The Lover’s Promise (No Exceptions #3)(40)
Author: J.C. Reed

The possibility had crossed my mind, but the police hardly ever made mistakes. Or did they? I turned to him, taking in his worried face. “Pretty sure. I saw pictures of you, Jett. And the detective knew your name.” Another shiver ran down my spine as I remembered the details of Gina’s gruesome death.

“And he said my car was reported stolen?” he asked incredulously.

I nodded. “And that it had traces of the dead girl’s DNA.”

Without another word, he grabbed my hand, pulling me along. In less than a minute, we reached the basement where the cars were parked. Jett swung the door open and switched on the lights.

I recognized his car immediately. It was parked in its usual spot, all sparkling and shiny and very expensive, beckoning to me.

“So, do you believe me now?” he whispered. I shook my head, not because I didn’t believe him, but because what I was seeing didn’t make sense.

“Tell me, Brooke, did this detective show you his badge?” he asked, not waiting for an answer.

“No, he didn’t.”

He let out a sharp breath and shook his head.

“What?” I asked slowly.

He took his time answering. “I think someone’s playing a game with you, Brooke. Someone’s trying to mess with your head. I don’t know what his intention is, if it is to separate us, but I’m sure of one thing,” Jett continued, whispering so low my skin began to prickle. “The detective isn’t a detective and I want you to stay away from him. Do you hear me?”

Words failed me. I always assumed there was an explanation for everything, but never this possibility. Once more sickness washed over me, and I closed my eyes, feeling suddenly faint. When I opened my eyes again, his forehead was creased with worry.

“Come here.” He pulled me to his chest, and I let him. “I love you and that should count for something,” he whispered. All the anger was gone, leaving behind worry and gentleness. “I know you don’t trust me and I’m fine with that. But make no mistake, I’d never hurt you. I would never kill an innocent. You’re safe with me and that’s all that matters.”

“How can I be sure of that?” My chin trembled. “You say I know you and that you love me, but there are still so many questions unanswered, Jett. You didn’t even tell me that you were involved with Tiffany.”

He blinked once. Twice.

“You’re right, and I’m sorry about that,” he whispered, his voice dropping so low I had to strain to understand him, his eyes misting over. “I didn’t tell you about Tiffany, because I thought it didn’t matter. She was one of many I had.”

I looked up. “That’s not exactly helpful in figuring you out.”

“That might be true, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love you. Or that we’re expecting a child, and I’d do anything for you.”

The room was so quiet his heartbeat sounded like soft rain in my ears. Come to think of it, as I strained harder to listen, I realized it was the splatter of rain splashing against the windows and the roof. It had started raining again. Loud thunder echoed in the distance and I couldn’t help but inhale Jett’s soothing scent as I recalled the poem about the rain and the tears. Yet I didn’t move. In his embrace, I felt like home. It was only when I remembered the things in my car that I stirred.

“Jett?” I murmured, my heart suddenly picking up in speed. “Did you remove my things from your apartment?”

His smile instantly varnished. “No, I wasn’t there since Friday, right before we left for the hotel. Why are you asking?”

I hugged my body, then looked up at him. Swallowing the thick lump in my throat, I took my time with an answer. “There’s something I have to tell you, Jett,” I whispered. “The girl who was killed, Gina, I found her things at your place. Before I left, I saw two cops talking with the concierge. I think they were there for you.”

He stared at me for a full minute, his lips tight, his brows furrowed.

“Are you sure they were there for me?” There was no hint of surprise in his voice. His tone sounded more like he had accepted what I had just told him.

“I’m not certain, but it doesn’t change the fact that my things are gone, replaced with hers,” I whispered. “Do you understand? Those are the dead girl’s belongings. I packed up everything and stashed it all in my car before the cops arrived.”

“So, where’s everything now?”

“Outside. In my car.” My voice broke. “Jett, you’re in trouble. The photos showed a body. If what you say is true, that he isn’t a detective, I think we have a huge problem. Someone’s trying to frame you. And frame you good.”

He drew a long breath. “Why did you take her things?”

“I don’t know. I—” My voice broke again. Why did I indeed? “I didn’t want you to get into trouble, I guess. If the police found her stuff at your place, it would have been impounded as evidence.”

“I’m glad you did,” he said matter-of-factly.

I watched him grab his towel before leaning in to give me a short kiss on the mouth.

“Where are you going?” I asked, confused.

“I have a feeling it’s going to be a long story, so I’m getting us lunch while you go and take a shower. And then you’ll tell me everything from the beginning.”

“Can I come with you?” I asked.

“I’d rather you stay here if you don’t mind.” He turned to me with the slightest hint of a smile. “I’ll make it quick, babe. Do you want pistachio ice cream as desert?”

I returned his smile. Ever since finding out that I was pregnant, I had been craving for ice cream every day. The fact he remembered it together with so many other little things, made my heart flutter. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t had dinner or breakfast or much of anything, really.

“That’d be great. Thanks. I’m starving,” I said. “What about Brian and his rules?”

“Brian?” Jett raised his eyebrows. “I don’t give a shit about rules, but I do care about you. Deeply. And right now it’s my priority to fulfill my pregnant girlfriend’s every wish.”

His words made me blush.

In the silence of the room I continued to watch him, my gaze brushing over his sexy back that was now turned to me. Before he opened the door, he hesitated and something heavy settled in the air between us.