“I promised Frog I’d keep you safe.” Josh tipped her chin up with a forefinger, and their gazes connected. His was full of concern and what she called he-man determination. “Tell me, what would he say?”
“He’d tell me to report the crime.”
“Exactly. I’ll be there with you, and tomorrow, we’ll install a new security system. Okay?”
Ashley sighed. He was right. She knew it, but already, she could imagine the cops’ reaction. Big girl panties, she reminded herself. Besides, she was in politics. People always made snide comments about politicians. No matter what she or her colleagues did, someone disliked their actions. It was the nature of the game.
“Is there anything else out of place?”
“Just my underwear.” A shudder ran through her. She’d have to squeeze in shopping time. The idea of wearing clothes a weird stranger had touched sickened her. That meat-stew sensation again.
The police came, took her statement, and left. The two police constables who’d attended had regarded her as if she was crazy. Not that she blamed them, but she’d followed Josh’s advice and done what Matt would expect. The police had a report to file with her name attached to it.
“Discuss an alarm system with Louie,” Nikolai suggested.
“Great idea,” Josh said.
“Summer, we should head out.” Nikolai turned to Josh. “You’ll let us know if we can help with anything.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“Thank you for your help tonight.” Ashley attempted a friendly smile when she’d rather cry angry tears. Maybe mutter one or two of her brother’s descriptive curses. Instead, she forced her smile wider. “I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” Summer winked at her brother. “You’re family now. I’ll call you about dinner.”
Nikolai and Summer left, leaving tension of a different kind. Ashley trusted her brother, so she believed in Josh, but it was still weird. This fake fiancé thing. And the boundaries. Did they hold hands in public? Kiss?
What did a fake fiancé do?
Her gaze slid to Josh’s mouth, and a whoosh of heat ran through her, leaving her knees weak and her heart strangely wanting. Josh Williams was a capable man. Strong. Masculine. Sexy. She jerked her gaze away and mentally listed Labor’s policies.
“Should I clear your bed for you? I got the impression you intend to toss your lingerie after tonight.”
Ashley shuddered. “Yes, please. I can’t sleep in there tonight. I’ll take a spare room.”
“Which room is mine?”
“The room next to the master,” Ashley said. “It has an en suite.”
“Why don’t you take that one?” Josh’s understanding had her blinking away another bout of potential tears. “I’ll take your room.”
She bit her lip. Withheld her tears. She’d worked hard to contain her emotions. Yes, she smiled, but she never showed sadness because that made her appear weak. The last thing she ever wanted was to seem over sensitive or out of control. An emotional candidate repelled the voters.
“Are you sure?”
“I get to have a king bed rather than the single. Win-win.”
“I’ll grab clean sheets for you.”
“I can change the sheets. Take a bath or something. Chill out. Summer swears by a bubble bath.”
Ashley stared at Josh, nonplussed by his understanding. His charm. His niceness.
“Ashley.” Josh moved closer. His hands landed on her shoulders and their gazes connected. “Don’t worry. We’ll get you through this. I promise.”
Ashley nodded, although she didn’t think this pretense would be as easy as he thought.
Josh woke to a scream. He bolted upright in the bed, confused for an instant until the cry repeated, rippling down the passage.
