"Once we're farther away from Sugar Briar, we're going to talk about that asshole."
"You can talk as much as you want, but I'm not saying anything. We'll be divorced soon enough. He can rot in hell for all I care."
"Well, that's an adult thing to say."
"Jessop Hallen, you can—" I screeched as Jessop slammed on the brakes, grabbed my face, and crushed his mouth to mine. Tingles shot through me and settled deep in my core. He was a very good kisser, and what he did with his tongue had me burning.
He slowed the kiss but continued to thoroughly consume my mouth. I met his heated gaze. "You are now mine to protect, Penelope Bailey." He smiled. "You can talk to me, knowing it won't go any further." He kissed me again.
It wasn't my fault that I looked down to check out the bulge at his crotch.
He laughed. "Eyes up here, babe." He smiled broadly as I forced myself to meet his gaze. He grinned as he got us moving.
I cleared my throat and admitted, "I really don't know who Aiden would go to. Tate died, and Trevor is in prison." I shrugged. "He said he was coming for me." I took a deep breath. "I think we should go back and use me as bait. Catch the bastard."
He shook his head, so I continued, "I don't want to be looking over my shoulder, Jessop. I want this over and done with." I paused. "Turn the truck around."
"Like hell I will!" He roared.
"I trust you to keep me safe." I placed my hand on his arm. "He wants me. This thing can and will end quickly if I'm around and he has easy access to me."
Jessop was angry at my suggestion. The twitch in the corner of his eye was a giveaway. I knew he had decided to return to Sugar Briar when his shoulders drooped. He didn't like the idea, but he accepted that I had a point.
"Pen, you do precisely as I say. No messing around."
"I promise."
"You're staying with me. It's not negotiable."
I burst into laughter. "Why on earth would I want to negotiate about staying with you?" I winked and looked out the window so he wouldn't see the amusement on my face.
He may have messed up our first time together, but I always wanted to be with this man. Being in his home would be a good opportunity to discuss the baby I carried.
Waiting a couple of extra days wouldn't be an issue either.
* * *
After speaking with Detective Riley, also known as Levi, I was furious at Carlisle Hallen for not telling me what was going on. Levi said he couldn't tell me because he needed my reaction to be genuine. That had worked because I was heartbroken, but now I was enraged.
I assured Levi that I wouldn't be upset with him as the messenger. However, he knew I was angry with him. I couldn't help it. After all, he was complicit in Carlisle's silence.
I leaned over the arm of the chair and turned on the lamp beside me. Between the bomb Levi had dropped and now, night had fallen. I had no one to speak to. My dearest friend was away with the father of her unborn child, whom she loved and who wanted to protect her. The man I loved was associated with the underworld.
Upon thinking this, I burst out laughing. I meant the criminal underworld of Sugar Briar, not the vampire kind. Oh, jeez! I've read too many romantasy books! I needed to get a grip tonight.
My phone chose that moment to vibrate—Carlisle.
I'm at the back door.
Babe, let me inside.
With a loud sigh, I stood and walked downstairs to the rear door of my building. I looked at the security camera.
Carlisle looked rumpled.
After entering the code Jessop had installed to deactivate the alarm, I unlocked the door for the sexy, rumpled man.
It was impossible to be upset with him because he looked so good. As he walked in, I couldn't help but notice the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the cool night air.
