Chapter 10
Jace released a heavy sigh as he ran a slow gaze over Amy’s pretty face. She’d fallen asleep only moments ago, against her will, it seemed. After talking at length on the patio, Jace had suggested they come inside, where he could candidly answer all of her questions. Just what kind of danger was she in? Did they know what traffic ring was behind it? Would they need to set up a sting operation like they had with the professional swimmer? A case she’d seen on the news, it turned out.
There were still a lot of unknowns, but Jace had assured Amy that one thing was certain: he was there to offer protection, and he’d see to it that no one laid a hand on her.
Without invitation, a recollection of his mother’s bruised face assaulted him. A harsh, visual demonstration of the cruelty some men were capable of. A rash of burning heat exploded in his chest like a bomb. Scorching heat roared up the back of his neck and into his head where it begged for relief.
Jace doused it the best that he could.We caught that scumbag,he reminded himself. And they’d caught a whole lot more during the Tammy Brinkman case. But what horror were the other two women facing in this moment? And countless other women. Children even.
He shuddered. The idea of enduring such an assault was unfathomable. And to think that some were enduring months, years, even a lifetime…
The very consideration fanned the flames anew. But that was okay. That fire was the very thing that kept Jace’s determination strong at the forefront. He’d use it to dig and dig and dig until every villain from the United States to Southeast Asia was put away for their deeds.
Forcing out a slow, paced breath, Jace set his gaze back on Amy. Pale, glowing light spilled from the muted television and onto her silky skin. He ached to run the tips of his fingers over her cheek, but he didn’t want to wake her. Instead, he thought back on their conversation about his current work here in the states. He’d been struck by the contrast of her reaction compared to Mindy’s. Both had said they’d support him in the dangerous work, but when Mindy had spoken similar words, she’d said it with an almost frivolous certainty; as if there was no consideration behind the vow. Mindy had met him while he was going through training, for crying out loud. Deployment was no surprise.
But with Amy it had been different. Sure, they weren’t exactly dating.Yet. But she’d carried a reverence in her tone at the words. Showed a unique sincerity on her face. One that didn’t ignore the danger he faced in his work, but rather acknowledged it. Supported it, despite the difficulties she would face if they became involved.
Creed had once said God planted seeds in their lives. Jace couldn’t help but wonder about the way Amy had come to his mind shortly after he’d received the Dear John letter. Right when he’d worried thatnowoman would be able to love him despite the risk. Perhaps that was God’s way of silencing his concern while planting a seed that would lead Jace to this very moment.
Jace had had plenty of time to consider the type of woman he’d like to spend his life with while attending one wedding ceremony after the next. And from what he knew of her so far, Amy had the characteristics he was looking for in spades. She was honest and playful. Fun-loving and tenderhearted.
He’d never been a fan of theweaker sexterm regarding women. There was nothing weak about them. But they were most definitely the gentler sex. Deserving of a certain respect and reverence. Admiration, too. Boy, did he admire the great women in his life.
A small whimper sounded from deep in Amy’s throat a moment before she stirred. Jace remained motionless as she nudged closer, that sweet, cupcake scent of her filling his lungs.Cupcake,he’d decided, upon seeing the cupcake logo on her bottle of body wash.
His muscles turned rigid as his desperation to protect her grew and swelled and begged for release. He wanted to tug on the boxing gloves and pound the bag until the anger waned. Another part of him longed to take Amy in his arms and stake his claim, dare anyone to lay a hand on her.
Carefully, Jace shrugged from his back and onto his side where he faced her.
After dinner, they had taken to the oversized lounge chair to watch their evening news segment on couples’ yoga. Jace took up more than half the space, but Amy’s petite size allowed the two to fit comfortably just the same. Once the segment was through, Amy muted the TV, but left it on as they distracted one another with talk of their favorite yoga moves.
Soon her eyes had started to drift. Which proved, at least to him, that she felt comfortable in his presence. It also indicated that she felt confident he could keep her safe. He liked that.
As Jace glanced down once more, Amy moved the slightest bit, then stretched her hand out and rested it on his chest.
Jace held his breath for a beat, wondering if it was simply an absent move, but his heart was already responding. Thumping hard and heavy at her touch. Could she feel it against her palm?
Her lashes fluttered, her lids clenching tighter before smoothing out, and then lifting altogether, revealing her beautiful brown eyes.
Jace pulled in a short, shallow breath.Dang, he was drawn to this woman.He reached out, caught a strand of her blonde hair between his fingers, and tucked it behind her ear. With his fingertips, he traced the delicate curve of her neck, wondering if she felt the magnetic pull in the air. The unseen force that drew their bodies closer with every breath.
Amy searched his face through heavy lids while the tension swelled. At last her gaze shifted to his lips.
Yes.She felt it too.
He vowed to go slow. To be satisfied with a sample of that pretty mouth. With calculated precision, Jace leaned down and pressed a testing kiss along her brow, relishing the satin-like softness of her forehead against his lips.
Another whimper sounded at her throat. This one higher, a near-pleading sound. She shifted slightly, stretching until their lips were closer.
Jace tilted his head, pressed a kiss to her cheek, then another to the corner of her mouth. He paused there as the fire within him—the one searching for escape—morphed into something new: desire. Amy’s lips parted against his. The sensation of her warm breath mingling with his only fed the flame. He moved in at last, pressing his mouth to hers with a groan.
Yes.So good.
He kissed her long and slow, fanning the pleasant yearning within him.
Amy’s hand moved up his chest, slipped around the back of his neck where she pulled him closer, assuring him that it was too soon to stop now.
Good, because Jace wasn’t ready for it to end. He tipped his head and kissed her again, reveling in the silky heat of her lips. This amazing, hard-to-get woman had dropped a barrier for him, and it made her kiss all the sweeter.
Every action he’d made over the years, every calculated risk he’d taken— Jace could hardly believe it might have robbed him of a moment like this. Yet he was there with Amy Nelson, somehow knowing what a rare gift it was.
He hadn’t forgotten that danger lurked in the shadows, and that soon it’d come into light just enough to lure its prey. But Jace and his team would be one step ahead of them; soon they’d turn the hunter into the hunted.
