Hell Is Burning

  He laughed. “You’re relentless.”

  “I am.”

  “I’m going to accept your gift, Emma. I’m not ashamed of you and Greyson. You’re my friends and family. I’ll take the condo, and trust that you won’t use it to hurt me.”

  She smiled over at him. “I don’t hurt the people I love--not intentionally.”

  “I believe that too.”

  She rested her head on his shoulder and her hand on his leg. “Thank you for having our backs, Chris.”

  He took her hand in his. “It’s my pleasure, but you’re still not getting preferential treatment in the workplace. You let one detective slide, they all follow.”

  Emma laughed before standing. “We should grab breakfast. Today is about Tessa and Paris. Then we have to get back to work. New leads came in, and I have a job to do or my boss will flip out.”

  “You should be taking a day off. Why don’t you play queen of the castle and take a break?”

  She grinned. “Hell no! I’ve worked a week on this. It’s going to be closed, and soon. I can tell.”

  Emma held out her hand, waiting for him to trust her with that too.

  Chris took it, but before he knew what was happening, Emma was up on her toes and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

  His free hand went there.

  “Let’s go celebrate family.”

  He grinned. “That’s a damn good idea.”

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  Tessa was a nervous wreck.

  She was dressed and pacing the room. The entire time Emma was helping her, she wanted to puke. Not because she was afraid to get married, it was all because her nerves were tied in knots.

  Paris was there, and all she wanted was to be his wife.

  When Emma came in with the veil, and a beautiful bouquet of roses, she stopped pacing.

  “Is it time?”

  Emma laughed. “Just about.”

  She took deep breaths.

  “You’ll be okay. I just saw Paris, and if you think you’re a wreck, you should see him.”

  “Is he okay?” she asked, concerned for him.

  Emma hugged her. “Yes, he’s good. It’s the vows, isn't it?”

  She nodded. “I’m beginning to think the standard ones were probably a better idea. I’m scared I’ll screw them up.”

  “You won’t. I’ll tell you a secret.”

  Tessa was all ears.

  “The second you get up there, you’re going to go into the zone. It’s like an interrogation. Everyone is nervous the first few seconds, but then you find your groove. Just don’t call him your old boyfriend’s name.”

  “I’ve never had steady relationship before him. Paris is the first and last.”

  Emma loved weddings. This was why.

  These two were meant to be together.

  “Okay, here are your flowers,” she said. “I also have something for you.”

  Tessa watched her cross her room to the jewelry box. Emma pulled something out and returned to her side.

  “Greyson gave me this on our wedding day. I would love if you wore it.”

  She placed a sparkly bracelet around Tessa’s wrist.

  “I didn't have family with me the day I married him, but you do. You have us, Tessa, so stop being nervous.”

  When it was clasped, she stared down at it, trying not to cry. “Thank you, Emma. This means a lot to me.”

  She hugged her. “You’re going to be very happy with Paris. I can tell.”

  Tessa didn't disagree. This was the best day of her life, and she knew it. This was what she was born for all those years ago. It was why she survived being discarded by her mother.

  The day she was created, it was for Paris Archer.

  When the music started playing out in the garden, Emma knew that was her cue. Paris had a surprise for his bride, and she needed to get Tessa away from the balcony.

  “Shall we?” she asked, holding out her hand.

  “I hope I don’t blubber all over this dress!”

  Emma knew what was coming. It was going to be a cry fest. “Don’t worry about it. You won’t be the only one weeping.”

  That, she knew for sure.

  As he sat in the garden, Paris Archer was a hot mess. He was scared shitless he was going to fail--not at being a husband--no.

  He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to stand there the entire ceremony. If he fell, that wasn’t a good way to start off his marriage. When he saw Greyson approaching, he needed a pep talk.

  “Tell me I can do this.”

  “You can do this.”

  Paris stared at him. “Really? That’s all you got? You run a building full of people who get shot at and that’s all you can muster?”

  Croft began laughing. “I’m going to be right there beside you. I’ll keep you steady, and if your legs give out, I’ll catch you. Just the fact you’ve come this far, Paris, that’s amazing.”

  “I need to give this to Tessa. She needs this.”

  He crouched down beside the man. “She loves you regardless of you standing up on your wedding day.”

  Paris knew he was right. “I need this.”

  Greyson patted the man on the leg. “I know you’ll make it. When we practiced, you stood for fifteen minutes straight. You got wobbly, but there’s a cane right here to lean on. You’re getting stronger every day, my friend. It’s only been months. In a year, it’ll be easier. I have faith in you.”

  He heard people approaching, and when he looked over, he saw his parents.

  “How?” he didn't understand.

  “Did you think I would let you get married without them here?” he asked. “Really? Where’s your faith in your best man?”

  He wiped his eyes. “Thank you.”

  Greyson gave the man a few minutes to greet his parents. Instead of sticking close, he called the front desk of Sky Villa. “Is everything ready?” he asked.

  “Yes, Mr. Croft. It’s all handled. Your people left about ten minutes ago. We’re going to miss having you here,” William stated.

  “If the penthouse opens up, call me. I’m interested in buying it.”

  “Yes, sir! We’ll see you in an hour.”

  Greyson hung up. That was taken care of, and here came the judge. Glancing over, he pointed at the trio of women ready to play music. When they began, Paris rolled himself over to his spot.

  “Ready?” Greyson asked.

  Paris looked out at his parents and the people he worked with on the team. It was a small intimate gathering, and that was perfect.

  He would have married Tessa on the moon by themselves.

  “I’m more than ready.”

  Greyson grinned. “Then let’s get you hitched.”

  Tessa heard the wedding march. She was about to walk out of the house and toward the garden when Curtis appeared.

  “Can I escort my partner to her husband to be?”

  The tears started.

  “Oh, Christ! I’m sorry!” he blurted. “I didn't want you doing this alone!”

  Tessa gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Yeah, partner, walk me down. I need someone to have my back. This seems right.”

  She knew how hard it had to be for him, and that made her appreciate the moment even more. As she headed out, Curtis squeezed her arm.

  “You have this. I promise that this will be the best thing you’ve ever done.”

  She glanced over.

  “He’s the right man for you. I can see it in your eyes.”

  Tessa nodded. He was right.

  “Thank you, Curtis.”

  “Hey! Anything for my partner. It’s the least I can do.”

  As the music played, she rounded the corner in the garden. At first she saw Emma waiting for her at the end, and then she saw Paris sitting there.

  Her heart swelled with emotion.

  The wedding march started, and that’s when she saw him stand. On shaky legs, Paris got up to greet her at the end of her journey.

  He was standing on
their wedding day.

  Curtis pulled a tissue from his suit jacket pocket. “Here you go, honey.”

  Tessa clutched it in her hand as her eyes never left his. She couldn’t stop the tears, even when she stood in front of him.

  “Paris,” she whispered.

  “Tessie. Surprise.”

  The judge began. He covered the basics required by the state of Nevada. Then he got to the vows.

  “Paris, pledge your love to your bride.”

  He was starting to get shaky. The tension in his body was palpable, but he carried on for her.

  “Tessa Brass, I love you. From the day you fell onto me, screaming about a spider, I knew you were the one. From the minute you kissed me, my heart found its other half. Everyone has a soul mate, and standing here before you today, this is the proof that you can find your true love. You’re mine, Tessie, and you will be for the rest of our lives. There’s nothing we can’t overcome. We’re proof. We fought the odds to get here, and we made it.”

  He wavered a little bit, and despite wanting to help him, she didn't. Paris needed this. He wanted to do this, and she would let him.

  Greyson steadied him.

  “I’m good,” he said softly. “Tessa, my love, I promise to fight hard for what we have. I vow to always be faithful to the woman who stole my heart, and I will never take for granted a single second with you. Each moment matters, and I can’t wait to collect a million moments to create our lifetime. My heart beats for you.”

  She wiped her eyes.

  “Tessa Brass, make your vows to your betrothed,” the judge said.

  “Paris Archer, I love you too. That’s why it’s going to make me sad when I kick your ass for making me cry like this on our wedding day.”

  He laughed. “There’s my girl.”

  “But, after that, I’ll kiss every injury, wrap it in love, and protect the man I adore. The day the FBI told me you were my partner, I was happy. Not because you’re sexier than should be legal--that’s an understatement, but because you have a good heart. I saw the kindness there. I saw peace there, and I know since the day I was born, you were my end goal. I was made for you, and I’m just so happy we found each other.”

  She wiped a tear from his cheek with gentle fingers.

  “I promise to be your best friend until the day we both die. I vow to come home every night to be by your side. I will fight as hard as you have to be with me, and I won’t take for granted a single moment. You’re my hero, Paris. You’ve saved me in so many ways, and now I’m going to make sure I do the same. I love you. There will never be a love like this in my life. You’re my heart.”

  The judge put his hand out for the rings, and Greyson handed them over. He was awash with emotion, as was everyone who was there.

  “Paris, do you take Tessa as your wife?”

  “Yes, sir, I absolutely do.”

  The judge waited for him to slide the ring on Tessa’s finger.

  Greyson took his cane, and supported him by his one elbow. Paris was shaky, and there were beads of perspiration on his forehead, but he was holding on.

  “I love you, Tessie,” he said, sliding the wedding band on.

  The judge handed Tessa his ring.

  She slipped it on. “I love you, Paris. Forever.”

  The judge signed the paper. “Congratulations are in order. May I be the first to introduce Doctor and Mrs. Paris Archer.”

  The entire family clapped.

  “Kiss your bride, son.”

  Paris did. For the first time in a long time, he was able to be mouth to mouth with the woman he loved. She moved into him, and he wrapped his arms around her before locking lips.

  The kiss was sweet, deep, and sealed their vows. When they broke apart, they both had tears in their eyes.

  “We did it, Paris.”

  He grinned. “We did, Tessie. We’re married.”

  Greyson could feel him shaking. “How about you wheel your bride out of here, Paris?” he said, helping the man sit.

  He patted his lap, grateful to be off his feet and that he made it. “Want to take a ride, Tessa?” he asked.

  She sat in his lap, tucking all the white dress around her so he didn't run it over. Then, she whispered in his ear. “You give me a ride now, and later I’ll return the favor.”

  Paris Archer grinned. “It’s a deal.”

  With that, he wheeled his wife back into the house. Life was never going to be the same. From here on out, it would only get better.

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  Across Town

  He watched her.

  From his parked car outside the gym, he saw everything. Drinking his coffee, he knew she was the one. She was starting her shift, and it was going to be her last. When he got his hands on her that night, she’d be one more woman who deserved what she had coming.

  A part of him wanted to celebrate.

  The police didn't have a clue. They didn't even see him. All the while they ran in circles, he was able to sit there in plain sight.

  It was meant to be.

  She deserved to die.

  Before the time was out, he’d take another one’s life.

  He couldn’t stop.

  He didn't want to.

  There was such a rush.

  In the end, he’d get rid of them all. They may haunt him, but he didn't care.

  When the voices stopped, he would have peace.

  Finally.

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  After celebrating the couple, and having some champagne, the Crofts had a surprise for them. They couldn’t wait to see Paris and Tessa’s face when the big present was revealed.

  So, they stole them away, leaving everyone else to celebrate.

  Inside the limo, they made Paris and Tessa wear blindfolds. They didn't want them to peek. As the couple sat there laughing, not seeing where they were going, Emma and Greyson were having fun.

  They deserved this.

  Paris and Tessa had earned this and so much more. Next month, when Paris requalified, he’d keep his badge, and then Greyson would have paid his debt.

  His profiler was hurt under his watch, and while he couldn’t give him his legs back, he could make this better. They’d trained, and they’d have a new home--one where they could come and go as they wanted.

  It was well earned.

  Inside the parking garage, they wheeled Tessa and Paris inside. As they headed past security, Emma touched her finger to her lips. She didn't want them giving away their surprise.

  As the elevator doors closed again, Paris knew where they were. “We’re in Sky Villa. The elevator music gives it away.”

  Tessa didn't understand. “Why?”

  “You’ll see,” Greyson said, wheeling them toward the condo on the thirteenth floor when the elevator doors opened.

  After he slipped the key into the lock, Emma opened the door. They pushed Paris and Tessa in and then stepped back.

  “Take off your blindfolds.”

  They did as they were asked. Both Feds looked around the condo.

  “You redecorated?” Tessa asked.

  “We did more than that,” Greyson said. “Here.”

  He handed Paris the keys.

  “I don’t understand.”

  Tessa didn't either.

  “We’re giving you this condo as your wedding present.”

  They stared at their boss like they were crazy. “What?” they asked together.

  “Your house is confining. Here, you can roll around and not bump into anything. All the rooms are on one floor, and you have a pool upstairs. You’ll get stronger and stronger each day while living here.”

  Tessa stared at Emma. “This is insane.”

  She started laughing. That wasn’t the first time she heard that this week. “We know, but we want you both to have it.”

  Tessa got up and walked around. “It looks like the things in our house.”

  “It is,” Emma stated. “We had your things moved here. It�
��s set up the way your home was, just on one floor.”

  Paris didn't know what to say. “Are you serious? You didn't have to do this, Greyson,” he stated.

  “Yes, I did. You’re more than just my employees. Over the last year, we’ve come to love you as our family. We take care of the people we care about. This condo is paid off. You’re now free to worry about getting stronger. Nothing else.”

  Tessa’s eyes filled with tears. She knew that this would make Paris’s life so much easier. Plus, it was freaking Sky Villa. Who didn't want to live there?”

  She crossed to Greyson and hugged him. When she started crying, he patted her gently on the back. “It’s okay, Tessa. I told you we’d fix what happened,” he whispered in her ear. “This is only the beginning. I promise.”

  She nodded and then hugged Emma. “This is the best gift ever.”

  “We loved it here, and I hope you and Paris will make it a happy home.”

  “We will.”

  Paris wheeled over to his boss. “Greyson.”

  “Grey. My family calls me that, and you don’t have to say anything. Just live here and be happy. We started that legacy here, and we want you to finish it.”

  He held out his hand. When Greyson went to shake it, Paris pulled him down to hug him. “I won’t ever forget what you’ve done for me. Thank you for not giving up on me, even when I was in a funk.”

  He stared into his profiler’s eyes. “I don’t give up on the people I care about.”

  Paris was grateful for that. Wheeling over to Emma, he gave her a hug. “Thank you.”

  She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Our pleasure, but there’s more.”

  He laughed. “Trust me, we don’t need anything else. This is insane.”

  “Well, we have something waiting for you in your bedroom, and we’re officially kicking your asses off the case,” Greyson admitted. “You did your job, and it’s time to celebrate your wedding.”