Page 15 of Fierce Hope (Hope Landing: New Recruits #3)
“You can’t stay at my place!” Jade stared at Deke across the cramped church office, fingers clenched around youth group permission slips.
Half a day into this protection detail, and things were already spiraling out of control. She’d made no protest when Deke insisted on driving her from the office to the church, but having him at her side twenty-four seven? That was too close.
“It’s not up for discussion.” Deke’s stance was military-rigid. “Someone tried to run you off the road this morning. They’re escalating.”
“But—” She glanced at the door as Sarah, director of the preschool program, walked past.
“Where would you even sleep?” Jade said once Sarah was out of earshot. “My couch is at least a foot shorter than you are.”
“I’ll make do.” His expression softened. “I’ve slept in worse conditions.”
“The neighbors will talk. Mrs. Peterson already thinks I’m running some kind of criminal enterprise because I work late.”
“Your safety matters more than neighborhood gossip.”
Sarah materialized in the doorway, clearly flustered.
“Sorry to interrupt. Kent lost the original office key—again.” She rolled her eyes while rifling through Jade’s desk drawer.
“A great guy, but that man would lose his head if it weren’t attached.
Must be a trust fund baby. No way a man that absent-minded made millions on his own. ”
Her eyes darted between Jade and Deke, taking in every detail. “Just need to grab the spare ... then I’ll let you two get back to your ... discussion.”
Keyring dangling from her finger, Sarah hurried out.
Jade tried a new approach. “What about a compromise? You could escort me during the day, maybe drive-bys at night.”
“No half-measures.” His jaw tightened. “I already let you talk me out of stationing a Knight Tactical team here.”
The donation records Pastor Dan needed processed by tomorrow sat untouched. Her mind raced for arguments that might sway Deke.
“I understand you’re worried, but?—”
“Do you?” Raw emotion rode the words. “Because I don’t think you do. I can’t—” He stopped, collecting himself. “I can’t watch you get hurt.”
Jade’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “Fine,” she said quietly, the word tasting bitter. “We’ll figure out the logistics. But I’m not happy about this.”
Relief flickered across Deke’s face, though tension still lined his jaw. He knew she was upset, but from his stance, it was clear her feelings came second to keeping her alive.
Hard to argue with that logic.
His phone buzzed. “It’s Kenji. I need to take this.” He stepped toward the door, then hesitated. “I’ll check on DJ too—make sure he got home okay.”
Jade nodded numbly, watching him leave. She sagged against the records cabinet, wrapping her arms around herself.
Her mind raced through the contents of her condo—the small box of mementos hidden in the back of her closet, the old photos she’d been meaning to destroy, that coin she couldn’t bring herself to part with . ..
The sound of footsteps in the hallway made her stiffen. Sarah again, probably, or one of the other volunteers who seemed increasingly curious about her lately. The church walls felt like they were closing in, every shadow potentially hiding watchful eyes.
She pushed away from the cabinet, her failed attempt to maintain distance morphing into grim determination. If she couldn’t stop Deke from staying, she’d just have to be more careful.
More vigilant.
More clever.