Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

“It’s over, Rosita. The monsters are never coming back.” I murmured,
kissing her temple and rubbing her back like mama used to do so often.
I knew Maddox was staring at us during this very intimate moment, but
somehow, it didn’t feel like he was invading our privacy. More like a
guarding presence, protecting us. That’s exactly what Maddox was after all,
more than a cop, more than a figure of authority, he was a protector. Maybe
that was why I looked up to him in a way.
The blood on me had dried, so when my sister stepped back to take me in,
little hands clutching my cheeks, she was clean, no blood had gotten on her. I
was grateful for that. Her deep brown eyes scanned my face frantically, like
she was trying to make sure I was okay.
“Do you promise?” She croaked, and hearing her normally sweet voice
sound so rough did something to my heart.
“Yes baby. I take the monsters away. That’s what I do, remember? Like
those under your bed.” I managed a small smile, still feeling Maddox’s stare
dig into my skin. I already knew what he was thinking, that I was technically
lying to my sister because I had only killed one of the men who murdered the
mayor and his wife. The other was still out there, free, and dangerous,
probably waiting for the best moment to come and finish the work.
My little rose burrowed her face into my shoulder, her sobs slowly
calming down while I kept on rubbing her back. My eyes drifted up to
Maddox and he stared back, drowning me in a sea of green. I took in his
messy dark blond hair, square jaw and plump lips. The way he held himself
so straight, so tall, pushing his wide shoulders back, deliciously stretching
his black dress shirt. For a second I forgot who we really were. He was just
a friend who had come by as soon as he’d heard what happened, to offer me
his help and support.
But then his badge reflected on a street light, grabbing my attention and I
was reminded of our current situation, bringing me back to reality. I was a
nineteen year old orphan, soon-to-be guardian to a nine year old, and he was
the pain in the ass detective who was in charge of the case of my parents’
gruesome murder.