She blew out a long breath, releasing all the negative thoughts with a rush of air. “Whatever happens, please don’t shut me out of the case. I need to be involved. Have a small part in his capture if possible.”
“I’m not going shut you out. If I thought I could protect you from more pain, I might shield you from new information, but I know that would just drive you crazy, make you more unsettled.” He rocked back on his heels, shifted his weight. “There’s something I need you to do for me, though.”
She raised a brow. “Okay. What?”
“When it comes down to the wire, remember how many families are seeking justice. That justice looks different to everyone.” His tone dropped an octave, but his eyes never wavered from hers.
“You’re worried I’m going to kill him. Don’t think I can resist the opportunity to right a wrong.” She shook her head. “I won’t lie and tell you the thought of ending the terror he’s caused doesn’t give me some pleasure.” There’d been times she’d even considered taking a leave from her work to try to hunt him down, but she’d committed to protect rather than seek her own revenge. “I’d rather see him behind bars, though. Prison won’t be easy on him, and death would be too quick.”
Easton nodded and took the wraps she’d unraveled, placing them beside his on the shelf. “I wouldn’t blame you. Wouldn’t judge. Thank you though, for being sincere with me. And while we’re being honest, there’s something else I should tell you.”
“What’s that?” She tilted her head and took a step closer.
“I feel a pull toward you. An intense kind of connection. I don’t know—it’s hard to describe. And I’m tripping over my words. I shouldn’t have brought it up, but you should know despite how I feel, you’re safe with me. I’d never hurt you or try to coerce you into anything. I’m committed to solving your case, regardless of how I’m feeling right now.”
His words rocked her sense of equilibrium, but she steeled herself. “You’re not alone.”
“I’m not?” His breathing visibly increased, his ribs retracting beneath his fitted shirt.
She shook her head. “It’s taken all of my professional resolve not to stare at your ass in the mirror.” She gestured toward the wall-length mirror behind him. One she had a perfect view of as they’d been boxing. His lips quirked into a smile and he let out a small chuff. A warm glow expanded in her chest. It was nice to elicit the deep roll of his laughter. “I’m physically attracted to you, but it’s more than that.”
“For me too.” His eyes were nearly black now, and when his tongue darted out to lick his lips, a liquid pull settled at the junction of her hips. “It would be a terrible idea, wouldn’t it?”
“Probably the worst.” Even as she said the words, her feet drew her forward. Each step took her closer to Easton. The air was thick with tension, lungs starved for oxygen because she didn’t dare breathe for fear the moment would dissolve into nothing. She was so done with doing her best to feel nothing. The problem was that with Easton, she felt it all, and that was very, very dangerous.