Page 38 of Desperate Temptations

T he next few weeks flew by. Moving her into his place required several trips over a few days, despite leaving most of her furniture, dishware, and some personal items at her residence.

They moved only her clothes, bathroom items, and beauty products she used, along with a few sentimental things.

Cain didn’t want it to look obvious that they were moving her out, so they took smaller loads than usual.

Cain was careful to pay close attention to the vehicles around him on their trips back to his house.

He was a little worried about how she’d react to his home.

Thankfully, she instantly liked it. It was larger than hers and in a better neighborhood, but it was the backyard she fell in love with.

It was like his very own Garden of Eden.

After unpacking what they’d brought over from her house, she would go out there to relax.

The deck was huge, with a grill and kitchen area tucked into one side.

On the other end was a large fire pit with a comfortable, cushioned sofa and chairs.

She’d asked him that first night if he would mind starting a fire even though the night air was pleasantly warm. They ended up making love under the stars before he carried her inside to his bed. Since then, it had turned into a nighttime ritual.

Cain was pleased that in just a week, she’d made herself at home, putting her own little touches around the house.

Her shoes by the door, a book in the den, or flowers in the kitchen.

He felt a deep satisfaction at having her in his home, from her clothes that took up most of the closet, to her feminine products spread out on the bathroom vanity.

She’d become such an integral part of his life in such a short amount of time. He knew if she ever moved back to her house, it would tear him apart.

On the first Saturday, he took her to a shooting range.

He’d bought her a sweet little Ruger SR 22.

It fit into her small hand perfectly and was easy for her to use with a minor kickback.

He could tell she was nervous at first, but the longer she practiced, the more she began to become comfortable and started to really enjoy it.

Before they left that day, he made sure she filled out an application to carry. When she was approved, he’d make sure she had one in her car and maybe a small one for her purse. He didn’t know how far she’d let him go, but he wanted her to be always armed.

She got used to him driving her to and from work. She laughingly told him one night that she wouldn’t mind him driving her everywhere, that it was nice having her very own chauffeur. It was something he’d gladly do for the simple fact he knew she’d be safe if she was with him.

Cain and Quinton continued to poke around, finding more and more unsettling things about Gary.

The more they found out, the more concerned they became.

Jessa never asked, and he didn’t keep her up on any new information they received.

He just wanted to keep her as far away from the situation as possible.

Cain made sure they weren’t followed to and from home.

When her carry permit was approved, he bought a Glock 9mm for her to keep in her car and a .

22 for her purse. She preferred the smaller .

22, but with practice, she became proficient enough to handle the 9mm.

They continued to practice at the range every weekend.

She progressed steadily, using some of his different guns to get a feel for them.

He was thrilled she enjoyed target shooting as much as he did, and he could tell it helped relieve some of the stress of her days.

Cain was determined to figure out what threat there might be for his woman. Until he got his answers, he’d watch her like a hawk.