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“I’m not illiterate. I’ve had a lot of downtime. In the military, I read anything I could get my hands on to stay sane. It’s a nice escape.”
She drops her gaze, a troubled expression on her face. It’s not what I expected. Perhaps it was the reverse harem comment. She hides in her hood, and I realize people are trickling into the park, making her nervous.
“Let’s sit. I’ll find us a spot.”
I lead us to a bench between two trees, hoping for privacy. The snow has stopped falling, the sun making a rare appearance. She removes her hood but scans the area with apprehension.
She’s a bit of a distraction, but I’ve kept an eye out for anything suspicious or anyone giving her more attention than usual. “You’re okay. I’ve been watching.”
She checks her phone for the time. “We shouldn’t stay long.”
And the playful dynamic between us officially dies.
The atmosphere feels stiff. I’ve taken us out of the possible friend zone and into awkward territory. At least she’s talking to me again and trusts me enough to be alone.
“I’m contracted per assignment,” I blurt out, circling back to her previous statement. “You said I didn’t know how long I’d be with you.”
“And that means...” She picks at her nails and avoids eye contact.
I smile at her complete lack of nonchalance, and I say nothing until she peeks up at me through her lashes.
“Are you asking if I’ll be around, princess? Will you miss me if I leave?”
“Maybe I want you to leave.” She shoves at my shoulder. “I’m being serious. What happens next?”
“Nothing changes. I’m your guard. I go where you go.”
She twirls the ring on her finger. Is she thinking of Jackson? The case? She could be playing me for all I know, but I doubt it.
I give in to my compulsion and take her hand. “I won’t let anything happen...to anyone.”Even Jax.
“And after?”
Her guess is as good as anyone’s. There’s a whole surveillance team on Kyle. They could pull something out of their ass and bring him in. There are rumors he might run for the Senate; we’re all waiting for Kyle’s next move—or Jackson’s.
“Tell me what you want. What’s your ideal future?”
I’m pleasantly shocked when she rests her head on my shoulder. “I don’t mind if we travel with the team, but I want to settle down close to my grandmother. I miss her. I want a permanent place, you know? A home.”
Her wistful words lead me to believe I’m part of her dreams. “I know exactly what you mean.”
“Ethan has coaching, and although Jax will say otherwise, he also has hockey. It’s good for him, and he’s talented. Theyhave each other, they’re close. I want to findmyplace. I want to havesomethingthat’s mine.”
“Hey, look at me.” Her gaze meets mine, our faces only inches apart. “Don’t let their talent outshine yours. You’re incredibly talented in everything you do. It’s in your smile, your eyes, your heart... You captivate everyone. You’re our home, that’s for sure.”
I kiss her nose and turn away before my lips drift any lower.
57
JACKSON
I wake up irritable.
After our late-night bonding session, neither Ethan nor I could fall asleep, and when he’s sleep-deprived, he snores once he finally knocks out. Fucker kept me up until dawn.
It’s cold next to me. Our girl is not in bed. I listen for her in the bathroom—nothing.
I sit up and reach for my phone. “Motherfucker,” I curse.