Safer With You

by Trisha Madley

  “It’s not an imposition. I have security to monitor you and make sure all precautions are taken…”

  I giggle. I can’t help it. I’m not sure if it’s nerves or what, but he looks shocked at my reaction. Not in a good way either.

  “What’s so funny?” His eyes crinkle.

  “You.” I giggle again. His frown changes into his signature smirk.

  “Me? What did I do?”

  “You’re so professional, throwing around words like precautions and monitor.” I mimic his voice as best as I can. I must do a pretty good job because he laughs in response.

  “That’s the first time I’ve ever been made fun of for doing my job.”

  I wipe the tears of laughter from my eyes. “I don’t mean to make fun of you, cowboy, it’s just that I’m a first grade teacher. The most excitement in my day is a child with a runny nose. I lead a pretty simple life; well, up until recently, so when I hear you take everything so seriously…I’m just not used to it.”

  He sounds wounded, “Glad I amuse you. I’ll let you get some sleep.” He stands up to leave.

  “Oh, please don’t leave; I was just teasing.” I pout just to plead my case further.

  “Fine. But let’s change the topic. Luke Saunders—tell me about him.”

  Geez, I’d rather talk about something else. “Well, he’s been very sweet and has visited a few times.”

  Jase sits in the chair beside me and leans over so that his elbows rest on his knees. “Max told me some about your relationship. I’m anxious to witness your definition of ‘very sweet.’”

  I take a deep breath and let out a sigh. “Things were good at first. Then, they got…weird. This is what he does. He’s developed a possessive streak. We’ve broken up, and to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about him now. He kicked me out, and I didn’t get the kind of closure I needed. I still care for him, and he’s making an effort, but he hasn’t been honest with me.”

  I sit back further, and the look he’s giving me is making me nervous. I start playing with a strand of my hair to calm myself. I feel like I’ve said something wrong, but I’m not quite sure what.

  Jase’s face changes from calm to a shade of red. “I don’t trust him. I don’t want you near him,” he states sternly.

  “I’m a big girl; Luke wouldn’t hurt me.”

  He actually rolls his eyes at my comment. Then he quickly stands. “Fine. But you’re staying with me when you are discharged.” He stomps out of the room like a child.

  Huh…that was…unexpected. The thought excites me at first, but then quickly enrages me. Who the hell does he think he is, ordering me around that way? I’m not a child. I was a fool to let Luke treat me that way, so I’m not going to start letting Jase do the same.

  Just as I’m hopping out of bed to let Jase know exactly how I feel, he breaks through the door. He’s running his hands through his hair.

  I stumble, but he is promptly at my side. His hands are holding me at my elbows. His jaw is set tight, his eyes are vigorously roaming my face…for what, I’m not sure.

  “I’m so sorry, Nora. I don’t understand why I’m acting like such an adolescent.” His lips are inches from mine, and at this moment, I don’t care what he’s saying…I just want to feel his lips on mine again.

  “Please,” he whispers. “Someone broke into your apartment. I want you where I can see you and where I can protect you.”

  Before I can respond, his soft lips are on mine and his hands come up to cradle my face. His tongue enters a dance with mine. I’m flooded with feelings of excitement, tingles, and comfort. My senses are overwhelmed with the smell of leather and the taste of mint.

  His hands rush into my hair as he pulls me closer. I moan in response, but he stops. “I’m sorry, did I hurt you?”

  I shake my head no. “I don’t want you to stop.” His lips curl into a smile, but we are rudely interrupted by a group of people…including my parents, Tucker, and a woman I don’t recognize.

  Jase immediately jumps back. My father looks less than enthused, but my mom has a smile playing on her face. “Mr. Madsyn, Tucker told us you were in here. We have some questions for you regarding Nora’s apartment. What happened?” my father asks.

  “Mr. Skye, someone broke in and rummaged through her apartment. I don’t believe anything was taken, but they did leave a note.”

  As he speaks, I can barely concentrate. A note, who the hell would leave a note? I immediately interrupt whatever ramblings he is giving. “What did it say?”

  “Nothing of consequence. Just an idle phrase. Nothing to worry about.” He smiles reassuringly.

  I’m not reassured by any means. This is ridiculous. I have minded my business my whole life, and now some crazy person is trying to hurt me in every way they can think of.

  “Nora, come home with us. I’ll keep an eye on you. Nobody’s going to hurt you at our house. Luke has also volunteered to stay with us while you recuperate. His uncle has offered security services as well,” my father suggests poignantly, while gazing at Jase.

  “Sir, with all due respect, that is the worst possible place for her to go. If they’ve already been to her apartment, they most definitely know where you live, and will expect her to recuperate there. I guarantee whoever hurt Nora is waiting to make his next move at your house.” Jase slides his hands into his leather jacket pockets and stands tall, waiting for my dad to challenge.

  Before he can, I chime in, “I will absolutely not put any of you in danger. For some reason, this person is after me, and I couldn’t live with myself if any of you got hurt. But before I agree to go to Jase’s, I need to know exactly how you plan to protect me and my family.”

  I’m sitting in this hospital bed surrounded by family, and basically strangers, all concerned for me, but I know nothing about how they intend to protect me. I direct the most serious expression I can muster towards Jase.

  He sits at the foot of my bed, his back to my family, Tucker, and the woman who stands quietly in the corner. Jase is solely focused on me.

  “Nora, as you know, I own a security company. Tucker is one of the best guards in the nation. He is solely in charge of you and is not permitted to leave your side for any reason. We have set up a plan for you to stay at my uncle’s house, with me.”

  He holds my hand. I’m sure it’s because my eyes have just bugged out of my head. Why would I stay at the same place I was attacked? I never want to return there.

  “Madsyn, that is the worst place for her to go,” my dad interjects before I can.

  “Mr. Skye, I assure you, it is the safest place for her. That location is set up with the best equipment, and she will never be alone on the property. I have eyes everywhere. And now that we know someone is looking for Nora, we are prepared to protect her.”

  My father is standing directly behind Jase and raises his hand. “No. It was supposed to be the safest place for the wedding too, but that wasn’t the case. I don’t trust your family, and especially you, Mr. Madsyn.”

  Jase is still looking at me with a small smile; he’s just letting my father disrespect him without a reaction. I can’t stand this. “Dad, stop!”

  “Nora, it’s fine. Maybe your family will feel safer staying at my uncle’s as well.” Jase turns to my parents for a reaction.

  “I’m not staying at your family’s home. That’s ridiculous!” Dad scoffs.

  My mom steps close to my bed, almost pushing my father out of the way. “I’m finished Jonathan! You cannot protect her by yourself. We will stay where Nora wants us to. This is her life. I just want her safe; it doesn’t matter who keeps her that way as long as they do!” Mom’s usually serene face is crimson. She is not to be challenged.

  “Okay, everyone stop. I don’t want you to turn your lives upside down. Jase, are my parents safe at their house or will they be safer with you?” I ask.

  Jase grabs my hand. “I’m sure they’ll be fine; I’ll add extra guards so that your family will still be comfortable in the
ir own home, but I do prefer you at my uncle’s.”

  Wow, this is all so much to take in. I’m interrupting everyone’s lives. My parents are fighting and I’m scared to death that someone is trying to kill me, but a little part of me is thrilled that Jase wants me with him. Hopefully, I’ll find myself in his arms, where I feel the safest.

  “Okay, let’s just stop all this. My head is pounding. I’m going to listen to Jase’s suggestion. I mean, this is what he does for a living. I’ll stay with him. I’m sure it will just be for a little while until things calm down.”

  Jase rubs my hand, “Okay, I’ll make all the arrangements. I think it’s time we let you rest.” He lets go of my hand and stands. The woman from the corner walks over to him. “Nora, this is Lizzy. She’ll be your nurse while you recover.”

  The pretty petite blonde with a long ponytail smiles. “It’s nice to meet you. I look forward to taking care of you.”

  I catch my father shaking his head. He seems to be losing his temper more by the second. “Daddy, could you stay for a second?”

  He nods at my request.

  As everyone exits, he sits in the chair beside my bed.

  “Daddy, please don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

  His voice is low, “Nora, I’ve never been so scared. The things I know about this man and his family are not good. They could very well know who hurt you, or maybe even be responsible.”

  “Daddy, that’s ridiculous. You are overreacting. He has done nothing but take care of me since the minute he found me. I think they feel responsible, since it happened on their property. Jase and I kind of clicked at the wedding.”

  “When we walked in…are you two together?” His face turns pale.

  “I think he is a good man, and I trust him.”

  “Okay, then. I’ll talk with him about the details.” He pats my hand and stands.

  “Daddy, play nice.” I smirk.

  He bats his hand, “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be an angel.”

  I chuckle as he leaves.

  I’m excited to be leaving the hospital, but terrified of what happens next. I’ve uprooted everyone’s lives, and now I’ve brought chaos. I am scared to death of whoever did this to me. Every waking second is spent trying to remember a speck of what happened to me or what the person looked like.

  The therapist has been in to talk with me, but I just end up crying. She says that’s normal, and I may remember one day, or I may never remember. I know I’m on some sort of medication for my nerves, but I’m hoping to be off of it soon.

  Then there is the whole Jase situation. I’m in the middle of the most traumatic experience of my life, and yet, I still can’t keep my mind off of him. I must be losing my mind, even though I was nearly killed, the sight of Jase’s broad shoulders dominates my thought processes. The only happy thoughts I have are of him. I’m nuts!

  Just as I’m trying to close my eyes and settle my thoughts, Jenny comes bouncing into the room. She’s wearing jeans and a cute pink blazer with matching strappy heels. Her hair is up in a twist.

  “Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling? I heard Dad got a little overprotective.” Jenny hands me a chocolate milkshake.

  I take a sip immediately. The cold chocolaty drink brings an instant smile to my face. “Yeah, I guess he’s not a fan of Jase’s.”

  Jenny shakes her head in agreement. “That’s an understatement.”

  “So, Mom told me you guys are leaving for your honeymoon tonight. I’m so sorry I messed that up for you.”

  Tears start to pool in Jenny’s eyes. “You’re kidding, right? I’m just so glad you’re okay. I don’t know what I would do without you.” She wraps her arms tightly around me in a loving hug.

  I wince, but she still doesn’t let go. “Jenny, I’m okay. Please don’t cry.”

  Finally, her grip loosens. “Are you scared? I mean, whoever did this to you is still out there.” Jenny sits on the chair and her eyes are full of concern. In fact, I can’t ever recall seeing that look on her face.

  “I am, but…” I try not to blush, but Jase has entered my mind, and that seems to be my consistent reaction.

  Jenny’s eyebrows raise. Yep, I blushed.

  “But what?”

  “Jase is making sure that I’m safe. I’m not sure how or why, but I don’t feel as scared as I probably should,” I say sheepishly.

  Jenny’s face twists into a smile. “He has become your Superman, hasn’t he? I’m not going to lie, Max has never seen him react this way. I mean, he was engaged to Samantha for almost a year, and I bet he has seen you more in the last few days than he ever saw her. And now, you’re going to be living with him.”

  I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the grin that forms.He takes something out of his pocket and places it on the glass table in Jenny narrows her eyes on me. “Something happened between you two, didn’t it?”

  I want to tell her exactly what happened and that I remember every second I spent with Jase in that beat up old pick up. But those memories are precious to me. I’m not even sure how he feels, since he hasn’t brought up the time we spent together. Even though he has kissed me, it still doesn’t mean anything.

  “We just danced and talked a little. All very innocent.” Jenny raises her eyebrows; I know she doesn’t believe a word I’m saying.

  Jenny takes a deep breath. “Well, it’s all very strange. Jase finds you and refuses to leave your side or let anyone but him help you. He won’t let Luke in to see you, and I overheard one of the nurses say Jase had him hanging by his throat in the hallway.”

  “What?”

  She fiddles with her straw. “That’s the gossip. I think someone is jealous.”

  “No, I’m sure Dad must have told Jase not to let him in.” At least, that’s the only thing that makes sense.

  “Are you nuts? Dad thinks Luke should be allowed to see you. For some reason, he’s more on Luke’s side than Jase’s. He thinks you guys are going through a rough patch, not the fact that he is a major douche bag.” She takes a sip from her milkshake and throws away the cup.

  “So, since you’ll be playing house with Jase soon.” She jumps up excitedly. I didn’t even notice the bag she held when she walked in. She holds it up. “I think maybe some new clothes, hairstyle, and makeup might help you feel better. Especially considering your new roommate.”

  I roll my eyes. She is always trying to dress me up. But this time I can’t run from her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jase

  It’s officially been four days since Nora was attacked, and now she’s ready to leave the hospital. I am relieved, but at the same time, I’m nervous as hell. I’ve never had a woman stay with me. Even though Uncle Joe will be around, I’m sure we will have plenty of alone time. Shit.

  The doctors have agreed to release her today and Lizzy will be taking over her care. She could probably stay a few more days, but Lizzy is qualified and made sure Nora’s room at Uncle Joe’s is more than equipped if an emergency should arise.

  Nora’s father hates me and has made it pretty obvious. Her stupid ex-boyfriend has been the biggest pain in my ass, not to mention the senator interfering. But it’s all worth the headache. I’ll make sure no one hurts her again.

  So, here I am standing outside her door like a moron, wearing a stupid ass grin on my face. I quietly open the door. Nora is looking out her window. She is finally starting to look like the beauty I saw at the wedding.

  She is resting on top of her neatly made bed, wearing a pale pink camisole and short white cotton shorts; her long brown hair is brushed and curled at the ends. Her caramel eyes focus on me.

  I can’t take my gaze off of her long tan legs with red polished toes that are making my pants tight.

  “Are you ready to leave?” I ask.

  “More than you can imagine. Before we go, I just want to thank you for taking care of everything for me.”

  “It’s been my pleasure. But before we leave, I need to prepare you for something.” Her smile fall
s.

  “My Uncle Joe, he’s quite the flirt. I just want you to know he may make a few inappropriate comments.”

  “Well, I’m sure it will be fine, besides Jenny’s already prepared me,” she laughs.

  Tucker enters the room with a wheelchair, “Ready, Miss Skye?”

  She gingerly sits up, and because I can’t help myself, I’m quickly at her side. Her legs swing over the side of the bed and I help her into the wheelchair. I find myself bent over, reaching for her sandals. I force myself to hand them to her instead of placing them on her feet for her. What the fuck?

  She places the sandals on her lap and thanks me. This is becoming a little too much. I find myself wanting to run out of this room. I’m bringing her into my space and giving her a front row seat into my life.

  “Tucker, please take Miss Skye down to the car. I have some paperwork to finish up and an errand to run.” Tucker gives me a questioning look, but does not comment. He nods his head, like always.

  I lied; I have no idea where the fuck I’m going. I guess I need to prepare myself for whatever is going on. I leave the hospital and head to see my mother at Vander Creek Rehabilitation Center.

  Carmella Madsyn was hurt ten years ago. My father was in jail most of my life, and when he was released, my mother took him back into our home. He didn’t let go of the lifestyle and soon brought more trouble to our doorstep.

  He owed some debts, and unfortunately, my mother paid those debts with her life. I found that the only way to avenge her life is to keep those same criminals who hurt her in line and under my control.

  Shortly after she fell into her coma, Uncle Joe and I came up with the plan that if we got these criminals to trust us and we protected them from their enemies, we could control them without them realizing it. Police them without their knowledge.

  We are very successful. Uncle Joe has the right connections, and I’ve made it my mission to keep everyone in line.