The danger that lurks in his blood is controlled now. Years of reaping the consequences of his actions have turned him into a disciplined beast.
The lean, muscle-laden body I remember is sturdier and more threatening. His arms are thicker, and no doubt holding all of the secrets of the past decade.
“No,” I dismiss him.
Thea squeezes my hand, forcing me to look at her. She knew that I would say no to him, because that is what I should say. That’s the right course of action.
But she is the only person in the world who knows all about Jensen Hayes.
“He can sleep on your couch for one night. It’ll make me feel better,” she insists…
Because she knows my heart is screaming yes.
* * *
“You can go, really. You don’t need to stay,” I tell him for the third time since stepping through my front door.
He ignores me for the third time. “I like the cottage. Did you decorate?”
“Uh, no. Most of it is the owner’s stuff.”
“The dream catchers?”
“Well, yeah. Those are mine.”
He smirks and continues strolling through my living room.
Stepping back into my life and invading my space as if he hasn’t been a ghost all this time.
“Why are you doing this?”
“To keep you safe.”
“And, how do you plan to do that?” I huff, kicking off my shoes haphazardly and settling onto the couch as if he isn’t watching my every move.
“I’ll protect you. Call it personal security.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Why? Afraid to be around me?”
Yes.“I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“You do. You’re working the biggest case in the county. Everyone is talking about it. Everyone is talking about you. You should have heard how easy it was to find out where you live. Where you work. Where you like to eat for lunch.”
Damn, locals.“So, what? What are you going to do?”
“I’ll be your eyes, so you only have to worry about your job.” He watches with rapt attention as my thumb knuckles dig against my temples.
I drop my hands. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Tell me who would walk in front of a train for you?”
“What? Why would–”
“Who would take a damn bullet to the chest for you?”
“Stop,” I breathe, as my heart beat whooshes in my ears.
