Page 106 of Criminally Yours

“Seven years ago on my twenty-first birthday,” he replied as she studied it.

“But that was two years after you last saw me. Do you have other tattoos?”

He stroked her hair as she kissed his tattoo. “No. That’s it. I was sent away to fight and wanted a physical memory of you. I was scared of what would happen in the Special Forces. I wouldn’t be allowed to carry personal items during some of those missions. I’d heard of people captured and knew if that happened to me, I’d need a part of you with me.”

“Me?”

“Yes. When I was captured, before I left the army, I spent hours staring at this tattoo. You got me through it. I had you with me always.”

“Oh.”

“I never expected you to see it. I’m sorry if it’s too much.”

“It’s not too much. It’s perfect.”

“Good, because I’m obsessed with you, Sunset. I always have been.”

CHAPTER 45

Strike

“Please,” Millie begged as Strike prepared her lunch.

“It’s not safe.”

“I need to get out, and those cupcakes at the bakery were incredible, and no one knows we’re here and?—”

He pressed his finger to her lip. “What if something happens to you?”

“I’ve seen your panic in the tightness of your face and the curt way you speak at times. Your therapist helps you with your anxiety?”

He turned away from her, gripping the knife tightly in his hand. She eased his fingers, unfurling them from the utensil, but his shoulders still hunched.

“Yes, but watching Parky die changed me. I worked through PTSD with her, but when I can’t control things, when the anxiety gets too much, I exercise. In the past, I’d end up hitting walls, hurting myself.”

“But you can’t control everything, especially not people. You could come with me so that you know I’m safe. If the anxiety overwhelms you, I’ll help you. Do you promise to tell me when it’s too much?” She pressed kisses to his naked back. “I love this house, but I must get out, walk, and process everything. I fucked my former best friend, my bodyguard, for crying out loud.”

Strike rubbed his hands down his face. He couldn’t keep dictating the actions of those around him, while ignoring their feelings. All it did was shut them out. He was a good bodyguard. He could keep her safe. “Fine. I’ll come with you.”

They said a quick hello to Joyce before walking to the town. Strike kept a constant lookout as Millie danced down the road.

“Happy?” he asked, his lips quirking.

“Ecstatic.” The hem of her summer dress bounced as she walked. His need to fuck her again was like a hand around his throat, choking him.

Sex with Millie was incredible, better than he’d believed possible, but he wanted more. As his authority over their situation waned, the need to dominate her rose. But even if she insisted she was okay with that, they were both so inexperienced.

What if it messed up what they had?

“You’re not too much for me, you know?” she said, pulling him from his thoughts.

He froze. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

“I just do.” She reached up to cup his cheek. “You’re sweet, but you’re controlling, too. I want that side of you.”

“Stop distracting me. I’m supposed to be your bodyguard, not a horny teenager who’s always on the brink of coming in his pants.”

She laughed and ran ahead before wiggling her bum. It must be the endorphins. She must be blinkered to how dangerous this was. She winked at him over her shoulder. “I’ll race you.”