All Chapters of Chasing the Huntress: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

I skillfully picked the lock to Umbridge’s apartment and managed to slip inside without disturbing the red police tape wrapped around the door. Once inside, I made sure to lock the door behind me and tip-toed around the few remaining markers on the floor, trying my best to leave no trace of my presence.As I explored the apartment, I was overcome with a feeling of frustration and exhaustion. The night with Lukas had been a disaster, and I barely managed to get any sleep at all. I had woken up at sunrise and taken a cold shower before heading to Moe’s to obtain the Michael Umbridge file. With the file in hand, I had come straight to Umbridge’s home to investigate.However, my hopes were soon crushed. Everything appeared to have already been thoroughly searched and investigated. Every possible piece of evidence, including the trash cans, had been removed, leaving me with nothing to work with.I summarized the pool of dried blood that stained the floor had been where Umbridge died. It was

I walked into Mortimer’s Bail Bonds and collapsed into the seat in front of Bea. She glanced at me from under her lashes, then stopped typing and pushed her glasses up her nose with her index finger.“Already done?”I handed her a small stack of bail bond paperwork, and she quickly reviewed it, entering all the information into the computer system. But when she reached the last case, she gave me a stern look.“Four? You’ve caught four skips in one week? Honey, maybe it’s time to take a break,” Bea said, her eyes filled with concern.I waved my hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. I’m just trying to keep myself busy. This is an excellent distraction.”Bea’s eyes softened, but she still looked worried. She and Moe always knew I liked to keep myself occupied, but maybe I had gone a little too far this time. I had been chasing and handcuffing people non-stop, barely taking the time to eat or sleep. It was a wonder I hadn’t started smoking cigarettes with all the stress I was putting myself un

I gradually woke up, and my head throbbed mercilessly. I opened one eye and noticed a glass of water sitting next to two pills and a note, which seemed to have been placed there with care. I groaned and turned away from the intrusive light, shielding my face with a pillow. Suddenly, a wave of memories from the previous night crashed over me, leaving me feeling disoriented and vulnerable. I recalled seeing Lukas and drinking a copious amount of whiskey to numb the pain that still lingered from our last encounter. I had hoped to make him jealous if he was watching. I faintly remembered possibly kissing Jace, but then everything went hazy, and I must have blacked out.After gathering my courage, I tossed the pillow aside and reached for the pills, my fingers trembling. I washed them down with the water, feeling the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. I then turned to the note, dreading what it might reveal about my behaviour the previous night. I hoped I hadn’t embarrassed myself too

As Jace’s name slipped from my mouth, I slapped my hand over my lips and backed away from Lukas with shock.Why the fuck had I said that? Why was I even thinking about him?I pulled the covers over me and thanked God that I hadn’t turned on the lights. At least in the darkness, I couldn’t see the destruction I had just inflicted on Lukas’s ego.Shit. Fuck. Fuck.“I…” I didn’t know what to say, and it mortified me.I had deep feelings for Lukas, and I hated myself for possibly obliterating my chances of ever seeing where these feelings could lead. There was no way to salvage this.Lukas repositioned himself on the side of the bed. I heard him exhale and pass a hand over his face.“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” he replied. “You must have a lot on your mind right now.”I couldn’t understand how calm he was about the whole thing. For reasons beyond my comprehension, I had just said another man’s name while having foreplay with someone else, and Lukas was acting as though nothing really

I casually walked over to Bea’s desk and sat, waiting for her to return from the back office where she was likely looking through piles of documents. It was Monday morning, and usually, Monday mornings were slow and perfect for filing cases that were closed late the week before.Lukas was looking at the portraits in the waiting area and grumbled when I tried to shoo him outside.“Why do you keep asking me to leave? Are you shy about being seen with me?”“No… well, yes. But no. It’s just… they’re like family. They’ll start asking questions about you. Couldn’t you wait outside?” I asked as I got up and tried to push him out.Lukas chuckled, causing his chest to rumble, and he quickly sidestepped me, enveloping me in his massive arms.“If that’s the case, they’ll love me. I mean, look at me,” Lukas said, flashing me a perfect smile and then kissing my head. “What’s not to love?”I groaned but did nothing to stop him. I felt helpless in his strong arms, which, incidentally, I didn’t want t