Chapter 20

Elizabeth drifted back into consciousness wrapped up in Lucky's arms. Breathing in deeply, she snuggled closer while listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. She'd missed the safety of his embrace, the peace she found in his arms. Gazing up at Lucky, she realized there was only one reason to leave him, and she wanted it completed. Besides, she could pick up breakfast on the way back and spend all day in bed with him. She sighed a little at that thought and moved to slip quietly out of the bed.

The arm around her waist tightened suddenly, pulling her firmly back towards him. Without opening his eyes, Lucky grumbled, "Where do you think you're going?"

The rumbly, sleepy tone of his voice sent a shiver down her spine, and feeling her tremble, Lucky smiled. She was never going to win with this man. One look from those cobalt blues, one wolfish smirk, one innuendo laden phrase and she was done for. "I was thinking of getting us breakfast."

"Not hungry ... for food at least," he replied, pulling her closer for a kiss.

"Lucky," she pouted. "I want to be able to focus solely on you." She was interrupted by a kiss on her jaw. "And let everyone know that I'm in love with you." Another kiss, this time by her earlobe." And you're in love with me." Interrupted again, further down. "But to do that I have to break up with Andrew." Lucky froze. His eyes grew solemn, and he tightened his hold on her. "Lucky? What's wrong?"

"You aren't going without me."

Elizabeth grew even more concerned. "I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, I don't want to rub it in Andrew's face that I'm breaking up with him to be with you."

Lucky pulled her closer still, sighing deeply. She needed to know this; he knew that she did. It was important that she had all the information. He didn't want to keep anything like this from her, and yet ... he couldn't stand the thought of hurting her. If there was any way he could keep this from causing her any pain, any grief, he would. Because she was going to feel stupid and vulnerable and angry and horrified at the same time. There was nothing he could do to save her those feelings, and that thought alone was causing him almost physical pain. He had wanted to hold the information back from her for just a little longer, but there was definitely no way in hell he was going to let her be alone with that creep. "Remember how yesterday I was so upset when I found you?"

"Uh huh." She'd grown quiet, sensing his turmoil.

"Lisbeth" He squeezed her closer for a moment. "Whatever I tell you in the next couple of minutes, I need you to know that I love you and I'm never leaving your side again, okay?"

"Lucky, you're scaring me. What's going on?"

Lucky ran a hand over his face roughly. "There was something about Andrew that didn't sit well with me. There was something about the way he touched you, the way he looked at you that was too possessive, like he owned you and he was out to let everyone else know it. It wasn't right. I couldn't stand the idea that he might hurt you, so I had my partner Ryan investigate him...."

"What?" Elizabeth exclaimed sitting up and staring at him in shock.

Lucky quickly sat up as well, facing her. "I had to! If I couldn't protect you, I had to make sure that he would. I had to know that you would be happy, that you would be okay, that you would be more than okay."

"What does this have to do with you going with me today?"

"Yesterday, Ryan called me. He found something in Andrew's past." Lucky took her hands then, making sure she could see the love, the concern, in his eyes before continuing. "Ryan's double-checking what he found with ... the people involved, but Elizabeth ... Andrew raped his ex-girlfriend."

She drew back in shock. "Lucky, that can't be right. Ryan must be wrong. Someone misunderstood. Andrew wouldn't do anything like that." Even as she said it, the truth began to sink in. Lucky wouldn't lie about something like this. Other people might be mistaken, but Lucky wouldn't tell her something like this without knowing for sure.

"Elizabeth, Ryan found some unfiled charges from an Emma Rosing. She was Andrew's girlfriend in Philadelphia. Ryan's flying up there today to follow up with her. I don't have all the specifics, but if you want, I can call Ryan and you can speak to him personally," Lucky responded in an understanding tone.

Elizabeth shook her head. "I trust you Lucky. If you think he did this, then that means he must have." Her words faded out to a whisper as the truth hit her. She'd been dating a rapist. He'd raped his last girlfriend. How much longer would he have put up with her before...?

Lucky watched her defenses fall. Her eyes filled with tears, and she visibly crumbled before him. Reaching out gently, he pulled her into his lap and let her absorb what he had just told her–that her soon-to-be-ex boyfriend was a rapist. After a time, he spoke again, "I looked for you for hours yesterday. Frantically hoping I would find you before ... I never imagined you were here, safe." He debated on whether or not to continue, knowing she was having to process a lot of information right now. "I can't let you go break up with him alone. I didn't get to you fast enough the.... I can't fail you like that again." Elizabeth only nodded, clearly spent and overwhelmed by the bomb he'd just dropped. Lucky dropped a kiss on her forehead, holding her close. For several moments neither one said anything. Lucky rested in the fact that Elizabeth was okay and he'd make sure she stayed that way.

Elizabeth's thoughts had begun to spiral depressingly until she felt Lucky's soft kiss on her temple. Lucky loved her. He'd watched out for her for the last several months. He'd loved her for years. That was all that mattered. She should just take this information about Andrew, and thank the stars above that she was okay. She was breaking things off with him anyway. Elizabeth sighed and looked up into Lucky's gaze. This man in front of her– he was all that mattered. As long as she was with him, her world was fine. "I love you," she whispered quietly.

"I love you too," he replied before leaning down to kiss her gently. "You going to be okay?"

Elizabeth forced a smile. "Uh huh. I've got you, don't I? I have a lot to be grateful for." She slid out of his arms. "I think we made enough of a mess last night, don't you?" She quickly began picking up their discarded dinner dishes and setting them by the door.

Lucky sighed and slid out of bed as well. She was avoiding dealing with her emotions; he knew that well enough. Thankfully, he didn't plan to let her out of his sight long enough for her to deal with them alone. If she needed space, he could give her that. When she was ready to talk about what she was feeling, he would be there. "Why don't you freshen up in the bathroom down the hall, and I'll carry this stuff downstairs?" He said, walking over to the dresser and pulling out a tube of toothpaste and a washcloth.

"Are you implying that my breath stinks, Spencer?" Elizabeth asked with a grin as she took both items from him.

Lucky dipped his head down for a quick kiss. "Nope. Just being helpful. Now go get ready to leave. Once we deal with your unfinished business, we should take advantage of how beautiful it is outside." A playful "yes sir" was her only answer as she made her way out the door. Lucky quickly gathered up the dishes and glasses and piled them in the cooler. He'd carry it downstairs to Mike on their way out. He swiftly pulled on a pair of jeans and a knit shirt. Turning from the closet, he spotted his shoulder holster slung over the arm of the chair by the door. He almost gave into the temptation to strap it on, but that would only make Elizabeth more nervous, which was the last thing he wanted. Besides, it wasn't like Haydn would try anything while they were in the hospital, nothing Lucky couldn't handle anyway.

Elizabeth came back into the room then and walked slowly over into his arms. "I've missed this. Even though I didn't know what this was; something in me missed walking into your bedroom and seeing you barefoot and disheveled."

Lucky's only response was to smirk before leaning over once more. The moment his lips met hers, Elizabeth's arms slid up around his neck. Lucky pulled her close, firmly and yet reverently. Here was peace.