INK: Fine Lines (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

face.
    “She looks cold,” Eli whispers.
    “Of course she is! This asshole wouldn’t let her get dressed.” I tick my thumb toward Mark, getting pissed all over again.
    “Aiden, calm down. It isn’t his fault. He was just doing what he was told.” Eli locks both arms on the ledge of the window and expels a heavy breath.
    “How long until I can bring her home? Look at her; she’s losing it in there. You know she doesn’t do well confined. She didn’t get any sleep last night. She’s been here for hours and she hasn’t eaten anything.” I can’t stop pacing in the small observation room. I’m feeling as caged as she looks.
    “I’ve already called Harry. He’s on his way,” Eli says with his eyes still closed.
    “That’s great, just what I need.” I run my fingers through his hair. Harry hates me.
    “I didn’t do it for you, I called him because she needs him right now. “ Eli turns to face me. “I’m going to talk to her.”
    I grab Eli by the arm. “You can’t go in there.” I look to Mark for help.
    Eli is struggling to maintain his patience; hangover or not, I can see I’m pushing his limits. “Get your hands off of me.” He flashes me a threatening look.
    Fuck him and his stare of death. I’m not letting him go in there. “Mark said no one can see her, cops and lawyers only.”
    Eli shakes my arm loose. Turning to me, he presses his finger into my chest like he’s the big man. “I’m an assistant district  attorney , asshole.” He turns back toward the door and lets out a sarcastic laugh. “You know, it’s pretty sick, Aiden. You would rather have her in there alone than be comforted by  me .” With that he opens the door and walks in.
    It’s not about comforting her, it’s about causing her more pain. I know how upset she gets when Eli falls off the wagon. I know her; she’s going to worry more about him than she is about herself. He’s the one being selfish.
    Marks stands next to me, looking in. “You two used to be so tight. What happened, man?”
    “I don’t know, Mark; I guess he got tired of always being number two.” I say, expelling a sad breath.

Chapter Seven
Honey & Heineken
    Shay
    The door opens, revealing a frazzled Eli. I’m so relieved to see him, even if he is the one who’s going to hang me out to dry at the trial. I jump up from the chair, immediately seeking solace in his warm embrace. I shiver into him like his hold will make this all disappear. “Eli, what the hell is going on?”
    “Shay, you’re freezing.” Eli seems to be avoiding the question. He takes his suit jacket off and hangs it around my shoulders. I inhale deeply. It smells like him, honey and Heineken. He’s so tall his jacket is like a dress on me. Anything to cover these ridiculous Goodwill-reject pajamas I’m wearing.
    “Oh Eli, you’ve been drinking.” It comes out more disappointed than scolding. I hang my head, then press into him. His heart is pounding rapidly against his chest.
    “Shay, I don’t have a lot of time. I shouldn’t even be in here.” He turns, looking over his shoulder at the mirror. He’s nervous about whoever’s watching us on the other side. “I called your dad, he’s on the way.”
    “Thank you. If you can’t straighten this out, I know he’ll be able to.” I say with confidence. I know this is a complete regression for a twenty-two year-old woman, but knowing Daddy’s on the way is the greatest comfort of all. The one true superhero in a girl’s life.
    Eli grips my shoulders firmly and leans down to meet my eyes. “Listen to me, this is very important. Do what I say and I’ll be driving you home in under an hour. Don’t say ANYTHING, don’t tell them your name, don’t tell them what you had for dinner, do NOT say a word.” His eyes are as serious as a heart attack.
    His hold on my shoulders is getting too tight and starting to hurt. I wiggle free from him.
    “Shouldn’t be a problem, I really don’t have a lot to say. Won’t it