It was hard not to do it.
So damn hard.
“I do,” she replied, leaning back in her chair. “How was your appointment?”
“You can call it what it is, Elizabeth. It’s therapy for those of us that are crazy.”
Once the words were said, he automatically saw the ramifications of them. Her body went tense, the hurt filled her eyes, and even his brother let out an exasperated sigh.
Yeah, this had to end.
“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to direct that at you. You shouldn’t have to be my emotional punching bag when I’m in a bad mood.”
Elizabeth stared at him and measured her options. “It’s okay, Ethan. No offense was taken, because I understand.”
Right then and there, he wanted to scream. The woman he married never would have taken that lying down. Elizabeth would have handed him his ass, and laughed while doing it.
This was a big sign of how bad they were doing. She was giving up on him, and soon so would he.
For the moment, he let it go.
“Therapy was good, I guess. Doctor Gaines made some suggestions, and I’m going to take them.”
Elizabeth was all ears. At this point, she’d cut off her arm and dance naked with a hungry lion to fix Ethan. Picking up her coffee, she took a sip and waited for the miracle cure.
“She told me to go away.”
The cup slipped from her hand and hit her desk. It spilled all over her paperwork, and she simply stared at it, almost numb to what had just happened. Her body shook, and everything in her was terrified by the words that had come from the man she loved.
Immediately, Callen was up and at her side, mopping the spilled coffee up with a handful of tissues.
Ethan watched the reaction and hated that his wife was broken like this. This was his fault and he knew it. Deep down, he knew that he shouldn’t have phrased it like that, but he needed to know if they still had a chance.
Could he fix them?
Did she want him to?
Was she still in love with him?
“I’m sorry. That didn't come out right,” he stated, as he watched Callen come to the rescue. It both eased his pain and hurt him more. He was slowly being replaced, and he had no one to blame but himself. In all their time together, as a couple, this was the first and only pang of jealousy that he had felt towards his brother.
Sadly, that too was his fault.
“How was it supposed to come out?” she asked, as her hands shook. God, why was her life taking this route? For years, Elizabeth dedicated herself to those who had no voice, and now it was as if she was slipping into that same shadow land.
What she wanted to do was scream, rage, and shout until Ethan heard her.
Saw her.
Loved her once more.
When Callen’s hand came to her lower back in support, he gently offered her some peace.
“Doctor Gaines told me that I really need to go away and take an extended weekend. She feels that once I do it, I’ll be able to deal with everything that’s happened and is happening.”
Callen and Elizabeth watched him and neither were willing to make a comment. Then, she realized that she couldn’t keep these emotions bottled up any more. If she was indeed pregnant, this stress was going to hurt her and the baby.
“Are you ever coming back?” she asked, softly. “Or is this your way of telling me goodbye forever?”
Even Callen tensed at the words his brother had handed them. He loathed that Elizabeth was this hurt, and he was beginning to dislike the man who was damaging her.
“That depends. Will you run away with me for a long weekend? Maybe we can get lost together, all three of us. Then, we don’t have to ever come back.”
There was a collective sigh of relief in the room. It was as if all the tension was pushed out the door and only the three remained.
“I’ll always run away with you, Ethan,” she said softly. When Callen’s hand on her back pushed her towards him, she didn't fight it. Instead, she let one of the men she loved help her navigate this minefield. Where she didn't trust her own instinct anymore, she believed in Callen’s.
Ethan was surprised that she came to him. Lately, she had been trying to keep her distance. As she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his shoulder, he left a gentle kiss on her neck.
God, he missed her so much.
The scent and feel of his woman offered him a small clue on how to find his way home.
Now, if he could only bottle this moment.
“I can stay and hold down the fort,” Callen offered. If staying home meant healing Elizabeth, he’d face Valentine’s Day alone. For the two people he loved, Callen would do or sacrifice anything. “I have calls tonight and tomorrow, anyway.”
Ethan wanted his brother there. “When you’re done, I want you to fly out. I really need this time to reconnect with both of you, and find my way back to us.”
Elizabeth memorized the scent of his cologne and the feel of his body against hers. She missed this part of their relationship. Just the tender stroking down her back was offering her so much strength. If she closed her eyes, maybe she could believe that everything was back to normal once more.
That this was her Ethan.
Rising from the ashes like the phoenix.
“Where are we going?” Callen asked.
“I’m taking Lyzee back to where it all started.”
She glanced up into his eyes. “We’re going to Salem?” Her heart skipped in her chest. They hadn’t been back there since the day they left to move into his brownstone in Georgetown.
When they tried to go there, something with work always popped up and prevented them from getting away. Plus, it held old demons that she knew would love to have her back in their clutches.
“Yes, sweet cheeks,” he answered, trying out the nickname. It reassured him that it brought tears to her eyes and made his wife wrap her arms around his waist even tighter. When she burrowed into his body, there was peace.
“I’ll pack, love bug.”
Callen watched his brother and Elizabeth and it offered him more strength, since he had been right. They could do this. He knew it!
“I want to share it with you too, Callen,” he answered. “I know how hard you’re working while I’m,” he paused to search for a word. Crazy almost tumbled from his lips, but he refused to hurt Elizabeth anymore. “Unwell.”
Elizabeth clung to him, praying that she would never have to let go. Just this moment meant so much to her. It showed that they had a chance, and it refilled her well of hope.
Gone was the melancholy, as the man she fell in love with years ago was fighting to come back. It made her want to cheer him on. Maybe going home would be the catalyst in change.
“I already called Gabe. He said that you need to finish your calls for the week, and then you’re free. He’ll cover any of our conference calls.”
Elizabeth desperately wanted to kiss her husband. Going up on her toes, she took a chance and lightly placed her lips against his. “I can’t wait,” she whispered, as she finished the gentle kiss.
Neither could he.
“Our flight leaves later today. Callen, yours is tomorrow afternoon.”
Gently, he ran his fingers over Elizabeth’s pixie cut and stared into her icy blue eyes. “You should go back home and start to pack.” Dropping a kiss to her lips, he reluctantly released her and walked away.
Callen watched him go. “Was that the Ethan we all know and love?” he asked, hoping he was coming back after all.
Elizabeth simply touched her lips with her fingertips and memorized his taste.
“God, I hope so.”
* * *
Saying goodbye to their three kids and Wyler wasn’t an easy task. There were kisses, more kisses, and then wails from the children.
Mom and dad were heading out, and they were going to have to survive a few days without them. It wasn’t like they had never left their kids before.
&n
bsp; Besides, they were leaving CJ, EJ, and Cat with the grandfather of all grandfathers. They were sure that the kids would be fine. Callen would be home that night to help ease them into missing the momma bird. One half of the dad team was going to be there as backup and everything would be fine.
Ethan trusted Callen with not only his life, but his son. It was a testament to their bond.
While packing her bag, she slipped a few sexy things inside, just in case the three of them were to get naked. Yeah, there was sex still happening between them, but with Valentine’s Day, Elizabeth hoped to make some more memories. In the bottom of her suitcase, she also packed a pregnancy test that she managed to buy without anyone knowing.
While they were there, she was going to drop the big bomb on Ethan and give him a gift that he wouldn’t soon forget.
Or at least she prayed that were the case.
Before he had been abducted, he was gung ho about having another baby, and then again the night they all cut off their hair. Yet, since then, the enthusiasm stopped and she wasn’t sure why.
Was he tired of asking?
Or tired of waiting?
Well, it was too late now. Ethan was going to get his wish, and she only prayed that he didn't regret it.
Elizabeth didn't believe that her heart could take it. If he wasn’t happy that another child was coming, it would likely be the killing blow.
“Where did you go?” he asked, as he loaded their suitcases into his car.
She glanced over at him. “Sorry, I was just thinking about us,” she replied, going with the honest answer.
He slammed the trunk of his Mustang and opened the door for her. “What specifically?” Already, he was thinking back to when the doctor told him to be open and honest with the people who he loved, and it would all fall into place.
“If we’re fixable.”
Ethan didn't expect her to say it out loud. Here were shades of his ballsy, tough wife peeking through the still mourning woman.
“I think we are. I have to believe that we have a strong foundation underneath the rubble. We’re still Lyzee and Ethan, right?”
Now, it was her turn to be surprised. That was the most honest thing that Ethan had said to her in a long time. Truthfully, she was speechless.
Ethan sensed her worry and took her hand in his. This was much like many a date night they shared. They were together and holding hands in the front seat of his car. It warmed his heart a little and made him feel… normal.
“Shall we go, Lyzee my love?” he asked, only releasing her hand briefly to start up his car.
She glanced over at him and stared into the blue black eyes which stole her heart so many years ago. Here sat half her heart, and she was more than willing to fight for it.
“I’m ready, Ethan. Let’s go.”
Maybe going home would be cathartic and help them heal.
* * *
Cyra stood in their kitchen making dinner for her fiancé. For the last week, she had been out in the field working on another serial killing. She was well aware that Chris wasn’t expecting her home quite yet.
That meant one thing in her mind. She was going to be able to plan an awesome night of seduction.
Cyra was making his favorite food and wearing something sexy. It wasn’t just any dress, but the one that she wore on their first date in Circle Rock.
She was betting that he would completely pick up that little detail and be more than willing to help her celebrate it. As of late, they had been suffering in the relationship department. They were solid as a couple, but weak when it came to private moments, where they could just be alone.
For the last four months, it was beginning to be hectic and chaotic, and they still hadn’t put a date on paper for the wedding. Every time they tired, something came up.
First, it was Christopher’s mother, and her excuses that they couldn’t have it on certain days, due to the solar and lunar alignment.
Then, it was because of her brother’s trial schedule, which Cyra believed was a load of bullshit. Cannon Austin was a busy lawyer, but not that busy. He simply wasn’t happy that Cyra was marrying a man that quickly, or that Chris was an ME.
If it didn't bother her, why should it matter to him? Her brother kissed rich criminal’s asses. If anyone should be mortified, it should be her.
And she was.
The entire planning schedule was just a mess. Ironically, the only people who didn't have any conflicts were the wedding party. They seemed to all be waiting on someone to book a date and carve it in stone.
Cyra was beginning to get edgy over the entire thing. Each time they had to make an appointment, someone got called away to work.
There was a body.
A case.
Or Chris’s mother cancelled on them.
Really, right about now she was ready to…
The sound of the garage door opening brought her peace. It made her heart skip in her chest as Chris came home from work. Now, they could begin their evening, turn off their phones, and maybe plan a wedding.
When he appeared in the doorway, he looked just as surprised as she had planned.
“Cyra?” he said, dropping his bag. He couldn’t believe it. She was home, and it felt like ages.
Rushing towards him, she threw herself against his body and locked her lips to his in an earth shattering welcome home kiss. Her hands slid through his hair and held him trapped to her mouth.
Yeah, she missed the man more than anything in the world. Her sexy ME was home and the fun was about to begin.
“Christopher,” Cyra muttered, as she dropped kisses enthusiastically across his face. “Welcome home, handsome.”
Wow, this was going to be one hell of a night. Chris dropped her to her feet and took her face in his hands. “I’m so glad you’re home safe, Cyra,” he said, softly. “I’ve been so lonely without you.” There were never truer words spoken. The day she drove away on a case, the house seemed empty and desolate without her.
Cyra knew what he meant. Traveling and working without him just plain sucked.
Then, she heard it. There was someone clearing their throat, and she had a sneaking suspicion that it was the usual suspect.
“Tony’s here. Isn’t he?” she asked, suddenly.
Well hell!
Chris hated to disappoint her and he mouthed, ‘sorry’, as the man entered the room, as if on cue.
Crap!
Had he known that Cyra was home for the night, there was no way in hell that he would have invited company over.
After all, he wasn’t crazy.
There was an evening full of welcome home sex to worry about. If it came down to Doctor Magnus or his sweet Cyra, that was a no brainer even for an overanalyzing scientist. Already, his body was awake and craving the woman pressed against the front of him.
“Hey, Cyra! Nice dress!” Tony said, walking into the room. He strolled past them and headed right for the refrigerator. “Want a beer, Chris?”
Uh, yeah, Chris wanted much more than a drink. What he really wanted was for Tony to disappear. Staring at the man, he prayed that he would get the hint. How subtle could it be, since he was just making out with his fiancée in the kitchen?
“Want to stay for dinner, Tony?” she asked, releasing Chris’s hand as she crossed back to the stove top.
“Hell yes! You’re the best damn cook I know!” Tony took a seat and was enjoying the look on his buddy’s face. Oh, he was well aware that he should run out of there before the clothes began coming off, but he liked tormenting his co-worker.
Maybe a little too much.
“Do you need my help?” Chris asked Cyra, as he grabbed his own beer and tried to signal Tony to get the hell out of there. Unfortunately, the man was staring at him blankly. How could someone with that many academic accreditations be that damn dense?
“NO! The last time you tried to help, we almost had to call the fire department. So, you just sit yourself there and look all handsome for later.”
Cyra shook her head. “No, Tony. WE,” she said, pointing at herself and Chris, “are going to be working on wedding things.”
“I can help,” he offered, knowing that they were likely going to be doing them naked. When Chris tried to kick him but missed, he nearly started to laugh.
This was his new favorite game.
“I think we’re good,” she said, as she dished out the food for the men. “How was your day, Christopher?” she asked, as the men tasted their dinner. When Chris looked like he had reached nirvana, Cyra knew that this recipe would be going in her arsenal for the future.
Chewing, Chris swallowed before answering. “Oh, you know how it is. There were dead vagrants, head lice, oozing organs. It’s basically the same old.”
How that didn't gross her fiancé out, was beyond her.
Tony swallowed. “Today sucked. Everything had meat on it. There wasn’t a bare bone at all.”
“Yes, that’s such a travesty,” she answered, taking a plate to the stool beside Chris. “I hate when that happens. Damn victims keeping all their flesh. How dare they?”
Tony began laughing.
Chris interjected quickly, before his friend could start on anything else. “How was your assignment? I didn't see Doctor Legend come in, so I didn't know you were here.”
That was his way of telling her sorry for bringing Tony home. Cyra winked at him. “Zane worked around the clock while we were in the field. The Blackhawks sent him off duty until tomorrow morning. He looked like hell. As for the assignment, it was the same old. Someone was selling organs from the dead homeless people. We had to work on a mass grave.”
“Wow,” Chris said horrified. “That had to suck for everyone.”
“Yeah, it did. You should have seen the look on the suspect’s face as we had to arrest him in front of his children. It was heartbreaking.”
Consumed by Wrath: An FBI/Romance Thriller (An FBI/Romance Thriller ~ Book 8) Page 5