now, too. He stared out at the world—at her—with suspicion.
The boy she’d loved was gone.
The man who’d taken his place was a stranger.
“I used to be able to tell when you were lying to me.” His voice was low, measuring.
Her breath had stilled in her lungs. “I’m not lying,” she forced herself to say. I’m just desperate. So afraid.
His fingers curled fully around hers as her right hand fisted around the bar. “Why weren’t you engaged any longer?”
That was the question he asked her? Her gaze shifted to his throat. She didn’t want to look him in the eyes then. She couldn’t. “Because I couldn’t marry a man I didn’t love.”
“Scarlett...”
Stare into his eyes. Do it! She lifted her gaze. “You’re a private detective now. You have your own agency, and I’ve—I’ve read stories about you and your brothers. How successful you are.” Not just there in Austin, but all over Texas. Heck, all over the South and up the East Coast. They weren’t just some local branch of PIs. They were a force to be reckoned with.
Once upon a time, folks in the area had whispered about the five McGuire boys...boys who’d been wild and reckless. Who’d had a reputation for trouble.
Then those boys had all joined the military.
Grant had been a ranger. Davis and Brodie, the twins, had become SEALs. Mac had been in Delta Force and the youngest brother, Sullivan, had morphed into a marine with a brutal edge.
They’d all been serving their country. They’d been steadfast in their duty. Until their parents had been murdered.
And now I’ve brought Grant into another murder investigation.
Being involved in her case had to be the last thing he wanted, but he truly was her best chance of survival. “If anyone can prove that I’m innocent,” she added, “it will be you.”
She was innocent.
“I can pay you,” she said, the words tumbling out. “Name a price, I’ll pay anything...do anything—”
His head tilted as he studied her. “Yes, you will.”
Her heart thundered in her chest. “You’ll help me? You won’t leave me on my own?”
“I don’t break my promises.” He towered over her. Grant was easily six foot three, and his body was pure sculpted power. “I gave you my word, and I’ll stick to it.”
The relief Scarlett felt almost made her dizzy.
“But you will owe me.” He backed away, and Scarlett immediately missed his touch. “And I’ll be collecting on everything you owe.” Grant gave her a nod. Then his gaze swept around the cell and his face hardened. “First order of business will be getting you the hell out of here.”
That wasn’t happening. At least, not tonight. She wasn’t supposed to go before a judge until the next day. Then he might keep holding her... What if I don’t get out at all? All during the trial, locked up. Scarlett trembled.
“I’m scared.” That confession broke from her. She didn’t know what strings Grant had pulled to get access to her, but she was just grateful to have him there with her. The years—the distance—had vanished, and she found herself being able to confess to him as easily as she’d shared all her secrets years ago.
At her words, his face hardened even more. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
She leaned closer to the bars, closer to him. “Grant—”
The metal door opened again. “Time’s up, McGuire!” a loud voice called.
Grant didn’t turn away, not yet. “Trust me,” he told her.
She nodded. She’d always trusted Grant.
He backed away.
Her eyes were on him until the heavy metal door swung shut once more. Scarlett kept holding the cold cell bars as she wondered how her life had wound up like this...
You still love him! You think I don’t know? You think I’m not aware of what you’ve been doing, all this time? Eric’s voice thundered through her mind. Their last night together. Their last argument.
She’d never expected things to turn so ugly with Eric. Never expected the fight to get so bad. She’d given him back the ring that fateful night. She’d told him she just couldn’t marry him.
He’d scared her that night, when she’d always thought he was such a safe guy before.
Maybe Grant would never need to know the full truth about what had happened. Because she had changed a lot in the past ten years. And now...now Grant wouldn’t be able to tell when she was lying.
She’d grown too used to lies.
* * *
IT WAS HAPPENING. The cops had finally taken in Scarlett Stone. The grand jury had indicted her. There wasn’t going to be an escape this time.
She’d pay for what she’d done.
She’d suffer.
This payback...it was such a long time coming. He’d had to plan so carefully to make certain that he struck Scarlett at her weakest point.
Had the woman really believed that she’d get away from him? That she’d find some ridiculous happy ending with another man?
No, Scarlett...that will never happen.
He’d taken away her dreams. Now...now the justice system would take away her life. He’d be sure to attend all the court proceedings. Watching her suffer would be so rewarding.
You’ll suffer, just the way I did.
Scarlett had wrecked his life, and now she was about to see just how much pain she could endure.
She would have nothing. No one.
In the end, he’d be the only one there, laughing as she was taken away—forever.
The judge had granted bail. The judge had granted bail. But...
It was too high. Scarlett turned to her lawyer, thanking him for what he’d done. “I don’t have that much money, Pierce.” Pierce Jennings had been the best lawyer she could afford. And he’d done his job—he’d gotten bail.
Pierce, perfectly polished as always in his designer suit, patted her hand. “Don’t worry.” His bright green eyes connected with her stare. “I’ve been assured the bail is already covered.”
What?
The judge was leaving the bench. Scarlett
