Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO STOOD BETWEEN HER AND FEAR
Elias didn't order Avery to hide.
He didn't tell her to stop asking questions.
Instead, he asked:
“What do you want to do?”
Avery stared.
“What?”
“About June. About the investigation. About your safety.”
She looked down.
“I want my sister protected.”
“Agreed.”
“And I want the police involved.”
“Yes.”
She looked up.
“And I don't want you deciding things behind my back.”
Elias held her gaze.
“Then I won't.”
Avery swallowed.
For years, she'd imagined men like Elias were incapable of listening.
Now he was giving her something she hadn't expected.
A choice.
June agreed to stay temporarily in a secure location arranged with law enforcement.
Avery continued cooperating with investigators.
Elias provided financial records and security information.
The case expanded.
Crowe's associates were questioned.
Rourke's conduct came under scrutiny.
And evidence began connecting the gala attack to the old North Pier property transfers.
One evening, Avery found Elias standing on the hotel terrace.
He looked exhausted.
She approached.
“Hey.”
He turned.
“Avery.”
She stood beside him.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then she asked, “Are you afraid?”
Elias smiled faintly.
“Of what?”
“Losing everything.”
He looked toward the lake.
“Yes.”
Avery studied him.
He continued.
“Not the money.”
She waited.
“The truth.”
His voice softened.
“What if my father wasn't the man I remember?”
Avery looked at him.
“Then you'll learn who he really was.”
Elias closed his eyes.
“And what if I don't like it?”
She took a breath.
“Then you'll decide what kind of man you want to be.”
He turned toward her.
For a moment, his expression changed.
Something vulnerable.
Almost tender.
“Avery.”
“Yes?”
“I don't know why you walked into that ballroom instead of leaving.”
She smiled sadly.
“Neither do I.”
He stepped closer.
“I'm grateful you did.”
Her heart began beating faster.
Elias looked at her lips.
Then stopped.
“May I kiss you?”
Avery stared.
The question surprised her.
Not because she didn't want him to.
Because he asked.
She smiled.
“Yes.”
He kissed her gently.
No urgency.
No possession.
May you like
Just warmth.
And for the first time since the gala, Avery forgot to be afraid.
