Logan cursed beneath his breath. “How’s Ellie holding up?”
He looked over to where he’d left her with Knox and Detective Brandt. But the partners were no longer there, and Ellie was standing near the yellow tape. Her guarded stare was locked in on the fire and she watched as it ravaged her home and everything in it.
The evening breeze blew her silken hair as it gently rolled past. She made no move to brush the strands from her face, but instead crossed her arms in front as if giving herself a hug. But even as she did, the impressive woman kept her chin held high.
“She’s good.” His heart slammed against his ribs when she turned that controlled gaze his way. “I mean, you know Ellie The woman’s tough as hell. But…”
“What is it?”
His gut knotted with a sense of dread he couldn’t seem to shake. “This asshole keeps coming at her like this…” Lucky’s words trailed. “I just keep thinking what would’ve happened if we’d been home.”
“The what-ifs will drive you fucking insane, brother. Trust me.”
A stretch of silence passed, and then, “Just…watch your back, Luck. And keep me posted.”
“Copy that.”
Lucky ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket. “Hey.” He walked and talked on his way back to Ellie.
“Jesus.” Archer’s dark star rose to the blaze still going strong up in the distance. “What the hell happened? You guys okay?”
Okaywasn’t exactly the word he’d use. But he couldn’t really think of one that fit his particular emotional situation, so Lucky gave his friend a nod and lied.
“We’re fine.” His nails dug into his palms as they hung in fists at his sides. “We weren’t anywhere near here when the fire started.”
“So you said on the phone.” The other man shot a sideways glance in Lucky’s direction. “Dancing? Really?”
“If we hadn’t gone out, we would’ve been up there when that fire started.” Lucky pointed to the engulfed brick building. “She was safe with me, Arch. I said I’d protect her with my life, and I will.” And he wasn’t in the mood to defend his decisions where Ellie’s safety was concerned. “Which is why I’m taking her to my place.”
When Archer’s lips parted—to most likely argue yet another choice—Lucky cut him off at the pass.
“Logan already agreed, and…no offense…but I’m not asking your opinion. This is happening, so you can either get on board or—”
“I was just going to say, I have a few things for Ellie to take with her when you go.” Archer’s expression remained cool and unfazed. “Cassie put some clothes and shoes and stuff for El to use until she can replace what she lost.”
Well, hell.
“Sorry.” He felt like a total ass. “I guess I’m just…on edge.”
In true Nash form, the man literally shrugged the unpleasant moment away as if it had never happened. “I get it.” He reached up and squeezed one of Lucky’s shoulders. “It’s been a helluva night.” Clearing his throat, his teammate dropped his hand and flashed Ellie an empathetic smile. “Hey, El.”
Lucky watched as the other man pulled her in for a tight hug.
“Hi, Arch.” Ellie’s voice quivered as she hugged her friend right back.
A surge of jealousy shot through his every vein.Hewanted to be the one to hug her. It should behisarms pulling her close and offering her the comfort she obviously needed.
So why didn’t you?
“I’m so fucking sorry.” Archer pulled back to look down at his friend. “We’re going to catch this bastard. You know that, right?”
“I know.” She gave her head a jerky nod. “If anyone can…” Those baby blues of hers slid in Lucky’s direction. “It’s you.”
That’s right, sweetheart. Keep looking at me. Always me.
“I saw you talking to Knox and his partner,” Archer commented. “I assume if they’re here, it’s because—”
“Someone died in the fire,” Ellie confirmed. “An older woman who lived one floor down from me.”