Trial by Fire (Southern Heat Book 4) Read online

  He was silent for a moment, not wanting to leave their little bubble in the library. His gaze swept over the haphazard piles of newspaper and yellow pages of notes still spread out over the table top. He swallowed, his shoulders tensing up. He wished he could take her away, away from all the worry and definitely from any danger. The idea of Maya digging into the Dixie Mafia made his blood freeze. As much as he wanted to sweep her away, preferably somewhere far away with a giant bed so that he could spend the next few days doing nothing but learning her body, there was no avoiding it. She’d accepted him, taken his offer to help, but this was still Maya’s battle. It was important to her and so he’d move mountains to make it happen.

  She stiffened against him, shifting to meet his gaze, a frown on her face. “Seth? What’s wrong?”

  He forced his frown away and stood, turning back to face her again. “Absolutely nothing.”

  Yeah. She didn’t believe him. Mercifully, Maya chose to ignore his asinine mood swings and moved to start gathering her papers together. “Maybe we should head to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation?” she said. “If there was an autopsy done by the medical examiner, then they’d have the records.”

  She shoved the papers into a large messenger bag and Seth moved closer, picking it up and swooping it over his shoulder before Maya could pick it up. “Sounds like a plan.”

  “What do you mean, I can’t see the records?” Maya’s face was pinched as she stood at the counter of the GBI office in Athens. Seth had driven them the half hour over to the regional field office. He’d kept an eye on Maya for the drive, grasping her hand in his and holding her close to his side as they’d walked into the gray-toned building. She hadn’t really needed him, however, holding her own with a backbone of steel. Now, though, standing in front of the clerk, he wasn’t sure if she was going to burst into tears or punch something. The latter probably wouldn’t be a good idea in a building filled with law enforcement.

  “Autopsy results are generally available three to four months after the date of death—” the clerk said.

  Maya interrupted, her teeth gritted. “It’s been that long.”

  The clerk continued, ignoring her statement. “And requests should be made in writing. Your request will then be assessed and responded to in a timely manner.”

  Seth opened his mouth to reply, but Maya beat him to it. “Please,” she said. Seth’s eyes narrowed. Her hands were resting lightly on the counter, but there was a tremor running through her arms, as though she was forcing her entire body to remain upright. She bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes glistening with tears she refused to shed. “Please. I need information about my brother’s death, and no one will give it to me.”

  The clerk sighed and handed Maya a box of tissues. “I’m sorry, Sugar, I really am. Have your parents ever requested a copy of the report? Maybe you could ask them.”

  Maya’s eyebrows rose as a look of confusion came over her face. “My parents?” She swallowed, her voice husky. “No. They don’t . . . it’s just me.”

  “Well, then I’m sorry, Darlin’, but then there’s nothing I can do.” She reached under the counter and handed Maya a printed form. “You seem like a nice girl and I’d like to help you out, but my hands are tied. The law is clear. Only the next of kin can request a copy of the report. Spouse, then adult children, parents, and after that siblings.” She looked at Maya, her face full of sympathy. “If your parents are still alive and legally competent, then they need to request the report. I can’t give it directly to you, even if you fill in the correct paperwork.”

  Maya’s shoulders slumped. “They won’t. It’s just . . .” The tissue box crumpled in her hands.

  The clerk turned back to her screen and tapped away at the keyboard. “I tell you what, Honey, let me at least check what we have on file. Then you’ll know if there’s anything worth pursuing. What was your brother’s name?”

  Maya cleared her throat. “Jesse. Jesse Graves. He died in a house fire in Monroe six months ago.”

  The clerk tsked. “Such a sad business.” Her hands moved across the keyboard. “Ahh, here we are . . .” She stopped, frowning.

  Seth didn’t like the look on her face. He was taking over from here, before Maya ripped the tissue box to shreds. “Is there something we should know?” he asked.

  “No autopsy was done here,” the clerk said. She looked away from the screen and back to them. “The body was transferred to the FBI lab in Quantico the next day, before the GBI medical examiner could finish their examination. Not that it’ll do you much good, ma’am. They have the same report request rules we do.”

  Shit. Maya looked like she was going to faint. Her face grew deathly pale and her body went limp. Seth moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her tightly against him. “Seth?” she whispered. “Why didn’t they tell me?”

  He leaned down, brushing his lips against her cheek and then speaking into her ear, his voice low. “I don’t know, Sweetheart. But you better believe I’m going to find out.”

  18

  Seth

  Seth watched Maya from across the table. Finally, some color was returning to her face. After the clerk had taken pity on her and looked up the autopsy results, Maya had shut down. She hadn’t spoken a word as he’d thanked the clerk, nor when he’d wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her out to the parking lot. She’d remained silent as he’d opened her door and helped her into the car. After shutting her door, he’d taken his phone out and shot off a quick text to Liam, asking him to find out anything he could from his contacts at the GBI. His gaze ticked back and forth between his phone and Maya the entire time. He’d watched as she’d done up her seatbelt, going through the motions automatically, and then stared out the car window. She hadn’t looked toward him as he’d rounded the car and opened his own door. When he’d started the engine and pulled out onto the road, her hands tightened slightly in her lap, but still she sat silently.

  He’d driven aimlessly for ten minutes, glancing over every few seconds, but Maya continued to stare out the window. Five more minutes and he could no longer stand the look on her face. Her eyes had been glassy, unfocused, her breaths shallow and a little faster than he’d like, her fingers tightly clenched in her lap. He’d glanced in the mirrors to make sure the road was clear and then wrenched the steering wheel, turning sharply off the road. The jerking movement seemed to break Maya out of her trance and she’d looked up at him, eyes wide. Seth had thrown the car into park and rounded the truck, opening her door. He didn’t wait for Maya to turn or acknowledge the move, but simply picked her up and then took her place on the seat, lowering her down onto his lap. It had been a little cramped, but she’d leaned into him anyway, a breath leaving her in a whoosh as her head had rested against his chest.

  They’d sat there for at least ten minutes, still quiet, but it was an entirely different silence. He’d stroked her hair, and little by little, the tension had left her body, until finally she’d turned her face toward him and touched her lips to his. He’d kissed her, slowly and gently. The fire from their first kiss was still there, but this time it was simmering beneath the surface. This time, Maya had needed comfort of an entirely different nature, and he was going to be there to provide it. He’d moved slowly, almost lazily, taking time to taste her, to feel her. After several moments, he’d pulled away, resting his forehead against hers. Her breathing had slowed and her hands were wrapped around his biceps instead of gripping firmly to each other. When her eyes met his, Seth knew she was back.

  He smiled, wrapping one arm around her back to hold her upright and tucking her against his shoulder. “How about lunch? Get some real food beyond sugar and coffee into you?” She’d nodded and so he’d stood and placed her gently back in the truck and then returned to the driver’s seat and pulled back onto the road. Now, watching her read the menu from across the table, the entire thing seemed almost like a dream. He hadn’t been swept away in physical passion, but the moment had still
been incredibly intimate. She’d needed someone to be there, to take control and keep her safe while she processed the latest bombshell, and it had been an honor to be able to do that for her. Watching her, it was suddenly as clear as day to Seth. He was falling for her, this amazing, strong-as-steel and yet still incredibly vulnerable woman. Holding her in his arms, even in the cramped confines of the pickup, had simply felt right. Imagining being by her side for all of it, and then sliding naked with her between the sheets when the day was done felt even more right. Maya might not realize it yet, but Seth was done for. However this played out, he wouldn’t be moving on when she’d proven her brother’s innocence. He hoped it would be simply the beginning for them, for a new life.

  She ordered waffles with fruit and fresh whipping cream and Seth smiled. He was already learning that if Maya had her way, there would be a sweet surprise in every meal. What would she taste like? His dick stiffened beneath the table as his imagination ran wild. He bet she’d be as sweet and tart as the strawberries and cream on her dessert-lunch, and he couldn’t wait for the moment when she’d let him taste. Seth shook his head, smiling to himself. They’d only kissed a couple of times, but that was enough for him to make up his mind. Now he just had to show her he was waiting for her, whenever she was ready.

  Not quite ready to put himself into a sugar coma, Seth ordered steak and fries. The server took their order and then delivered a bottle of water and a bread basket to the table, telling them their order would be out shortly. He reached over and took Maya’s hand, turning it palm up in his and stroking a finger along the lines. It was a simple gesture, and one they’d done even before the kiss in the library that had catapulted them forward, but one he reveled in all the same. Her skin was soft, the warmth returning to it as Maya found her equilibrium again. Just touching her, in any way, settled him too. Already, he wanted to have some part of his body touching hers at all times.

  Maya met his gaze and a warmth spread over her face. That she was still so affected by simple, casual touches warmed his heart—and his libido. He was waiting for the green light, but once she gave it, there would be no holding him back. “Thank you,” she said. “For back there. I’d probably still be standing in the office staring at the wall drooling if you hadn’t gotten me out.”

  He chuckled. “It wasn’t that bad, but you’re welcome.” His finger traced lazily over the back of her hand, moving up toward her wrist. “I want to be able to do those things for you.”

  Maya ducked her head slightly, but didn’t break eye contact. “I think I’m figuring that out now.” She took a deep breath. “I like it, Seth, when you’re around.” Her eyes grew wistful. “It feels good, after so long, to have someone looking out for me.”

  Okay, time to nudge her just a little. He picked up her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing the back. “It was my pleasure.”

  A full-body shiver ran through her and her eyes lit up. Seth forced his grip on her hand to stay relaxed, but his mind was racing. He wasn’t imagining a damn thing. Maya was just as interested as he was. Now all he had to do was show her that she deserved happiness in her life just as much as her brother deserved justice. “Maybe we could extend the lunch date to dinner?”

  Maya’s eyes widened and she bit her lip. Seth could practically see the barrage of thoughts bulleting through her mind. Seconds later, her face broke into one of those amazing smiles. “I’d like that.”

  Before he could say anything further, their server arrived at their table, her arms loaded with their order. Maya slipped her hand out of his and picked up her cutlery. She cut off a large piece of waffle, dipped it in the cream, and then dropped it in her mouth. Her eyes closed on a groan, the sound making his semi return with full force. Damn, if she got that much pleasure from something sweet, he’d feed her chocolate all damn day just to see that look on her face. It was of pure bliss, a contentment he hadn’t seen, well, ever.

  “Oh, God, thank you.” Maya took another bite, this time adding a strawberry. “I needed that.”

  She probably needed something sweet after the shock of the morning. That didn’t stop Seth watching as every mouthful of waffles disappeared. He’d grinned when she’d drizzled the plate with maple syrup, too. Anything for sugar with Maya. He liked a woman with an appetite, and watching Maya enjoy her meal was a complete pleasure. His stomach reminded him that he’d skipped breakfast, and so he forked mouthfuls of steak and fries, but he barely tasted a thing. The entire time, he was watching a small bead of maple syrup glistening on the corner of Maya’s mouth. How a man was supposed to sit there and pretend it wasn’t there was beyond him. It was all he could do not to lean over the table, swipe it away with a finger, and then lick his finger clean. Damn, everything that morning was giving Seth his own food-related imagination porn. Maya smiled at him and licked away a dollop of cream from her upper lip and he had to grip the edges of the table to make himself stay seated.

  Until his phone rang. Saved by the bell. Seth grabbed it out of his pocket and read the screen. The steak turned to lead in his stomach as he read the name on the caller notification—Liam. He clicked to answer. “Liam, okay if I put you on speaker phone?” Liam agreed and Seth set the phone down between him and Maya on the table. “What’s up?”

  Liam’s voice was low, with a cut of steel in it. “I followed up with my contact at the GBI, as you asked, Seth.” Maya’s gaze snapped to his, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but Liam continued. “Where are you guys right now? Is Maya doing okay?”

  “We’re in a diner,” Seth answered. This time he let go of any resistance his brain was throwing at him and stood up, moving into Maya’s side of the booth. Whatever Liam was calling for, it wasn’t good. He wasn’t going to just hold her hand this time. Scooting close to her, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her next to him. Maya gave him a small smile, but turned quickly back to the phone. “Liam, it’s Maya. What’s going on?”

  A loud exhale came down the line. Seth could imagine his friend sitting behind the desk in his office, running his fingers through his hair just like the day before. The relaxed, happy look had completely fled from Maya’s face, her feet tapping on the floor again. “Liam? Whatever it is . . . Maya’s going to lose it if you don’t spit it out.”

  “Okay,” Liam said. “Maya, Seth—my friend at the GBI spoke to the medical examiner. He didn’t get a chance to do a full autopsy before the FBI took the body, but he did get in a preliminary investigation. Maya, there was soot in your brother’s airways and his throat was burnt and swollen.”

  Oh, holy hell. Fuck no. Seth’s pulse pounded in his ears and his entire body felt twitchy. Only Maya’s quiet next words drew him back.

  “I don’t understand.”

  The arm around her waist suddenly didn’t seem like enough and Seth embraced her, wrapping Maya up entirely in his embrace. Liam spoke again. “Seth, can you tell her or do you want me to?”

  Maya turned to him. “Seth?” Whatever pain he’d seen in her eyes before, this was worse. The uncertainty in her gaze was killing him.

  “We already know Jesse didn’t set the fire, the final one at least.” Maya nodded. Seth’s arms tightened around her before he could keep going. “Maya, Sweetheart,”—crap, this was impossible—“what soot and burns in the throat mean, well, it indicates that the victim was breathing when the fire started.”

  Maya went pale, her body going limp. If it hadn’t been for his tight embrace, Seth thought she could have easily crumpled to the floor. “What does that mean?” she asked, her quiet voice now barely even a whisper.

  “It means that whoever set the fire did it knowing Jesse was not only still inside, but still alive. I doubt if he was working with an accomplice. If he’d had anything to do with the other fires at all, the other person wouldn’t have just left him there like that.” Seth suppressed a grimace, turning in his seat so he could make eye contact. He needed eyes on her when he told her. “Maya, I think your brother was murdered.”

&nbs
p; 19

  Maya

  Seth was there. At least, she thought so. Maya couldn’t feel his touch anywhere on her body. She was cold, so damn cold. Fuck, where was she? She was disorientated, dizzy—hell, she wasn’t even sure she was still in the diner. The dizziness grew until the entire room grew fuzzy, black falling in at the edges. Her lungs burned and she forced a breath in, her chest tight and resisting all the way. The breath almost fell back out in a shaky exhale, but it was enough for her to register the pressure of arms around her. Another shaky breath and she felt lips against her temple and a hand smoothing down her hair. One more breath and colors swirled in front of her eyes, coalescing into the diner, the booth, and her half-eaten waffles sitting in front of her. Maya clapped a hand over her mouth and she jerked, forcing her stomach to keep whatever she’d eaten already down.

  “You okay?” Seth’s voice sounded in her ear and Maya flinched at the closeness. “Shhh,” he whispered. “Take as much time as you need. I’m right here.”

  “Liam?” Her voice still sounded far away, as if it were coming from someone else.

  “I hung up,” Seth said. “But he’s going to keep digging.”

  “Okay.”

  Seth shifted, his arms staying around her but his body turning so they could be face-to-face. He was frowning, his eyes awash with deep concern. “Maya, what do you need to do? We can go meet with Liam, go back to the library, the county office. Whatever you need.”

  She fell silent, and Seth sat, waiting. He didn’t push her for an answer. His hand moved back to sweep small strokes up and down her back. What was the next step? She had no idea. Options and ideas swirled through her mind, but she couldn’t pay attention to any of them. Nothing made any sense. Nothing had made any sense since Seth had said her brother had been murdered. This was just the latest piece of news to completely freak her out. The only thing she wanted to do was go back to bed, pull the covers over head, and pretend that this entire day, the entire everything didn’t exist. In a heartbeat, she’d take quiet darkness over the deluge of grief and anger twisting her to pieces.