Page 75 of Quarterback Sneak

“I want you to feel safe, and I have the need to keep you safe. I can’t do that easily when you’re here, and I don’t even live on campus.”

Her wide eyes stare at me. “You want me to come live in your house with the other guys?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes are shrewd as they take me in. “You know more than you’re saying.”

I have to hand it to my mate; she’s discerning. “I do, and I’ll tell you more. But I can’t do it here where somebody might overhear. I really want you to come live with us, so we can keep you safe.”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “You think I’m in danger.” It’s not a question.

“I do.”

“I don’t know, Zane. I—” she bites her lip, and I fist my hand to keep from tugging it free from the bruising bite. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

I decide it’s time to shoot straight with her. I step forward into her space. “Evie, I know what Sam and Jace are. You're in danger. I can and will keep you safe, but I need you under the same roof as me to be able to do that. I promise I will explain more when we get to my place.”

I can see the indecision warring on her face. “What about your roommates?”

“They’ll be fine with it.”I won’t give them a choice.

Her eyes narrow at me. “They don’t know, do they?”

“Not yet, but it won’t come as a shock to them.”

She blushes, and I fight my smile. I love when she blushes for me. I appeal to her practical side. “How about you bring an overnight bag, just enough stuff for a few days. Let me have a chance to tell you everything that’s going on. After that, you can decide what you want to do.”

“One night,” she counters.

One night is not nearly enough time, but at least it’s something. I’ll convince her to stay longer when the time comes, but for now, it will at least get her out of here. “Okay. I’ll help you pack.”

“You don’t need to.”

“I want to, Evie. What can I grab?”

“You can grab my pillow and blanket.”

“I have plenty of pillows and blankets,” I interject.

She gives me a look. “You want to help or not?”

I smirk, proud of her ability to stand up to me. “Blanket and pillow. Got it.”

She pulls out a duffle bag from under her bed and pulls a few items of clothing out. “Can you grab my shower products out of the shower?”

I head into the bathroom and open the shower door. I look at the contents. After quickly sniffing the contents of each bottle, I easily find her shampoo, conditioner, and body soap and even her buff puff. I walk back into the room, and she spins around. “I forgot to tell you which ones were mine.” I hold out the bottles I grabbed, and her surprised eyes find mine. “You got all the right ones. How did you know which ones are mine?”

“I know what my girl smells like,” I say easily. I watch in fascination as her face turns pink again, and I smile when she turns around quickly.

She zips up her duffle and then starts packing her backpack. When she finishes, she reaches for her duffle bag, but I snag it and throw it over my shoulder, her backpack too when she finishes packing it. “You have your phone?” I ask.

“Oh, I need my charge cord.” She grabs it and turns back to me. “I’m ready.”

“Great.” I head towards the door, making a note to fix the lock asap.

“Zane, are you sure about this?”

Her quiet words and the uncertainty in them tug at my chest. I turn around. “Absolutely, Evie.”