’t ma’am me, Detective Hennessy. Just answer the question.”

Yve stood beside me. “He’s really dead, Valentina. He’s never going to hurt anyone again.”

Confused, I looked from one woman to the other. I was missing something. And then Johnson Haines’s rant came to mind. The daughter of a judge.

Valentina Noble had been victimized by Jay Haines too. The man had deserved every bullet he’d gotten, and I was glad as hell I’d crushed his nuts too.

Valentina rushed over to Yve and enveloped her in a hug. Yve winced and the other woman pulled back. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry. Did he—?” Her question hung in the air.

Yve shook her head. “His bitch of a fiancée. Don’t worry about it.”

“That bitch. We need champagne. We need to celebrate.” Her head swiveled around. “Shit. I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Can Yve and I get a moment alone?”

My fingers were still twined through Yve’s, and I squeezed.

She grinned. “Lucas isn’t exactly letting me out of his sight yet.”

Valentina smiled. “Good for him. Smart man, and he picked a good woman. I can’t tell you how glad I am that you never caved to my father’s demands to ask me out. It would’ve just bruised your ego when I said no.”

The chuckle worked its way out of my lips unexpectedly. “I have to say, I’m glad too.”

“Ms. Noble, I’ll be happy to escort you out,” Hennessy said. “We need to get back to settling the formalities surrounding Mr. Haines’s death.”

Valentina released the grip she still had on Yve’s other hand, and leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek. “Be well, Yve. And don’t be a stranger. I think this whole bullshit can be over, about no one knowing how we’re connected. It’s a new day, and neither of us has anything to fear anymore.”

Yve nodded in agreement, and Valentina turned and headed toward the door. Flipping her black hair over her shoulder, she stared Hennessy down. “I’ll see myself out, Detective.”

Hennessy’s eyes never left her as she strutted out. Finally, he shook his head. “I’ll be right back.” Then he was out the door and after her.

Interesting.

Once we were alone, I lowered back into the incredibly uncomfortable interview chair and lifted Yve sideways onto my lap.

She looked up at me, eyebrow raised. “I don’t think this is proper interview procedure.”

“Like I care.”

“Make your own rules wherever you go?”

“Is that even a question?”

“I guess not.” She leaned into me. “I’m ready to go home now, though. Can you work that into the rules?”

“Regardless of whether we’re done or not, we’re leaving in fifteen minutes.”

“Good. I’m tired. Hospitals suck for sleep.”

Which was why Jerome was happy as hell to be out of there. His sister’s flight had landed this morning, and she’d made her way to the hospital immediately. When he’d been released, she’d clucked and fussed over him relentlessly. Knowing he was in good hands, I’d agreed that we would come to the station to get everything squared away.

Hennessy came back in the room and shut the door. I raised an eyebrow, but he said nothing.

“Let’s make it quick, Hennessy. Yve’s had a rough couple of days, and I want to get her home.”

“Well, that’s convenient because I’ve just been informed that the DA has officially dropped all charges.”

“Perfect.” I stood, lifting Yve to her feet, and held out a hand to Hennessy. “You ever need anything, just ask.” I had no problem making the offer to Hennessy, because he wasn’t the kind of guy who’d probably ever use it. Too much pride. Like recognizing like, I guessed.

“Don’t be surprised if I take you up on it.”

With a nod, we left, and I took Yve home.

Did I mention I wasn’t letting her leave?