Page 57 of Jase

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not. You may be wearing glasses, but I’ve had weeks to study everything I can about you. I know you better than you think.”

My head lowered again as I scrolled back up to the picture. I turned the device, showing him.

“You don’t like it?”

“I don’t know it.” Still, I tried holding in the flood gates that wanted to break free. I wanted to sob. To lash out. To do anything but feel the shock and pain that came from the stranger I had become. “When I look at the picture, I don’t recognize that person. I don’t know what’s happening.”

Jase stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me. The contact was heaven and hell all in one. It was his protection, his care, and it was too much for the part that suddenly felt I didn’t deserve anything. Not kindness. Not gifts. Sure as hell not comfort.

“Shh. It’s okay. As horrible as it sounds, this is normal. I’ve been there. It’s going to take time.”

My sob had me burying my face into his chest even more. It was not the time for breakdowns, yet I couldn’t stop the heaves that wracked my body. Why hadn’t I noticed the change before when I was putting on the makeup? Why hadn’t I caught a glimpse of myself then? I knew why. I was so focused on covering my new, injured self that I couldn’t see the old me through the light veil of colors. Even if they were barely existent anymore.

“I’m here for you. I told you that. It’s going to be okay.”

Fingers pushed in my hair, supporting my head. The warmth from his breath settled above as he leaned down over me and tightened his hold. My eyes closed and a sense of calm rolled through as I clutched to the back of his shirt. I could almost make myself believe I was safe. Trapped, but safe. Restrained…but safe.

“Mr. Colter? Mr. Colter, Gabe Wray from the Chronicle—”

“Shit. Time to go. Cover your face.” Jase kept me to his chest, spinning me towards the open door as the man called out questions.

“Can you identify the woman you’re with? Is she your girlfriend? Mr. Colter, can you comment on You2’s partnership with Viper security? What about the—”

“Back. Up.” He helped me into my seat. “Our users’ safety is our top priority. That’s all. Now, step back.”

He shut my door, heading around. When his door opened, the questions were still coming. He ignored them, closing himself in and shutting the door the moment he was able. The engine turned over, but it didn’t stop the reporter from snapping pictures towards our dark tinted windows.

“And here I thought we were going to get out unscathed. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Do you know that guy?”

Jase glanced over as he pulled the car onto the road.

“No. They know me though, and they hunt these locations. Before the day is out, they’ll probably know you too.”

Chapter 21

Jase

For a moment, I could almost imagine my life was normal. Complete. I’d had Kody in my arms. She was safe. She’d even let down her walls and given herself to me in the most innocent of ways.Trust. I’d had it all for a single second. Then that damn reporter ruined it.

But I wouldn’t focus on that right now. She’d given herself over to me, and I could get her to do it again. It was just going to require patience. Patience that was getting harder to come by, the further away she distanced herself.

Four days had passed since we’d gone shopping. Clothes came by mail. She worked out in the gym. Kody even ventured onto the balcony in the mornings and evenings. She was getting a new routine. Just not one that seemed to involve me. It was as if she was trying her best to stay out of my way. I couldn’t stand it. From having her in my arms to nothing. Not even sleeping in the same bed. She excused herself right after dinner. I wasn’t sure what to do. I knew what Icoulddo, but not what I should.

“You look like hell, Jase. Have you had any sleep, or have you been working this entire time?”

My gaze left Rian’s image on the screen to transfix on Kody. She was standing in the sun, her exposed skin glowing from underneath the thin straps of the romper. She had her hands pressed against the top barrier of the balcony. Her hair was in a constant state of blowing. The sight was hypnotizing. Once I started watching, it was almost impossible to look away.

“You’re distracted. You’re…falling for her.”

“What?” I laughed, looking back towards him. “I’m keeping her safe.”

“No.”A sly smile took over his face.“It’s more. Protecting, yes, but it’s deeper than that.”

“Enough. Tell me about You2.”