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Delray slept across Lexi’s shoulder while she used her computer one-handed. She entered her password and accessed her emails. Tarant tidied the devastation. He crawled beside her chair to collect the ream of scattered paper. Delray had ripped it from the printer tray and he smoothed the sheets against his thigh.
“What did the client say?” She kept her tone professional.
Tarant rose, towering over her as she sat. “I haven’t heard from him yet. I sent the photos.” He cocked his head, his black brows drawing into a line. “The guy looked familiar. I can’t think where I’ve seen him. The client didn’t ask for a name, but I could use facial recognition software to provide it.” He waited for a reply, but frowned as Lexi pursed her lips. “Too risky, do you think? We could get the blame if he goes after him.”
Lexi stuck her chin in the air. “His name is Danny Fisher. He spent all night with the mark. Do what you want with the information.” Her chest tightened. Of course, Tarant recognised him. He’d shaken Danny’s hand at their office Christmas party. She’d brought him as her plus one to drive away Lynn’s jealousy. She had no intention of reminding him and humiliating herself further.
“Lexi.” Tarant squatted beside her. His knee bumped her thigh. Electricity coursed between them, as it always had. Lifting his left hand, he smoothed his fingers across Delray’s sleeping cheek. Her head lolled, sweat collecting at her hairline as she heated in the lacy cardigan. He gazed up at Lexi, his lips quirked into a habitual smile. His hazel irises glittered. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “For everything that happened between us. I should have said it before now.”
Lexi gritted her teeth. “Which exact part are you sorry for, Tarant?” She shifted to face him, the chair squeaking as it swivelled. Two years, yet he picked this moment to convey his regret. It seemed too convenient to Lexi. Rage built in the back of her skull. Delray moaned in her sleep. “For breaking my heart? For never acknowledging my pain? Not once. Not even after Lynn’s family made my life a living hell.” Lexi’s eyes flashed with fury. It had burned inside her without release. It bubbled into her throat and spewed free like lava. “I loved you.”
She enjoyed his violent recoil. His lips parted, and he blinked back at her, silenced by her confession. The bubble burst in her stomach and threatened to switch the venom for tears. She wouldn’t allow it. “I’ve worked in an office attached to your family home. Your wife delights in taunting me. A hurt and humiliation lawsuit attracts three thousand pounds at a tribunal. Should I include the physical intimidation from Lynn’s family?” She flapped her free hand. “Don’t worry. I have evidence. I’m a trained investigator, remember? I could add a sexual harassment claim too.” She glanced at the date on the bottom of her computer screen. “I still have four months to bring my case. If I decide to.”
Tarant gulped. “Sexual harassment?” Not anger, but sadness filled his expression. “His voice rose at the end. Tension crackled in the air. “We had something genuine.” He folded his arms across his stomach as though she’d punched him.
“Did we?” she snarled.
“Then why did you stay?” His tone hardened.
A spiteful smile slid across Lexi’s lips. She stared at him in disbelief. “You think I stayed in this flea pit for you?” The laugh sounded cruel. She did stay for him. But Lexi spun her monitor to face him, her exam results glowing an eerie digital green. “Congratulations to me. I’ve passed my Private Investigator’s course. Ninety-five percent overall.” She rose and held out the sleeping baby to him. He collected the child into his arms and she awoke furious.
“Lexi!” He shoved Delray over his shoulder and patted her back. Her legs kicked, and she squirmed in his arms. “Don’t leave me!” he begged. “You can’t quit.”
Lexi bent and hauled open her desk drawer. She tugged out her own car key and dropped the Toyota’s on the desk. She glared over her shoulder at Tarant as he struggled with the squalling child. For the first time in two years, she could leave without regret. She had her qualification. One of the city’s other three firms might welcome a trained investigator. “I’m taking this afternoon off,” she announced. “I’ll see how I feel in the morning. Don’t call me again just to babysit your kid!”
