Page 20 of Redeemed (Redeemed #1)
“No, we concentrated on locking down the residence since whoever was following us was this close, but I have a strange feeling that it was Xavier’s people.” There’s an edge of concern coloring Patrick’s tone.
I’m stepping onto the treadmill, adjusting the speed as I let the thought that Xavier Ross is even in town settle over me. This is possibly the worst timing. I don’t need anything that could make Kennedy run.
“How long until we find out?”
“I’m hoping no longer than a week. There’s already a team back on Spider to find out exactly who he’s tailing.”
“Let me know as soon as you hear something.”
Patrick clears his throat, a tick that I’ve noticed from years of friendship.
There’s more he wants to say.
“What’s up?”
“Do you find it concerning that the night Kennedy comes back to the residence we are followed?”
I definitely thought about it, but it didn’t change one thought about moving forward with my relationship with her. There’s no doubt in my mind that I can keep her safe, but what level of danger is she bringing to my world? Especially if The Reapers are following her.
“Concerning isn’t the word I would use.”
Patrick snorts. “Listen, we need more information about her.”
“Absolutely not.” I won’t jeopardize the trust I’m attempting to build with her. When the time is right, I believe she will tell me everything she wants me to know.
“Alex, be serious. It’s not only you this could affect. Think about Tori.”
“Patrick, it’s not up for debate, and don’t throw Tori into this to sway my decision. We have ways to protect ourselves that don’t involve having someone followed. Let me have a little more time to see if she will open up to me.”
I put my headphones on and increase the pace of the treadmill, ending the conversation, the need to let go of some energy before I’m back with Kennedy, taking over.
I tap out on the machine before Patrick, but for good reason. I want to get upstairs and shower before Kennedy wakes up.
Kennedy is wrapped around my pillow still blissfully sleeping when I ease back into the room. I quietly grab some lounge clothes and sneak into the bathroom to shower off. If I’m quick, there’s a chance I can ease back into the bed with Kennedy.
I move through my routine in record time, but not fast enough because when I step back in the room Kennedy is waking up.
She stretches across the bed, and I see the awareness come over her face realizing that she’s in my bed.
Her eyes track around the room until they land on me standing in the bathroom doorway, watching her.
The lines marring her forehead ease as a smile brightens her gorgeous face.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty.” I push off the doorframe and move to stretch across the bed towards her.
“How are you this awake? It’s too early in the morning for smiles to be that bright.”
“I have something worth smiling for.” Cheesy, I know, but the shy smile she grants me is worth my ego. “Also, I’ve been up for a couple of hours. Couldn’t sleep considering I had someone hogging the bed and snoring most of the night.”
Kennedy’s jaw drops as she fights a smile and a flush creeps into her cheeks. “Wow, that’s rude! I definitely don’t snore, and I don’t recall you needing too much room in the bed before I drifted to sleep.”
“Trust me, I had no problem falling asleep wrapped around you. It’s the Taekwondo you do in your sleep that has me worried.”
She starts laughing before chucking a pillow at my head. “You’re a dirty liar, and I will make you pay for that comment, sir.” Her face turns serious, and I have a feeling I know where this conversation is heading. “Thank you for last night.”
“I’ve never been thanked for an orgasm before, but you’re welcome,” I say with a wiggle of my brows, hoping to erase the tense emotions in this moment.
She giggles. “I wasn’t thanking you for that, crazy. It just felt good to not be alone, so I appreciate you taking care of me.”
I grab her hand, kissing the back of it, and begin drawing small circles on her palm.
“I meant what I said about being here for you. You will always be safe with me.” I can see the wheels of her mind turning.
“Don’t overthink last night, Kennedy. I know we both have things going on in our lives that we can’t control.
But if there is someone outside of this bedroom that you are allowing to dictate how we move forward, don’t let them win. ”
“I’m far more drama than you could ever bargain for,” she says, and for a moment I think that she’s going to end things. But then her fingers intertwine with mine and she says, “I want to keep exploring this chemistry between us.”
“That’s all I’m asking for. If things become too much for either of us to handle, we’ll address it.”
I’m mesmerized that I have this amazing woman waking up in my bed, and a big part of me never wants her to leave. The want to pick up where we left off last night arises, but we’re interrupted when a voice travels up the hall from downstairs.
“Alex! Get your butt down here, I’m starving!” Tori has impeccable timing. “Hi, Kennedy!”
Kennedy giggles and I groan, dropping my face onto the bed because of course Tori is here demanding breakfast. I wouldn’t be surprised if Patrick relocated her after we realized we were being followed. Which makes me wonder where she slept last night.
“Hi, Tori!” Kennedy yells back at the top of her lungs before laughing again.
I want to keep this joy on her face for as long as she will let me.
I lean up and place a swift kiss on her cheek before giving her space to start her day, and I guess, cook breakfast for the house.
“Well, duty calls. I have two women to feed this morning. Any allergies or things you don’t like?”
Her eyebrows shoot up as if she can’t believe I’m really cooking. She climbs out of bed, following me down the hall, stopping at Tori’s room.
“Nope! I eat just about anything!”