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So the case was dropped for lack of evidence, and I was left to rebuild my life around a crime that would never be solved

Beck pulls into the garage of the Millennium Tower and inches into his reserved space He opens er seat His touch is war as we make our way up to the penthouse

The minute we step inside, I have an immediate burst of relief mixed with a touch of uncertainty

I o from here?

But Beck is Beck, and he takes charge I suspect this is due to his experience in handling Caroline, and while the criht are

He pulls ht into the bathrooarden tub and starts to fill it with hot water He opens a bottle of enerous a him test the heat of the water andhis hands on a towel

Turning to me, he places his hands on my cheeks and leans in to kiss ry, but I' to make some soup for you all the same And some tea Get in the bath, take your time, and just relax"

I nod, because that sounds nice and it also gives me time to prepare for the inevitable talk I knoe need to have My hands go to the navy blue sweater I' it up and over my head Beck watches me for ain desire This comforts me for the moment, and I drop the sweater to the marble floor

Beck turns, walks back into the bedrooain He places one of his folded white T-shirts on the vanity with a pair ofto the back of the door, he pulls his robe off the hook and lays it at the foot of the tub Another kiss to my temple while his hand wraps around the back of my neck, and he turns to leave

"Beck?" I say quietly

"Yeah, baby," he returns softly

"I'"

"I'm ready to hear it when you're ready to tell it" His eyes are sad but reassuring "I'll help you I can't ht, but I'll s I need to tell you too"

I wonder if he'd helphis loyalty will be to me

I wonder exactly how in the hell he'll be able to look JT in the face tomorroork

"Now get in the bath I'll come check on you in a bit," he instructs me

"Okay," I whisper, and watch as he gives me one more sad smile and walks out of the bathroom

--

My eyes open, blinking against the harsh h the wall of s to my left I rub my eyes, try to clear the fuzziness fro day yesterday, and turn ht Beck's side of the bed is empty and the covers are pushed to the side There's an indentation in his pillows, so it appears he slept here last night, although I don't have any recollection

Then it comes back to me

My bath

Eating about half a bowl of soup before pushing it away

Drinking the cup of chamomile tea he had prepared for me