Page 20 of Blade’s Edge (L.A.S.T. Defense #1)

I’d like to drag those fuckers out behind the barn and teach them some manners. Bein’ able to say your piece from behind a computer or a phone makes people a hundred times meaner and a thousand times braver.

“There were plenty of supportive messages too, don’t get me wrong.

” After a quick glance at me, she returns her focus to the bowl and finally takes her first bite.

“The FBI was very interested in what I had on Fowler, and tried to pressure me to give up all my sources. I shared what I could—anyone I’d named on air, a few of the documents that were public record, that sort of thing.

The last I heard from Agent Van, they were going to bring Fowler in for questioning.

But…that was the day my car blew up. I tried to call him yesterday and it went to voicemail. ”

She grimaces at her second spoonful of oatmeal, then carries the bowl to the sink.

I follow, wrap my arm around her waist, and press a kiss to the top of her head.

God, when she leans against me, it’s like I’m home.

Like I’m right where I’m meant to be. “AJ might be able to find out who sent the death threats. Can you show them to me?”

“I’ll get my tablet.” She heads for the bedroom, and a moment later, there’s a muffled curse.

Fuck. I probably should have warned her that I disabled the cell and wifi connections on her devices.

“Jasper? Did you mess with this?” With the tablet held aloft, she stares me down.

“I did, and I’d do it again. No one knows we’re up here, Emi. And I aim to keep it that way. It ain’t as easy as TV and movies make it sound to track your phone, but the cartel has more money than God himself. They could get it done without breakin’ a sweat.”

I don’t remember when I wrapped my hands around Emi’s hips, but now that we’re here—no space at all between us—I’m hyper aware of every breath. Of her scent. Jasmine and vanilla. Of the way she’s staring up at me. Half spitfire ready to take on the world, half wounded bird in need of protecting.

“Thank you.”

I’m ready to continue my tirade, but her words stop me short. “You’re not angry?”

“No.” Emi rests her cheek against my chest. “I was. For a hot minute. And then I realized why you did it.” A sigh escapes her lips. “I’ve interviewed serial killers and members of MS-13. I’ve run from a group of gang members who were so angry we caught them on camera, they shot at us.”

“Fuckin’ A, Emi. Why do you do this job?”

This is the question that riles her up.

“Because I’m good at it.” She’s madder than a newly branded bull, and shoves at my chest until I release her.

“Because someone has to report the news. There’s a reason we’re called the Fourth Estate .

We keep those who want unchecked power from taking it.

When we do our jobs, anyway. Journalism means something, Jasper.

Don’t ask me to quit. Because I won’t. Not for anyone or anything. ”

“Emi—“

“No. Don’t take that tone with me. You spent more than twenty years in law enforcement, and it almost killed you. Double standard much?”

She’s right. But I can’t see past my worry to admit it. I should walk away, but my heart already has its bags packed for the Emi Marsh Express, and I can’t stop myself. Arms crossed over my chest, I dig in, ready to die on this hill if I have to.

“I don’t know what it’s like where you come from, Emmylou, but here in Texas, men don’t stand back and watch our women put themselves in danger without sayin’ a goddamn word.”

“Where I come from?” Emi’s voice takes on a thick, Texas twang.

“Well, bless your little chauvinistic heart, Jasper Blade. I grew up spittin’ distance from this here lake.

So I know what Texas men are like. And for your information, some of them are downright enlightened these days.

Until just now, I thought you were one of them. ”

I should apologize. But I’m so shocked by the change in her voice, the unmistakable drawl, and that’s all I can focus on. “What the hell just happened? A minute ago, you were all citified and now…?”

“You try makin’ it to the national news networks with a southern accent.

We—women, especially—are supposed to be the girl next door.

Everyone’s girl next door. In my business, standing out for anything other than your looks is frowned upon.

I hired a voice coach after I graduated college.

It worked, too. Got me all the way to an offer with the United Broadcasting Network in New York City.

” Her words falter. She stares up at the ceiling and swallows hard.

“And then my grandmother got sick. My sister lives in the UK, so I turned down the offer from UBN and moved back here. Grams died almost a year ago. But eighteen months is practically an eternity in network news, so now, I’m stuck here.

I can’t even get an interview back in L.A. , let alone New York.”

“Why not?” Taking a risk, I offer her my hand. After a long moment, she lets me lead her to the couch, but though she sits next to me, she holds herself stiffly, like she’s worried if she lets go, even for a minute, she’ll shatter.

“Too long working this small, local market.” She shakes her head when I open my mouth to protest. “Austin is small compared to Los Angeles. At least that’s the perception.

Any big, national network wants pretty young things who’ll take pennies compared to the male reporters.

I’m stuck here. Unless I cover a story so sensational, New York is forced to pay attention.

Fowler? That’s one that could get me there.

And I ain’t givin’ it up because some asshole crook is all hat and no cattle. ”

Easing her closer, I slide my fingers into her hair and gently tip her head back.

“Sweetheart, I should never have asked you to stop doing your job. I fucked this all up because I want to keep you safe. Because you’re my whole world right now, and I think we have a chance for something… long term. If you’re willing…”

Emi’s bow lips purse as she holds my gaze. “Are you sure you’re not saying that because we almost died two nights in a row?”

“Did you just try to compare us to Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in Speed ?” I shift my weight so I can pull her into my lap, and she doesn’t resist. “Because that movie had a happy ending.”

“I’m trying to be realistic.” Her eyes flutter, and before I can lean down to kiss her, she cups the back of my neck and brings her lips to mine.

Never in my life has such a tame kiss set my body on fire so fast. I want more. So much more. Hell, I want everything with this woman.

Maybe even…a lifetime.