Every laugh.
Every brush of her hand through her long hair.
The night before had been yet another steep drop into pure sin, but I’d loved every moment. Who knew I had a kinky side to me? Crap. There I went again avoiding the elephant in the room. Keeping her safe was my job, not playing house.
“I was teasing about you buying me clothes. I already told you I don’t take charity from anyone. Plus, I have Bella to think about. Is there any way we can drop by just for ten minutes? I can pack a bag like nobody’s business.”
Feigning indignation, I threw up my hands. “Alright. You’ve worn me down, but you’re not going by yourself. Do you hear me?”
When her eyes shifted toward the television, a frown on her face, I noticed Jacob’s picture had appeared on the screen once again. The news crew was going above and beyond their duty to inform or in his case, warn the public of his release. Leaning over, I turned it off.
“You don’t need to see that,” I told her.
“Maybe I do. Maybe that’s exactly what I need right now.” Her gaze remained on the dark screen for a few seconds before lifting. “You know what’s funny? I managed to block out his face. All these months with every vision I wasn’t seeing him. Just his eyes. His eyes are something I’ll never forget.”
Pulling her closer, I lifted her chin with a single finger. “You’re safe here. Okay? I’m going to keep you that way, which is why you’re not going off halfcocked and head to your apartment by yourself.”
She offered a salute while wearing the wicked grin she knew I adored. Thankfully, the haze I’d seen in her eyes began to fade. “Yes, sir. I wouldn’t think of disobeying you, sir. Or maybe I should say judge. Since I am the kind of girl who follows the letter of the law.”
For about a million reasons her teasing statement brought a tightness to my chest. She still hadn’t asked any direct questions about what I’d done the night before. Maybe that was for the best. She’d been right to be concerned about the list being leaked. What good would it do to unnecessarily worry her?
“I have court today, two pain in the ass cases. Then I have a meeting. After I’m finished, we’ll head to your apartment.”
“Fair enough.”
“I also called in a favor with a police officer I’ve worked with over the years. He had a couple days off. I asked him to work off duty, keeping watch on the house while I’m gone today.”
When her brow furrowed, I had a feeling she was going to object vehemently. Instead, the corners of her mouth upturned into asmirk. “What’s wrong, big boy? You don’t trust me? You think I’m going escape again.”
With a light brush of my fingers through a strand of hair, I gave her a stern look. “I wouldn’t put anything past you.”
Laughing, she punched me in the stomach playfully. “You are an incorrigible man. Do you really think it’s necessary?”
“I believe in taking every precaution. He won’t be intrusive. You won’t notice him and neither will Bella. Just humor me on this and don’t give him a hard time.”
“Would I do that?”
“Yes, you would. I know you too well already.” Every touch of her soft skin was a reminder that what we were doing was teetering on a precarious edge, but the man inside was proving more controlling than the officer of the law.
She studied my face, touching my forehead just as she’d done the night before. “You’re no fun, but I will be a very good girl with your officer friend. Your wound is healing, but might leave a scar. What are you going to tell everyone at work that happened?”
“Let’s see. I know. That I was accosted by a sinfully gorgeous woman.”
“You wouldn’t.”
My grin was meant to ease the tension. “You really don’t know me that well.”
“Maybe that needs to change. If you’re a good boy and don’t go around beating everyone up.” She surprised herself by whatshe’d said, biting her lower lip. I’d caught her doing that more than once. A little nervous tic that I found adorable.
“All kidding aside. Remember what I said. If anyone knocks on the door, you can check the video camera in my office.”
“Why don’t you just have ringtones set up like everybody else?”
I took another gulp of my coffee. “Because unlike most people, I can have a target on my back at any given time.”
My answer forced her eyes open wide. She took a deep breath, nodding as she looked away. “I understand.”
Now I felt like a shit for reminding her she was in danger. She’d had another fitful night of sleep. Why did I know that? Because I’d slept maybe thirty minutes, checking on both her and Bella several times. Valentina had insisted she sleep with her daughter. I couldn’t blame her.
