“Where’s Amelia?”
“Upstairs playing.”
Rather than move toward me, she walks to the bookcase and toys with a picture of my grandmother and me that sits on the shelf.
“You seem worried, considering you told me last night you thought it was just a bunch of kids.”
“Of course, I’m worried. You were scared. I don’t want to see you that upset again.”
She turns to face me. “Please, Ryder. Just be upfront with me.”
“I don’t have anything concrete. There’s still a good chance it was just kids messing around.”
“But?”
“But I can’t rule out Edgar. In fact, I need whatever information you and Hazel have on him.”
Ember visibly shudders. “You really think it was Edgar?”
“Hard to say,”—I shrug—“but he definitely has motive. Especially after the display I gave him.” Guilt about my actions settles in. Ember notices and moves toward me.
“This isn’t your fault.”
“Sure as fuck feels like it.” I wrap my arms around her and hold her close. This new connection we share feels amazing.
“I probably just overreacted.”
“Probably,” I agree, her hand playfully slapping me. “But when it comes to you and Amelia, I can never be too safe.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
Ember
Ryder hasn’t left my side for two days.
When Hazel confirmed Edgar hadn’t shown up to work, it was proof enough for Ryder that he was the culprit. I know he and Mark are handling things, and I feel one hundred percent safe, but I have to admit, I love this time with him. On the cusp of a new beginning for us, all the extra time together could not have happened at a better time.
For what feels like the millionth time in the past few days, Ryder is busy checking the security system. He’s been working with the team from Cole Security to ensure this place is locked down tighter than Fort Knox.
“All good?” I ask when he comes back inside. From my position on the couch, I can see the truck leaving.
“Can’t get much more secure,” he says as he extends an envelope toward me.
“What’s this?”
“Keys and security code. I never want you to feel like you’re a prisoner here, Ember. I just want to keep you safe.”
Fisting his shirt, I pull him down to me. “You are the sweetest man.” I press my lips to his.
“I try.”
His cell rings in his pocket. When he looks at the screen, his face falls.
Dorothy.
“Hello? Yes, this is Ryder… Which hospital? Okay, thank you.” I look at him expectantly as he hangs up the phone. “Dorothy fell. She’s pretty banged up.”
“Oh, no.”