The Detective & His Khaleesi

Actually, my history with Sutton started way before her messy broken engagement. Five years ago, I was dragged to a distant relative's wedding I had zero intention of attending.

I say "cousin," but he was one of those distant relatives we never actually saw. My mom knew him; I didn't. It was my rare day off.

I already had plans with the boys—shoot some hoops in the afternoon, grab some BBQ, and pull an allnighter gaming. So I had zero intention of staying at this reception.

No, scratch that. I didn't want to be here for a single damn second. Around the banquet table, a parade of relatives I barely recognized bombarded my mom. "Is this your boy?

He's grown up so much." "Why hasn't he found a decent girlfriend yet?" "How much does a cop even make a year? Is it enough to afford a mortgage?" "I hear the precinct is dangerous.

Do you have premium life insurance?" "Oh, right. My screwup nephew got busted for a DUI last night. Lachlan, you're a cop.

Can you put in a word at the station and wipe his record?" Chapter 1 I didn't even blink. "No." The lively chatter at the table died instantly.

The aunt who had just asked for the favor turned a shade of red that was visible from space. Under the table, my mom delivered a sharp kick to my shin.

Her forced smile was so stiff it looked like her face might crack. "Lachlan, I think my diamond brooch fell off out in the lobby.

Go see if you can find it for me." I knew exactly what she was doing.

I reached over, unpinned the roseshaped diamond brooch from her collar, and balled it into my fist. "Sure, Mom," I said. "I'm on it." "Ah… haha. Go on, then," my mom stammered.

The second I stepped out of the suffocating, overcrowded ballroom, the air felt a thousand times cleaner.

I yanked at my tie—the damn thing was choking me—and sank heavily into a leather armchair in the lobby. I pulled out my phone and fired off a message to the group chat. [Get online.

Call of Duty.] [Bro 1: I'm in.] [Bro 2: Hold on, gotta take a leak.] [Bro 3: Lach, aren't you at a wedding? Done already?] I typed back. [Boring as hell.

I'm out.] I sent my mom a quick text. [Work emergency. Had to bail. And for the record: no blind dates, don't let them pitch anyone to me, and I'm not doing any illegal favors.

Don't go promising people things on my behalf.] [Mom: Just get lost.] I stood up and headed for the exit, messaging the boys again. [Give me a few.

I'll be home in ten.] My mind was already on the game, so I picked up the pace and hammered the elevator button. Ding. The doors slid open.

A girl stepped out wearing a pink tulle bridesmaid dress. She was so stunning she looked like a highend porcelain doll.

She was wearing a Bluetooth headset and talking a mile a minute, sounding like a coldblooded Wall Street wolf. "Linda, I personally oversaw the sales data from all twenty locations.

It's a hundred percent accurate.

If those old fossils on the board don't believe me, I'll take the security footage and shove it down their throats." She glanced at me, then back at the elevator. "Aren't you getting in?" My heart gave a weird, sudden thud against my ribs.

I shoved my hand into my pocket, gripping my mom's brooch tight. "No. My mom dropped her brooch.

I'm looking for it." She flashed a quick smile. "Good luck." With that, she started toward the VIP lounge. I watched her walk away, then silently pulled out my phone.

I opened the group chat and typed. [Change of plans. The food actually looks pretty good.

You three go ahead without me.] I was heading back toward the ballroom when a woman's scream ripped through the air from the direction of the VIP lounge.

Professional instinct kicked in. I didn't think; I just sprinted toward the sound. I slammed on the brakes right at the entrance.

The door was ajar, and a fullblown war was happening inside. There were two women in there. Both were wearing white wedding dresses.

Chapter 2 The bride on the right was curvy and hot, standing around 5'8", wearing a deepV haute couture wedding gown. Her arms were crossed, looking like a lioness ready to strike.

The bride on the left was petite and fragile, maybe 5'3", wearing a cheap bridesmaid dress masquerading as a bridal gown.

Tears had completely ruined her expensive mascara as she clung to the groom's arm, playing the victim. It didn't take a detective to figure out this was a messy love triangle.

The 5'8" lioness was today's actual bride. The 5'3" crier? Definitely the exgirlfriend.

Right on cue, the ex gazed up at the groom with tearfilled eyes. "Have you forgotten everything we had? You said you'd love me forever!

How can you marry someone else?" The groom buried his face in his hands, trying to pull away. "Please.

Just stop causing a scene, okay?" The real bride roughly shoved the ex away. "Have you no shame?

Get the hell out!" The petite ex lunged forward, her voice cracking into a shrill scream, "You fucking bitch! What gives you the right to kick me out? You stole my man!

I'm going to rip your face off!" The bride sneered, kicking off her high heel and gripping it like a weapon. "Bring it on!

Let's see if I don't kick your ass!" The groom shielded the bride—Clara—and pushed the ex back, shouting, "Clara isn't the other woman, so stop throwing mud!

You're the one who met some guy online and dumped me! I was a wreck for six months before I started dating Clara.

You insult my wife one more time, and I'm done being nice!" The ex looked at him in disbelief. "Brody… you're actually protecting this woman over me? I might as well just die." Die.

That single word was like a shot of adrenaline, snapping me into high alert. Time for the boys in blue to step in and deescalate. I shifted my weight, ready to breach the room.

Suddenly, the elevator girl from earlier materialized out of nowhere. She stepped right into the crossfire, physically blocking the two women from tearing each other apart.

Clara planted her hands on her hips, panting with rage. "Sutton, back off and stay out of this! I'm going to rip this crazy bitch's mouth off!" Sutton. Cute name.

Sutton shot Clara a sharp look. "Go get married," she ordered, her tone brooking no argument. "Leave the rest to me." With that, Sutton wrapped an arm around the ex's shoulders.

She pulled a tissue from her designer clutch and gently dabbed at the girl's ruined makeup. "It must have taken so much courage for you to show up in a wedding dress today.

Honestly, I admire you." The ex stared at Sutton like she'd just found her soulmate, sobbing too hard to speak. Sutton rubbed the girl's back, gently guiding her toward the door.

Her voice was pure velvet. "Sweetie, if you want, you can tell me everything. Come on, let's go find a quiet place to talk.

If Brody really did you dirty, I'll help you wreck this wedding myself.

I can't let my best friend marry a jerk." Sutton shot Brody a look of pure contempt over her shoulder—a warning glare that treated him like a piece of trash ready for the dumpster.

Unbelievably, the ex let herself be led away. "Well… here's what happened…" Interesting. This Sutton girl had some serious skills. She just defused a bomb without breaking a sweat.

The second they stepped out of the room, I dropped to a crouch, pretending to tie my shoe. Sutton guided the crying girl right past me. I couldn't help it. I looked up.

Our eyes locked. A flicker of recognition crossed her face. "Did you find the brooch?" "Nope," I replied. End of conversation.

She kept her arm securely around the ex, steering her toward the elevators. I stood back up and headed back to the ballroom.

The moment I returned to my table, the lively chatter of the aunts and uncles completely died. Absolute silence. Uh… what was I, the Grim Reaper?

Chapter 3 I had barely pulled my chair out and sat down when my mom drove the heel of her shoe hard into my leather oxford under the table.

She dropped her voice to a furious hiss. "Why the hell did you roll back in here?" I pulled the diamond brooch from my pocket and set it on the tablecloth. "Just returning your lost property, Mother." My mom cast a mortified glance at the circle of gossiping aunts around us. "Ah, haha, right.

Let's eat." Yes, ma'am. I picked up my fork and silently focused on my plate. Across the table, a toddler started throwing a tantrum, whining about wanting to go outside and play.

His grandmother shifted him on her lap and pointed right at me.

She used this stupid, exaggerated tone to scare him. "Be a good boy and listen, or that grumpy police officer over there will throw you in jail with all the bad men." The kid actually bought it.

He froze, staring at me with huge, tearfilled eyes. I figured I'd do the grandma a solid and play along.

I slapped my palm flat against the table and gave him my best terrifying glare. "Behave!" The kid blinked once, took a deep breath, and unleashed a glassshattering wail.

Heads snapped toward our table from all over the ballroom. The aunts and uncles shot me synchronized glares of absolute disapproval.

My mom scrambled to grab a handful of mints from the centerpiece, rushing over to coax the screaming toddler.

At the same time, she pointed a rigid index finger at my face from across the table, mouthing through clenched teeth: "Lachlan, eat your food. Do not look up.

Do not speak." Copy that, Mom. The reception rolled on. Clara, the bride, stood at the front with three bridesmaids backing her up.

When it came to the exciting bouquet toss, cheers erupted from the crowd. Clara gripped the microphone, her eyes slightly red. "I'm not going to throw this bouquet.

I'm saving it for my best friend, Sutton, even though she couldn't be here today because she's busy closing a multimilliondollar contract." So her name is Sutton.

She was the bride's best friend. By extension, that meant she had to be a friend of the groom. Perfect. I could totally get the groom to introduce us.

One way or another, I was getting her number today. Come on, Lach. You're tall, you're handsome. You've got this in the bag.

After enduring the rest of the meal, I tracked down the groom. Brody was busy working the room, enthusiastically seeing off guests.

He looked like the classic, smoothtalking socialite. I walked up behind him and clapped a hand on his shoulder. Brody turned, saw me, and immediately stiffened. "You… you're Mrs.

Han's kid… Lachlan, right? The detective?" I nodded. I glanced around at the crowded room. It wasn't exactly the place to ask for a girl's number. "Walk with me a second.

I need to talk to you about something." Brody looked instantly rattled. He hesitated, shifting his weight. "S—sure. Okay!" We stepped into an empty VIP lounge down the hall.

I extended my hand first. "Congratulations, man." Brody grabbed my hand with both of his. "T—thanks." What the hell? His palms were dripping with sweat.

I clapped his shoulder again, flashing an easy smile. "Relax, buddy. I just need to ask you something quick.

Won't take up much of your time." Brody's voice cracked with panic. "I'm a lawabiding citizen! Seriously, I've never done anything illegal in my life!

Why are you questioning me?" He didn't even pause for a breath. "Oh, wait, I remember now. I beat up that guy who hit on my exgirlfriend a while back.

What, did he file a police report? He deserved it! But I swear, I didn't go too far. I just gave him a black eye and a busted lip for a few days. Did he call the cops?

Is he trying to extort me? Oh my god, did he die from his injuries?" Brody was spiraling into a fullblown panic attack. Actual beads of cold sweat were forming on his forehead.

Wow. Did this guy pregame too hard? He was acting like a suspect in an interrogation room. "Calm down.

Nobody called the cops," I said, cutting off his rambling. "This is a personal matter.

You know Sutton, right?" Brody nodded numbly, asking in a cautious whisper, "Wait… is Sutton in trouble with the law?" I just stared at him.

I decided to cut straight to the chase. "Can you set me up with her?" Chapter 4 Brody's eyes suddenly lit up. A sleazy, knowing smirk spread across his face. "Ohhhh. I get it.

You want to meet Sutton." I just stared at him.

Why the hell is this guy getting so weirdly excited over some gossip? "Can you do it or not?" Brody rubbed his hands together, looking suddenly conflicted. "I mean, I could, but Sutton has a boyfriend.

Introducing her to another guy right now feels like crossing a line. I'd have to run it by my wife first, since Sutton is her best friend. And my wife is terrifying.

You saw her out there. She could break me in half…" I pressed my lips together. This guy loves the drama. "If she has a boyfriend, forget it.

I'm out." Brody grabbed my arm, chuckling. "Let's exchange numbers anyway, Detective.

If Sutton ever dumps the guy and goes single, I'll make sure you're the first to know." I frowned.

What the hell? "Pass." Brody cleared his throat, trying to look serious. "I just mean, we're family, right? Good to stay connected.

Plus, if I ever run into trouble and don't have time to call 911, it's faster to just call you.

And if I ever do accidentally break the law, I can come straight to you to cut a deal, right?" I pulled out my phone and pulled up my contact info. Fine.

The guy was a bit of an idiot, but he wasn't a bad dude. Brody's eyebrows shot up as he looked at my profile picture. "Wait, your icon is Kobe? You're a fan?" I nodded. "Yeah.

I even have a signed jersey at my place." Brody froze. He looked like he was about to cry tears of pure envy. "Could I… could I come see it?" I laughed. "Sure.

No problem." Brody leaned in. "Can we go right now?" I stared at him blankly. "…Aren't you getting married today?" Brody blinked. "Oh.

Right." I clapped him on the back. "Hit me up when you're done with the wedding stuff. We'll shoot some hoops." "Definitely!" Brody beamed. Not bad.

I didn't get Sutton's number, but I made a friend. I could live with that. I headed straight down to the underground parking garage, ready to head home.

When I got down there, I didn't expect to run into Sutton again. She had her arm looped through a young guy's, leaning into him. They looked close.

The guy was maybe 5'9", skinny and pale. He had that generic, nerdyhandsome look, wearing glasses and looking like a typical grad student.

Sutton smiled at him. "You head back to the apartment first.

I'm meeting up with Kelsey later to get a French manicure and grab a few margaritas." The guy frowned. "Brody's crazy exgirlfriend?" Sutton nodded. "Yeah." His frown deepened. "You shouldn't have gotten involved in that mess today." Sutton's smile vanished, irritation flashing in her eyes. "She came to ruin Clara's wedding.

I couldn't just stand there and watch!" The guy quickly backpedaled, forcing a smile. "That woman is unhinged.

I was just worried she might hurt you." Sutton softened immediately. "It's fine. It's all handled now.

Kelsey is letting it go, and Clara and Brody's wedding finished perfectly." I watched them walk away to their car. I shook my head, letting out a quiet sigh.

Sutton was blindly in love. That guy was calculating and selfish. They wouldn't last. But what did that have to do with me? It was her choice.

I shrugged it off, though a part of me felt like it was a damn waste. She was fiercely loyal, smart, and kind—a total badass. She deserved way better than him.

Chapter 5 The second I got into my car, my fingers were itching for a controller. I opened the group chat. [Brothers, Daddy's home.

Get online and get ready to deploy.] [Bro 1: Son, you escaped from that boring wedding hell?] [Bro 2: Boss just handed me a case. Gotta deal with a dispute.

Catch you guys next time.] [Bro 3: Well, shit. We're a man down.] For some reason, Brody's goofy face popped into my head. He looked like a gamer. [Give me a sec.

I know a guy.] I pulled up Brody's contact and texted him to ask if he played Call of Duty.

Brody replied with a screenshot. [I'm currently ranked in the Top 250 globally this season.] Holy shit. My thumbs actually fumbled as I forwarded the screenshot to the group chat.

Dead silence. Then, the chat exploded. [Where is this god?] [Get him in the lobby right now!] [I'm sweating.

My hands are shaking.] [Bro 2: Wait until I get back before you invite the carry! Wait for me!] I texted Brody back. [Mind if I pull you into our group chat?

Don't worry, they're all guys from the academy. No creeps.] Brody replied instantly. [All cops?] [Me: Yeah.] [Brody: Bring it on.

Let's see if you officers can actually shoot straight.] [Me: You just got married today. Aren't you busy tonight?

We can do this another time.] [Brody: I can sneak away for thirty minutes. Booting up now.] Ten seconds later, Brody sent a crying emoji. [Hold on. The wife just caught me.

Gimme a minute.] I let out a snort of laughter. [Deal with your wife first, man. I'm driving home.

We'll run some matches tonight.] [Brody: You got it!] … That was the first time I met Sutton. She had a boyfriend, so I never got her number.

To her, I was just some random guy by the elevators, forgotten the second she turned around. But I did walk away with a solid buddy that day—Brody.

Later that night, Brody messaged the group saying Clara was exhausted and had already crashed. So we gamed until the sun came up. Basically, Brody spent his wedding night with me.

Years later, when Sutton and I finally tied the knot, Brody teamed up with the rest of the squad to exact his revenge, blowing up my phone and demanding I log on for COD. Whatever.

Screw Call of Duty. My wife was way better company