Prodigal Son(75)

“This just doesn’t make sense to me, though,” I protested. “If the FBI wants to ask me questions, I’m happy to answer them any time. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Bryan shook his head. “I believe you, Luke. And I understand that this may be hard for you to wrap your head around, since you’ve been a law-abiding citizen your whole life, but sometimes — even if you haven’t done anything wrong — these investigations work out in ways that end up inconveniencing innocent people. I’m going to do my very best to make sure that doesn’t happen to you, but I want you to understand the possibilities here.”

I sat back in the chair, feeling angry and frustrated. “I hear you. And I appreciate the help.” I looked around the room. “Any way I can get a few minutes alone with Krystal? There are a few things I want to talk to her about.”

“Absolutely.” Bryan stood up. “Just remember,” he said, pointing at the mirror. “The walls have ears.”

He knocked on the door, waited for it to be unlocked, and closed the door behind him. I could hear him talking to the officer stationed outside the room as the door swing shut and locked once again.

I turned my chair to face Krystal, and I carefully took her bruised, beautiful face in my hands. I knew that people were probably watching us, and I didn’t care. I pressed a kiss to her lips before I said a word.

“Baby, tell me how you’re doing.”

“Luke, I’m so sorry,” she said, tears starting to well in her eyes. “This is all my fault. You wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me and the fucked up choices I’ve made.”

I shook my head. “Krystal, it’s not your fault. You weren’t the violent one, and if I hadn’t been there, you’d be dead at the hands of that sick, sadistic asshole. I’m glad I was there for you. You’re mine to protect, and I’ll do anything I need to keep you safe.”

“What can I do to help get you out of here?” she asked.

“I don’t exactly know yet, but I’ve told Bryan to get your contact information from my phone, and he’s going to notify the Ritz that you’ll be staying in my suite for the time being.”

“That’s crazy, Luke. I don’t need all that space, and you don’t have to provide me with a place to stay. I’m not your responsibility.”

I looked into her eyes. “Oh, but you are, Krystal. You’re mine, and I’m going to take care of you, no matter the cost.” I picked up her hands and kissed them both. “I realized something when I was trying to get inside that house to find you.”

Krystal looked at me and waited for me to continue.

“Krystal, I realized that you — your safety and your happiness — were more important to me than anything else in the world. I realized right then that I love you, and I won’t ever let anyone or anything keep us apart.”

Krystal’s hands flew to her face, and she winced as she bumped her jaw. “Ow,” she said, half laughing and half crying. “Luke, are you sure? I mean, look at the mess I’ve gotten you into. You’re in the police sta…”

I leaned forward and stopped her with a kiss. “Don’t ever question my love for you, Krystal. I’m absolutely certain that we’re meant to be together.” I paused and looked at her, realizing that she’d never told me how she felt, and hoping that I wouldn’t have to work to get her to see what was so perfectly clear to me. “Unless, of course, you don’t feel the same about me.”

Her eyes, shining with tears and with emotion met mine, and before she said a word, I knew that she loved me too.

“Luke, I knew I loved you in Bug’s kitchen, before everything went so terribly wrong yesterday.”

She was going to continue, but I stopped her with another kiss.

“Krystal, I have no idea what the fuck’s going on and why I’m stuck in here, but I promise you that when I get out, I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much I love you.” I leaned forward, like I planned to kiss her neck, but I whispered to her instead. “Baby, I told Bryan a few things that he’ll fill you in on later. Don’t trust anyone but me or Bryan — not Joker, not Sable, no one? You got that?”

She nodded while I kept my lips near her ear. “I love you, too,” she said, making it look like I’d whispered something sweet to her.

I continued keeping my voice low. “Krystal, the Savage Sons have some secrets, deep dark ones, and I’m gonna sort out the truth, but I’m gonna need your help.”