“I-I was worried. You were gone so long.”
“Don’t touch anything. I’m gonna write up another quick report and then I’ll take you to my place.”
She’s shaking her head before I’m done talking and I stalk up to her grasping her chin in my hand, sliding my thumb along her smooth skin.So fucking soft. I jerk my hand away when she stills.
“I’m not arguing with you about this. You’re coming back to my place. I’ve got a spare bedroom. It’s all set up. You can stay there.”
Her hooded eyes study mine and she nibbles at her lower lip. The urge to reach out and pull her lip out of her teeth startles me. She nods her head and relief makes me lightheaded.
“Good. I’ll just take care of this and then we’ll head out.” I start making notes and taking photos with my phone. I call the Sheriff and make an initial report, letting him know that I’m taking Ruth back with me.
“Fine,” he growls. “Just make sure and get as much information before you leave. It’s late. You can finish up tomorrow.”
While I take the report, standing in the mess of her home, I can’t stop peeking over at her.
I see fear and horror in her brown eyes, which is understandable. Her home’s been violated. Her safe space. Anyone would feel the same.
But underneath those feelings there’s something else in her shattered eyes. Something dark. Like resignation. Like she was just waiting for the universe to slap her down.
I hate it! Fighting, angry Ruth is a valkyrie! Sexy, intimidating and fiery!
This Ruth is like a lost soul. An empty vessel with her fire diminished. Her flame snuffed out by acceptance that she deserves bad things.
Anger rages underneath my calm, professional mask. I want to tear the person who did this to her into shreds.
But I take my notes and then silently lead her out, locking the door behind us.