The Man I Thought I Trusted - E. L. Todd Page 0,84

to threaten my life if I didn’t cease my investigation into his criminal activity, poisoning millions of Americans and purposely making them sick just to increase Kerosene Pharmaceuticals’ profits. Even the FDA was on their payroll. But this information was too important not to be exposed, so I continued my investigation.

Until he grabbed me and threw me into a cab. Moments later, I was in a warehouse. And if I didn’t give up my sources, they would rip my eyelids off my face, carve my lips off my mouth, but I never give up my sources, so I accepted the torture.

But out of nowhere, the police arrived…and saved my life.

The only reason they knew my location was because of my fiancé.

You know him as Dax Frawley, CEO of Clydesdale Software.

He knew the police would never find me in time, so he did something he knew was illegal before he did it. He violated all the privacy laws of this country and hacked in to the operating system of my phone to obtain my location from software his company designed, even though my phone was smashed beyond recognition. He used every tool at his disposal—to save the woman he loves.

He’s been hit a hundred million dollar fine, leaving a black mark that will be forever on his record.

His response? “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Because he would do anything for the woman he loves.

Me.

The article continued, but I lifted my gaze and looked at her again. “You make me look pretty good.”

“I made you look like a hero, which is what you are.”

I tossed the newspaper back onto the table and wrapped my arms around her. I cherished the gift of this moment, being able to hold her, to look into her beautiful face. If things hadn’t unfolded the way they did, she would have disappeared…and I never would have found her.

My life would be a bitter and sad story.

But she was here with me.

Right this very moment.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” She lowered her voice, like she could see the thoughts printed across my eyes.

“Nothing. Why?”

“You want to get married?”

“On a Wednesday?” I asked in surprise.

“Yeah. Just as soon as possible.”

I cupped her cheek and saw the love in her eyes, the eagerness to be with me forever. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“I asked for a couple weeks off at work. Thought we could go somewhere, have a honeymoon.”

“I think that’s an even better idea.” I pulled her close and rested my forehead against hers, inhaling a deep breath because I felt at peace, truly at peace. My past was long forgotten, and I was finally where I was meant to be. “Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t care. Somewhere that has a bed and drinks.”

“What about food?”

“Oh yeah. That too.”

“Have you been to the Caribbean?”

“Ugh, I’ve never been on vacation.”

“Then you’re going to love it. I’ll make the arrangements.”

“You can take time off work like that?”

My hand squeezed her ass. “Trust me, Renee will be happy to get rid of me.”

31

Carson

I walked into the apartment with my bag over my shoulder. “I’m baaaaaack!”

Charlie stood in the kitchen in just his boxers, while Denise wore his t-shirt, her hair messy.

Charlie quickly grabbed the dish towel and wrapped it around his waist. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, calm down,” I said. “I’ve already seen your hot dog. Not interested.” I set my bag on the table then draped my wedding dress in the garment bag over the back of the couch. “So, Dax and I decided to get married tomorrow. We thought we should sleep apart one last time.”

“Oh my god, you’re getting married?” Denise came over to me and gave me a big hug. “Aw, I’m so happy for you.”

“And then we’re going to the Caribbean for a fuck-a-thon,” I said.

“Even better.” Denise pulled away and smiled at me.

Charlie grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and tied it around his body like a toga. “Congratulations, Carson. Happy for you.” He gave me a hug and then a kiss on my hairline, something he never did. He was a lot more affectionate with me after I almost died. It seemed to affect him as much as it affected Dax.

“So, it’s cool if I crash here?” I asked. “We can do a little bachelorette party. Get some pizzas and beers and dance on the couch?”

“I think that sounds like a great idea,” Denise said. “I’ll call Matt and Kat. I’ll tell them to come over