She looked back at the burning building, her fingers curling around his in search of comfort. This was bad. So, so bad. And all she could think at that moment was…
I’m so glad he’s here.
Lucky swerved the car to the right, pulling to a hastened stop next to the curb. They were still a block away, but police and fire had the rest of the street blocked off.
He turned to her, those blue eyes of his dead serious as he ordered, “You stay right next to me. No exceptions. Got it?”
Ellie blinked, not used to this commanding, alpha male side of him. But she could see it now. Just as she did so much more. This was Lucky the operator. Former Navy SEAL and current Eagle’s Nest Security Specialist.
A man on a mission, this version of Lucky was one she did not want to mess with. Plus, there was the whole thing about not having a death wish, so…
“Stay next to you,” she repeated. “Got it.”
She reached for her door handle and started to push it open, but a strong hand to her other arm stopped her in her tracks. Ellie looked back at Lucky from over her shoulder and frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“I mean it, El.” His dark brows rose, and his gaze became pointed. “Like. Fucking. Glue.”
“I said I got it, now let’s go while there’s still at leastsomethingleft of my damn building.” Jerking her arm free from his grasp, she climbed out of the car and slammed the door shut. Behind her. Rushing around the Charger’s front bumper—as best she could in three-inch stilettos—she and Lucky met up and began jogging toward the emergency lights and yellow tape.
As expected, they were met with much resistance by the firefighters and police officers on the other side of the emergency barricade.
“Sorry, guys.” One of the uniformed officers raised his hand to stop them. “This area is closed off until further notice.”
“That’s my building,” Ellie informed him. “I…I live here.”
Not anymore, you don’t.
“I understand, and I’m sorry for what’s happened, but I still can’t let you through. It’s not safe.”
“Please,” she begged. “You don’t understand. My name is Eloise Fisher, and I’m an attorney who’s currently—”
“If you want to know who to sue, you’re gonna have to wait until the Fire Marshall completes his investigation.”
Sue?
“I’m not looking to sue anyone, Officer…” Ellie leaned in and read the man’s shiny gold badge. “Officer Tate.” She flashed him her winning courtroom smile. “Like I was trying to say, my name is Eloise Fisher, and I really need to speak to whoever’s in charge.”
The fire may turn out to be a total coincidence, but she didn’t think it was. And the sooner the cops hear her suspicions…
“Lady, the man in charge is a little busy trying to save the rest of the building soallyour neighbors don’t end up out on the streets. I suggest you find somewhere else to stay for the night, and you can call the station tomorrow for an update.”
“But this can’t wait until tomorrow!”
“She’s right.” Lucky joined the conversation. “If you can’t get us the fire chief, then take us to your boss.”
Looking more and more annoyed by the second, the officer shot Lucky an incredulous smirk. “Let me guess. You the boyfriend?”
“No.” Lucky reached back and pulled his wallet from his back pocket. Flipping it open, he held it up for the other man to see. “My name is Jason Lucas, and I’m a private security specialist with Eagle’s Nest Securities.”
Surprise flashed behind the officer’s brown eyes. “Eagle’s Nest?” He studied the official I.D. in Lucky’s wallet closely. “I’ve heard of you guys. You’re the ones who helped take down thosetwo assholes from that avionics company a while back. Former Navy SEALs, right?”
“That’s us.” He slid the wallet back into his jeans. “And we have a standing professional relationship with your department. We’ve worked a couple of cases with Detective Travis Knox. Something your Chief will verify.”
As if it by divine intervention, Detective Knox’s commanding male voice sounded from somewhere behind.
“Lucky?”
Both she and Lucky turned in unison to see a man and a woman marching their way.