His eyes narrow, and if it’s from lack of understanding or if he’s trying to call me out, I’m not sure.
“I don’t like this.”
“This?You mean, the investigation?”
“Someone broke into your home, Brie.And they’re clearly trying to show you that they are watching.They have access.”
I step up to him, wanting to soothe his worry.It’s not needed.“Think about it.Even with the senator, they aren’t threatening bodily harm.”
“Brie, you don’t know what these people will do.They have something to hold over the senator’s head.They don’t need to threaten his life.Are they going to find something to hold over your head?Because I can tell you, the only thing they’d find to hold over me is either you, my sister, or my parents.Maybe Tommy.People, Brie.That’s all they have on me that I could possibly care about given what I do and who I am.What about you?You’re not close to your family—anyone observing you or looking into your travel patterns can confirm that—I’d bet your communications, email, and phone confirm that.You’re a former intelligence officer.If they don’t have a person to hold over your head, what do they do?”
“I’m a spoke in a wheel.Going after me doesn’t make sense.By now, they’ve figured out I’m a part of a team.They aren’t going to come for me.”
His arms are folded over his chest in classic defensive posture, and I clasp his wrists.“I’m safe.You don’t have anything to worry about.”
He’s quiet for a long moment, jaw working as he processes everything.When he looks up, his expression has shifted from worried to determined.“Get your things.Come to my place—tonight.Until this is settled.”It’s command layered over fear, and for a heartbeat I glimpse the man who never learned to ask when it comes to protecting someone he loves.
“Adrien.”
“No.They’ve proven they can get into your building.Hudson told me that they may not have finished the message.You may have interrupted them.I live in a secure, doorman building with a private elevator.”
“Adrien, you realize that I’m qualified to provide security services, right?I’m skilled and capable.”
“I don’t doubt your skills.”I cock an eyebrow, calling him out on that one.“I don’t.You’re one of the most intelligent and accomplished women I’ve ever met.But even skilled individuals need to sleep.”
“I don’t recall getting a lot of sleep last night.”
“Brie, I’m serious.I won’t sleep unless you’re safe.”
That’s a more difficult angle to fight, and while I always thought I’d be furious if a man tried to tell me to not take risks, that’s not exactly what he’s saying.And if I’m honest, it feels good to have someone who cares.The most I’ve ever gotten from my parents or brothers is the standard Anderson family send-off: “Be smart.”
“Alright.Let me shower?—”
“I’ll pack for you while you finish up fingerprint dusting.Then we’ll leave.You can shower at my place.”
My instinct is to bristle—to correct him, to prove I can handle this alone.
But his fear isn’t about doubting me.It’s about needing me alive.
I study him for a minute, debating.It’s not the worst idea.Safe houses save lives.
“Okay.”
I pat his wrists, and shift, mapping out the remaining areas I should dust, when he pulls me against his chest, arms wrapping around me so tightly I can barely breathe.His body trembles, not with desire this time but with leftover terror.The fine wool of his coat scratches my cheek, grounding me in the reality that I’m alive, that he’s here.
Against my chest, his heart hammers like he’s been running, and that’s when it really hits me—how terrified he was.Not just worried, terrified.For a man built on control, his surrender is devastating.
The way he’s holding me feels like proof—of what I mean to him, and what he means to me.
I slide my arms around his waist, holding him just as fiercely.He exhales against my hair, and the sound is half-prayer, half-promise.I don’t correct him.I don’t pull away.I let it matter.
For the first time tonight, the room feels still.
“I’m okay,” I whisper into his neck.“I’m right here.”
ChapterTwenty-Three
Adrien
