“Bald with sleeves of tattoos, and he had this snake tattoo on the side of his head.”
Jace grazed her side with his thumb. Thankfully, she didn’t pull away.
Cody cleared his throat. “I caught a glimpse of him from behind, and he looked to be about six feet tall and well-built.”
“I’m being paranoid, right?” Elle rose to her feet. “I’m unfairly judging this random guy who pulls over and walks down the street, because of his tattoos and the way he looks. He walked straight past me.”
“You were scared,” Jace said softly. “And that wouldn’t be just because of his looks. Why?”
She lifted a shoulder. “I guess because he was looking at me as he drove past really slowly, then he pulled over. He wasn’t looking at me as he got out, but he walked in my direction. Cody opened the door just before he reached me, and he walked right past without even glancing my way again.”
Jace’s muscles tensed. It was possible the guy hadn’t been heading toward her. But it was also possible hehadbeen, and the sight of Cody had deterred him. “You said you feel like someone’s been watching you lately.”
“Is that true?” Eastern asked sharply.
Elle’s mouth opened and closed. “Well, yeah…but again, it’s just a feeling. I’ve never actually seen anyone.”
“The feeling was strong enough for you to mention to Jace though,” Eastern said. “How long have you had this feeling?”
She lifted a shoulder. “A couple of weeks maybe.”
Eastern nodded. “Okay. I’m going to run these plates and look into this guy. Until I find out more, I don’t want you walking around town by yourself.”
Elle shook her head. “Eastern—”
“He’s right, Tink,” Jace cut in. “We need you safe.”Heneeded her safe.
She met his gaze, her brows pinching. For a moment, he was sure she’d argue with him. But finally she nodded. “Okay. I’ll drive around town instead of walking.”
Thank fuck. “I’ll drive you home.” She opened her mouth, looking like she was going to say no, but he got in first. “Tink, I’m taking you home. This is about your safety.” And it wasn’t up for negotiation.
Elle snucka peek at Jace beside her. Neither of them had spoken the entire way to her apartment. Not that it was a long drive, but it was still probably the longest she’d ever been in his company without speaking.
A part of her wanted to be mad at him for coming down to the bar with Eastern and demanding to take her home after she’d told him she needed distance from him. But she just couldn’t be. Not with the way he was constantly scanning their surroundings like he was searching for a threat.
Because regardless of everything happening between them, she’d always felt safest in his company.
Not that she needed a protector. The guy had walked straight past her, for God’s sake.
Man, she’d overreacted. Big time. What was wrong with her? It was so unlike her to make a big deal out of nothing. That, combined with this feeling of being watched…it wasallso unlike her.
He pulled over in her apartment parking lot, and without a word, they both got out. When they reached the door, she unlocked it and opened her mouth to thank Jace for walking her home, but he was already stepping inside.
Okay, looked like he was walking her up to her apartment again.
She followed him to the elevator. There was something about standing in an elevator in silence with someone that was so much more awkward than driving or walking in silence. She snuck another peek at him, and yep, he still looked tense as hell. The muscles in his arms were bunched, and he had a frown between his brows that wasn’t common for Jace. Usually, there was a permanent grin on his face.
The doors opened and she stepped out. When they reached her door, she unlocked it and stepped inside. She probably should have been annoyed that he followed her in, but again, she wasn’t angry. She was tired.
She opened her mouth to thank him for bringing her home, but he spoke first.
“I want to be the person you call when you need help.”
Her mouth snapped shut, and a million different emotions rolled through her head.
He stepped closer. “I heard you last night. I heard everything you said. Istillwant to be the person you call when you’re scared. I want to be the first person you think of. The first person youneed.”
He moved closer again, his hands going to her hips, and suddenly her breathing became choppy. She shook her head. “Jace. I don’t…we can’t.”
