“We’re gonna go book a room, but then we’re coming right back here,” he says and motions for me to slide to the edge of the seat so he can help me down.
“I look like shit. I should…” I gesture to my face and reach for the visor.
He cups my cheek, gently skimming his thumb just under my eye. “This is gonna sound as rude as hell, but the bruises will help the desk clerk remember you. We want anyone who comes lookin’ to be absolutely positive you’re here and not where we’re going.”
“Well, that’s not terrifying at all.”
“Fuck.” Jasper stiffens and balls his hands into fists. “AJ was always better at being…reassuring.”
“I’d rather you be honest than tell me what you think I need to hear.” I try for a smile, but it’s painfully obvious he doesn’t believe me. As we head for the elevator, he keeps me tucked against his side, protected. Like I’m precious. Cared for.
How did we get here so fast? It’s been seven days—if you don’t count the fifteen minutes we spent together all those months ago. He shouldn’t be the most important person in my world. Yet, that’s where we are.
Oh, God. This is absolutely a Lifetime Movie of the Week scenario. If I hadn’t almost died twice in the past forty-eight hours, I’d laugh. Instead, all I want to do is hide away somewhere with Jasper until he tells me it’s safe. Because he’s the only person I know I can trust.
Ten minutes later, we’re back in his truck, a plastic room key on the dashboard. The clerk didn’t just recognize me. He asked for my autograph. If he’s not texting all his friends right now, it’ll be a miracle.
Jasper peers at his phone, shakes his head, and mutters, “Dammit, AJ. The gas pedal is on the right. Try usin’ it once in a while.”
It’s cold with the engine off, and I pull my sleeves down over my hands. I haven’t been warm since we left my apartment. I’m not sure I’ll ever be warm again the way things are going. If the console weren’t in the way, I’d snuggle up to Jasper’s side. Or ask him to put his arms around me.
A pair of headlights flash in the rear view mirror. “Slouch down, Emi,” Jasper says, an edge to his tone. “Just in case.”
“Are you seriously telling me to get on the floor?” If my face—or my entire body—didn’t hurt like hell right now, I’d arch my brows and glare at him. But I’m too tired. Instead, I ease myself down until I’m crouching on the floorboards.
After a beat, he leans over and presses a kiss to the top of my head. “It’s AJ. You can get up now. I’ll be right around to help you out.”
Jasper’s twin parks a small, blue SUV two spaces away. God, they look so much alike. Though AJ’s hair is darker. He doesn’t have a beard. Just rough stubble. And when he gets closer, I can see a lifetime of pain in the blue depths of his eyes.
“Emi, this is my brother, Aaron.” Jasper reaches out to clasp the man on the shoulder briefly.
“No one calls me that anymore. It’s AJ,” he says before passing Jasper a set of keys. “The SUV belongs to Parker’s roommate, so try not to destroy it.”
“Who’s Parker?” I ask.
“One of the Rangers I work with. She’s good people. Despite how often she rats me out to my little brother.” AJ glares at Jasper. “That stops. Now. You hear?”
“Give me your driver’s license,” Jasper says, completely ignoring his brother’s question. Digging into the back pocket of his jeans, he comes up with his own license and the credit card he used to pay for our room.
I catch a quick glimpse of AJ’s ID as the two men exchange glances. Aaron Jasper Stone. There’s a story here I’m going to investigate. After I sleep. Because right now, my brain feels like mush. It’s getting harder and harder to focus on the conversation happening right in front of me. The one where Jasper’s telling AJ something about going “off the grid” for a while.
I don’t know how I get into the borrowed SUV. Or when we leave the garage. Only that Jasper’s leather jacket is draped over me, and I’m finally warm. The lull of the engine drags me under, and I don’t fight my need to sleep. Jasper will protect me.
Chapter Sixteen
Jasper
It’s a three-hour drive, and Emi doesn’t stir once. Not even when I stop the car to unlock the security gate.
The cabins at Lake Livingston aren’t what most folks expect. No one comes up here to “get away from it all” anymore. Most places have high-speed internet and satellite television. There’s a gourmet grocery store five miles back, and a Michelin-starred restaurant twenty minutes away.
Fifty years ago, Grandpappy Blade built this place himself. Back then, the cabin had two rooms and an outhouse. Now? More than once I’ve thought about moving up here permanently. It’s a hell of a lot nicer than my apartment.
I let Emi sleep until I’ve unlocked the front door and disarmed the security system.
A soft moan escapes her lips as I slide an arm under her thighs. “Shh, sweetheart. We’re here. Don’t worry.”
“What…time is it?” she slurs.
