When someone commits a crime, it usually affects another criminal organization, or they might find themselves on the way to jail. I guess you could call us a criminal protection program. It is a complex game of balancing good and evil.
We hide our client until the dust settles or we dispel any evidence that they were responsible for the act. When the coast is clear, we bring them back as if nothing happened, with no traces of where they’ve been or what they’ve done. In return, they pay us well, help us with anything we ask, and never second guess our decisions. We have contacts in all the right places. It is never a problem to protect anyone for any reason. That is why Nora being attacked on our property is so disturbing.
I sit and look at the familiar face of my mother. I usually come here to clear my head when I have a particularly difficult client. But Nora isn’t a client; she is turning out to be so much more.
Do I want more? Have I ever wanted more with anyone? The only thing I know for sure is that Nora has me disheveled. I’m not sure what the hell to do next. I can’t even concentrate on my job because all I think about is her.
My mother has lost most of her short term memory. She was in a coma for five years and has suffered more than any person should. Luckily, she remembers me and other family members and her life before the accident, but not what she did yesterday or an hour ago.
She is happy here, though. She has made friends and the staff has been incredible.
“Jase, sweetie, how long have you been here?” She rubs her groggy eyes. Her black hair is streaked with grey and cut in a short bob. Her makeup is done and her nails are painted red, as always.
“Just a few minutes, Mom. Everything good?” She looks puzzled for a moment. Every day is different. Sometimes she remembers why she is here and others she doesn’t.
Her hand reaches up to palm my cheek. “Fine. Why do you look so troubled?”
Damn, she notices everything.
“Is it your father, what time did he come home last night?”
I hate when she doesn’t remember that the bastard died. I hate having to see the expression on her face. So, to avoid it, I do what I normally do—lie.
“He’s fine, fell asleep in the chair watching TV.”
Mother seems content with my answer and drifts back to sleep. I stay a few more minutes before I make my way to Uncle Joe’s. Nora is there safe and sound. I’ve had Tucker texting me every half hour.
Already, my feelings for Nora are complicated, and we haven’t yet been living under the same roof. Seeing my mother reminds me—people who enter my world get hurt. Nora’s been hurt enough.
Chapter Fifteen
Nora
This house is gorgeous. While I’d been on the property the day of the wedding, I didn’t pay much attention to the main house. Now that I am inside, I see that it’s breathtaking. A gorgeous wrap-around porch greets me. I barely get a peek at the detailed etching on the door before Tucker opens it.
The entryway displays a large decorative glass table holding a vase of at least a dozen pink roses. The house is spotless and modern, but very comforting. As we file in the entryway, Joe Madsyn comes down the stairs. His big smile is contagious.
Joe seems to be a nice man, but I can tell from his tone that he and Jase have a lot more in common than their looks. His authoritative tone sounds much like his nephew’s.
“Nora I’m so happy to have you here.” He moves towards me and immediately wraps his arms around me. “I want you to think of this as your home. We have a room ready for you. Lizzy and Tucker will help bring your things upstairs.”
He is such a nice man, but he also has the same presence as Jase, authoritative. “Would you like to join me in the living room for something to drink? I have the perfect chair for you. I guarantee you won’t want to move.” How can I refuse his hopeful expression?
Tucker and Lizzy make their way up the staircase as Uncle Joe threads his arm through mine. Since my injury, I’m not used to standing this long, and I find his support welcoming.
He guides me into the extravagant living room. I’m in awe at the size of this house and the breathtaking furnishings. A large brown leather couch and matching recliners make up the room. Several side tables and a coffee table accent the room. An intricate painting of the ocean hangs above the couch.
Joe gestures to one of the recliners. I take a seat and sink into a little piece of heaven. He must see it on my face because he shakes his head. “Told you,” he says.
“So, darling girl, how are you feeling? My apologies for not visiting you at the hospital, but Jase said that you had quite a large number of visitors.” He sits in the other recliner as he speaks. He’s dressed in a button-down blue shirt and tan pants. Not what I would expect someone to wear just lounging at home. I hope that I’m not keeping him from something or someone.
“I’m fine; thank you so much for letting me stay here. Sorry to be such a burden.” I feel very self-conscious at the moment, realizing what an inconvenience I am.
“My dear, you are not a burden. In fact, I feel I owe you an apology. I have made this house a sanctuary for my family and friends, and the fact that someone could hurt you while at my home…well, there are no words. I am deeply sorry.”
Joe Madsyn’s face is the picture of regret. His eyebrows are set in a frown and sorrow shows in his eyes.
I grab for his hand; he is literally breaking my heart. He didn’t do anything to hurt me. “Please, don’t feel bad. I’m going to be fine, and Jase has been wonderful. I know he’ll find out who did this and keep us all safe.”
“Well, you have nothing to worry about. We are well prepared. Jase has been like a drill sergeant getting this place ready for you.” His genuine smile melts my heart. He is truly a good man.
Tucker and Lizzy join us in the living room. Lizzy adjusts my pillows and blanket and gives me my medicine. I feel like a child with so many people hovering over me. But the one person I want to see the most is missing.
No one has even mentioned his name, and I’m starting to get concerned that maybe he won’t be staying here with me.
Uncle Joe leaves the room with Tucker, while Lizzy sits on the couch to watch reality TV with me. Just as my eyes close and I’m about to doze off, I feel someone enter the room.
My eyes flutter open to find Jase casually leaning against the door frame. He looks the same as he did earlier. Gorgeous. Concerned. Nervous, yet confident.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” Jase moves away from the doorway, walks past the couch where Lizzy sleeps, and sits in the other recliner next to me. “I’d fall asleep watching the Housewives too.” He nods in Lizzy’s direction.
I try to shush him, but it’s too late. Lizzy jumps and immediately apologizes for falling asleep on duty. “Its fine, Lizzy,” Jase tells her. “It’s late. Nora was asleep too. Why don’t you head up to bed and I’ll help Nora when she’s ready.”
Lizzy’s face turns red from embarrassment, and she scurries out of the room. She hasn’t said much to me, but hasn’t left my side either. I’m starting to wonder what her exact orders are.
“Would you like me to help you up to bed?” he asks softly.
“Yes, please,” I say to myself as I look him over. Too bad my gut is sliced open. I’m sure I couldn’t attract a fly these days, never mind Jase Madsyn.
“In a minute. I expected you to bring me here, not Tucker,” I blurt.
Of course, I didn’t intend to tell him that, but it drove me nuts not knowing where he was or if he was even coming to see me at all.
He sits back in the recliner making himself comfortable. “I thought I’d give you some time to settle in. I’m sorry I left you alone for so long. Did Uncle Joe behave?”
“He is wonderful. We had a nice talk and some great laughs. Did you know he likes the Housewives too?” I cock my head to the side and grin. He doesn’t look shocked at all.
“How do you think I know what the hell that show even is?” He points towards the T
V.
I giggle. His smile is just too infectious not to.
“Would you like me to help you to bed?” he asks again. I wonder if he’s more tired than I. He’s making me his full time job.
“I don’t really feel like being alone right now.” My nightmares are getting worse and I don’t feel like facing them right now.
“Are you hungry or thirsty?” He scoots to the edge of his chair, ready to obey my every command.
I place my hand on his arm. “Please, sit back and relax. I don’t need anything.”
His expression calms. We’re quiet for a few minutes as we stare at the TV, lost in our own thoughts. Thankfully, he breaks the silence.
“In case I haven’t said it, I’m so sorry you weren’t safe on this property before. Are you scared about being back here, or is it bringing up any bad memories?” His face is etched with concern.
Of course it crossed my mind that maybe coming back here, to the place that I was attacked, wasn’t the best idea. But as soon as Tucker pulled into the driveway, I felt comfortable and weirdly at home.
“Honestly, I thought I would be, but no, I’m fine.”
“Really?” He looks like he doesn’t believe me.
“Really. Everyone is so concerned and helpful. I mean, everyone is on alert.” I use finger quotes as I say alert, hoping he gets my humor. He’s always so serious. Even now his forehead is crinkled and his jaw is tense.
“You like making fun of me.” Jase pinches my arm playfully. The touch surprises the hell out of me.
“Hey, that hurt.” It really didn’t, but I fake a pout. “I might need to see a doctor. Maybe Dr. Saunders.”
“That’s not funny.” The smile on his face fades. “Any memories come back since you’ve been here?”
Okay, he doesn’t like me bringing up Luke.
“No. I just remember being very happy that night, with you, and then waking up so confused in the hospital.”
Jase abruptly stands and combs his fingers through his dark wavy hair, turning it into a mess. It’s adorable. He paces over the dark wood floor. “Nora, I feel like this is all my fault.”
“Jase, don’t say that! You didn’t do this to me. You’ve done nothing but help me.”
I gingerly stand to stop his pacing and to calm him. I don’t like seeing him like this…stressed. When I place my hand on his shoulder, he stops and turns to face me.
“I left you, Nora. We could have gone back to the guest house. We could have talked, we could have kissed…” His head falls so that I can no longer see his eyes. “We could have made love.”
My heart stops. On one hand, the thought of making love to him is what I secretly have been wanting since the pond, but the other part of me knows that this is his whole intention. Not that he truly likes me, but he wants in my pants. That’s the Jase Madsyn I’ve been warned about.
I can feel my face flame. I become unsteady and he catches me as I wobble, helping me sit down. “Are you alright? You don’t look so good.”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I say rudely.
“I guess that last part was offensive, but I didn’t mean it to be. That night was surprisingly one of the best nights I’ve spent with a woman—ever. Even though it ended terribly for you, I enjoyed every moment we shared. Getting to know you…I didn’t want to leave you.”
Jase bends down on one knee and places his hands on my thighs. “Please, look at me,” he asks. I don’t want to look at him; I’m embarrassed for many reasons, but mostly because of the death glare I just gave him for admitting he wanted to sleep with me. What am I? Nuts?
He grabs my chin in between his finger and thumb, setting off butterflies in my stomach. I look into his bright blue eyes and he whispers, “I’m glad I’m here to protect you; I won’t fail you this time.”
Oh, I’m weak—how can one man make my thoughts so erratic?
“Jase,” I whisper, because it’s all I can manage to say. He leans in closer and kisses me softly. His lips linger briefly and he pulls away.
“Don’t say anything; don’t overthink anything, just rest. We’ll deal with us another time. Okay?”
I nod.
“Let’s get you up to bed.” Jase gingerly picks me up, and before I have a chance to realize what’s going on, I’m cradled in his arms. He trudges up the wooden staircase and turns right at the top to a bedroom. He doesn’t turn on the light.
Jase places me on the bed and I see Lizzy behind him. I didn’t even hear her. She’s like a ninja—she doesn’t talk or make any noise. Jase lets me go and takes a few steps back, while Lizzy takes his place. She adjusts my pillows and blankets and hands me pills and a glass of water. I take them like a good patient.
Lizzy nods and says, “Goodnight, Miss Skye.”
Jase is standing by the doorway. I can’t see him very clearly, but there is enough light by the moon to see. “Goodnight, Nora. I’m across the hall if you need anything.”
“Thank you both. Goodnight.” He closes the door as I sink back into the fluffy pillows. As I drift to sleep, I think about the gorgeous, mysterious man across the hall.
Chapter Sixteen
Nora
I roll over onto my side and slowly open my eyes. I’m surrounded by a soft grey comforter up to my nose. I turn my head into a pile of yellow and white pillows. My head is foggy and a bit achy. “Ugh, where am I?”
Memories of last night come flooding back. Jase, Lizzy, and Jase’s lips. A smile garnishes my lips immediately. His gorgeous face fills my mind. His strong broad shoulders and large gentle hands are all I’m thinking of when Lizzy enters the room. Ninja.
“Ms. Skye, you’re awake! It’s almost two in the afternoon; why don’t you come down for lunch?”
“Two? Why would you let me sleep for so long? I’m so lazy.” I rip the covers off and jerk awake, but as I try to sit up, I’m dizzy.
“Please, Ms. Skye, take it slow. Both Mr. Madsyns wanted you to get as much rest as you need. No one thinks you’re lazy. Now, let me help you get bathed and dressed, then we’ll worry about the rest of the day.” Her petite face remains expressionless, but there is authority in her voice. Surprisingly, I find myself listening to her. Jase must have trained her.
When I am bathed and dressed with awkward and uncomfortable help from Lizzy, I sit on the bed and wait for her to return with a brush. I’m not sure where these clothes even came from, but my guess is Jenny. Only she would pick out silky yoga pants and a tight low V-cut T-shirt. At least it’s a pretty ocean blue, not pink. Pink seems like the only color she picks out for me.
I take a few peaceful moments to look around this gorgeous room. It’s made up of neutral grey walls and grey bedding, but has bright accents of yellow. There is a black bench at the foot of the bed. Vases, pillows, and lamps match the rest of the décor perfectly. Looks like Uncle Joe has taste or hired a wonderful decorator.
I never thought I would find the color grey so comforting or beautiful. I take a glance in the mirror above the white dresser. I look better. The bruises are fading, nothing is swollen, and the scratches on my arms are disappearing. I’m not back to one hundred percent, but I’m better. If only I could remember something, anything.
Lizzy walks in and hands me my brush. I comb my long brown hair and decided to just leave it down. I pad over to my makeup bag and use concealer on the bruises and apply color to my cheeks and lips. There! Not so bad.
The ninja quietly stands in the corner, creeping me out. Geez, I’m not going to break.
“So, Lizzy, I’m good here. Is there anything else you need to be doing?” I wonder if she’ll get the hint.
“No, ma’am. Mr. Madsyn has made it clear that whatever you need, I am to help you with.”
I could have guessed that. Well, I need some room to breathe, so I’ll be having a little talk with Mr. Madsyn.
Deciding I’ve had enough pampering and babysitting from Lizzy, I walk out of the bedroom and try to lose her, but of course she follows. “Lizzy, would you do m
e a favor?” She nods. “Could you straighten up the room for me? It’s still hard for me to bend.”
This isn’t a lie. Every time I shift my body into a new position, the aches appear. Every inch of me still hurts, but it’s at least manageable. When I think of my tender stomach, my hands automatically cover the wound. This stupid scar will always remind me that someone is out there who tried to kill me. The thought of them coming back to finish the job sends chills up my spine.
“Yes, Ms. Skye. Go down the hall and make sure you hold onto the hand rail while walking down the steps. Just sit in the living room and I’ll be there in a few moments.”
I think that’s the most the woman has ever said in one breath. Geez, I want to reply “Yes, Mom,” but I don’t. I manage an, “Okay.”
If Lizzy thinks I’m going to listen to her, she’s crazy. I’m in this big beautiful house and I have more questions than answers. Plus, I’m nosy. I’m going to snoop.
I walk further down the hall and pass the entrance to the steps. I hear Jase’s voice coming from one of the rooms. I freeze in the white hallway, but my ears are listening. His voice is commanding, loud, and mean.
“I don’t give a fuck if Senator Malone thinks he’s competent or not. I know he isn’t! I talked to him that night. They are hiding something. He’s not fucking stable; he needs to go! Either he disappears, or I make him evaporate. Call me when you locate him!”
He slams the phone to the ground.
That’s my cue to be a good little girl and listen to Lizzy. I hurry down the hall as fast as I can. Lizzy is just coming out of my bedroom. “Did you get lost, ma’am?”
I swallow guiltily, “Yeah, I did.” I’m still reeling from Jase’s conversation. Evaporate? I’m starting to believe that some of the rumors about him are true. Wondering who in the world he is talking to and about, I slowly make my way down the long wooden staircase.
I find my way into the living room just fine, but I’m interrupted by music coming from the other side of the foyer. I make my way towards the music and discover Uncle Joe singing in the kitchen. He makes my heart smile. Joe Madsyn seems like such a wonderful man. There seem to be many secrets to the Madsyn family, but the one thing people can’t deny is that they are genuine.
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