Safer With You

by Trisha Madley

  Uncle Joe spots me immediately with a huge smile on his face. “Nora, my dear. Please come and sit.” He gestures towards the bar seats at the kitchen island where he is working. “I’m finishing up dinner. I’ve made our famous Madsyn sauce. It’s the best gravy you’ll ever have.”

  “It smells delicious. I love pasta.” The fragrant scent of garlic, parmesan cheese, and expensive wine fills my nostrils. Uncle Joe is dicing up some garlic as I take a seat in front of him.

  “Did you sleep well? Sleeping is good. It means you’re healing.”

  “Well, I feel bad staying in bed all day, but it was so comfortable, and I was dead to the world. Is Jase here?”

  “Upstairs doing some business. Your parents are on their way over. Would you like some wine?” He cocks his head to one side, “I know you’re on medicine, but I’m Italian and wine cures all. Especially a visit with the parents.”

  “Uncle Joe, let’s follow doctor’s orders, not Madsyn orders.” Once again, Jase’s authoritative voice echoes throughout the room. His voice makes me jump. I have to admit, I’m concerned about the telephone conversation upstairs.

  His white dress shirt is untucked. The top buttons are open, revealing a plain T-shirt over a muscular physique. As I blatantly check him out, I forget anything negative about this man. My eyes wander to the dress pants hanging low around his waist, then back up to the black tie dangling loose around his neck.

  God, could he get any sexier? He rounds the counter and sits beside me, and the smell of garlic is replaced with his aftershave. I quickly lower my eyes to the marble counter. I hope he didn’t catch me checking him out. I notice that when Luke talks all tough and bossy, I cringe, but when Jase does it, I want to rip off his shirt.

  “Lizzy will be leaving to get some supplies before dinner. Is there anything you need?”

  You. On one of these silver platters, I think, but instead say, “No, I’m glad she’s taking a little break. She seems to be working hard.”

  Jase nods. “It’s her job to take care of you. Are you happy with her?”

  “She doesn’t talk much, but then maybe I tend to talk too much, so…well, she’s fine.” I want to tell them I think she’s a ninja, but somehow I don’t think Jase will find it funny.

  “So, your family is almost here. Tucker is bringing them,” Jase informs me.

  A thought occurs to me, I haven’t even called them today. How could I be so selfish? Too much sexy Jase in my face, that’s why.

  Jase takes a cheese grater, a piece of parmesan cheese, and a plate, and grates the cheese while he speaks. “They are fine. I have a security unit with them as well. Your father isn’t happy about it, but I’m not exactly giving him a choice. Jenny and Max left for their honeymoon with their own security as well.”

  “A ‘unit?’” He’s talking weird again. Every time he is so serious I want to laugh.

  Jase rolls his eyes. I’m not sure if he thinks I’m stupid or if he’s getting annoyed with me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t scare you with all this security talk. A ‘unit’ is at least two officers guarding and protecting clients, in this case your family.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  Uncle Joe chimes in. “Looky here. Our guests and their units have arrived.” Uncle Joe points to the monitor on the fridge and I raise my eyebrows.

  Jase notices my expression because he begins to explain. “It’s a convenient place to watch the premises. I have monitors and cameras all over the house. Some you’ll notice, others you won’t.”

  “He’s turning into a peeping tom,” Uncle Joe teases.

  Jase looks mortified. “I would never.” His harsh tone surprises me.

  “Calm down, she knows I’m only kidding. Loosen up, Jase. Her parents are coming up the walk.” Uncle Joe leaves the room to greet my family.

  Jase rises to his feet. I can hear my mother talking and laughing with Uncle Joe. He reminds me so much of one of my uncles that I can’t help but call him Uncle Joe too.

  My parents step into the kitchen with Tucker. My mom wore her beautiful black and white striped wrap-around dress and heels. She must have made my dad dress up as well. He is in a shirt and tie. Obviously, this isn’t their usual attire.

  But, nonetheless, they make a handsome couple. Except for the scowl my father is wearing on his face while my mom yacks Uncle Joe’s ear off. She finally spots me still sitting on the stool.

  “Honey, you look so much better. You have a less colorful face.” She grabs my head in between her hands and plants a kiss on my cheek. Very motherly.

  My dad is close behind and kisses me on the cheek as well. “Hey, honey. Everybody treating you okay here? We have a room for you at the house, you know?” His glare and tone remind me of when I was little and was going to be in trouble for not agreeing.

  “Dad, I’m fine. It would be too cramped with all my units.” I look over at Jase for a reaction. His lips quirk up in a slight smile. Luckily, I didn’t blink, or I would have missed it.

  My dad looks confused, but doesn’t ask. My mom interrupts with a tale about her favorite Italian restaurant and how much the Madsyn house smells like it.

  We eat at the extravagant dining room table. It’s huge and probably could fit up to twelve people, but there are just the six of us, including Tucker. He doesn’t say anything, but it’s nice to see him included.

  The table is rectangle and set to the nines with gold chargers, white dishes, and crystal glassware. There is enough silverware for a five course meal. For the first time, I am thankful for banquet serving in my teenage years.

  Jase isn’t saying much, but then again, he isn’t given much of a chance. Uncle Joe and my mom seem to be the conversation keepers of the evening. My dad also hasn’t said much, but at least he isn’t shooting death glares at Jase.

  As the night comes to an end, my parents hug and kiss me goodnight. They say their thank you's and leave sooner than I expected.

  I head into to the kitchen to help with the dishes. Jase is standing at the sink washing a large sauce pot and listening to music on his iPhone. I keep quiet and watch. He is gorgeous from behind. His broad shoulders and muscular back are on display as he scrubs the grime off the pot. I admire the way he moves gracefully about.

  A smile tugs on my lips as he turns around with soapy dripping hands to grab another pot from the counter. He jumps when he sees me. “You scared the shit out of me!”

  I giggle. “You scare easily for a man with monitors and officers. Sorry, I just wanted to see you do something normal. You surprise me with your domestic skills.”

  He takes the dish towel off of his shoulder and throws it on the counter. Jase crosses his arms and leans his elbows on the center island. “Did you enjoy dinner?”

  “I did. My mom sure can talk. Sometimes it surprises me the amount of things she thinks of to talk about. Uncle Joe is funny. Is he your mother or father’s brother?”

  He swallows and stands upright. Like he’s preparing himself for something. “My dad’s brother.” Jase turns and starts tidying up again.

  I don’t really know that much about his family. I’ve never paid attention. Of course, my dad sure seems to know a lot, but hasn’t shared any of that information with me. I guess this is my chance to find out the truth from him.

  “Do you see your parents often?”

  Jase speaks low and doesn’t turn around. “My father’s dead and my mom is…away.”

  I don’t mean to gasp, but I can’t help it. “I’m sorry,” I say.

  He turns to face me. “It’s okay, he got into some trouble. I’m able to do what I do because of him.”

  Huh. This is news. Could the dad be the inspiration behind all the security?

  Jase swipes my hair off of my shoulder, then runs his thumb along my cheek. “I don’t want to talk about him right now. He’s not my favorite subject. Are you almost ready for bed? It’s getting late and you must be exhausted.”

  “There you go, trying to get me into bed again,” I te
ase.

  He lets go of my face, but takes my hand and leads me up the stairs. When we enter my room, the ninja is turning down my bed sheets. Seriously, she doesn’t miss a beat.

  “Nora is ready for her medicine. Please check her vitals as well,” Jase orders.

  Lizzy nods her head and walks out of the room.

  Jase gestures towards the bed and I dutifully collapse onto it. He surprises me by sitting beside me.

  “I’ll be down the hall if you need anything,” he says.

  “When are you going back to your place? I don’t want to keep you.”

  “I have an office and a bedroom here. My uncle likes me to stay with him when I’m in town.”

  “What’s your place in the city like?”

  He leans back on the bed supported by his elbows, making himself look very comfortable. I face him with my legs crossed.

  “I live in an apartment complex. It’s huge and unnecessary, but it’s mostly for appearances. Making a statement is part of my job.”

  “And what is your job, exactly? I mean, I know you run a security company, but I feel like there’s more to it.”

  He gives a light chuckle, “Way more than you can imagine. Someday, I’ll tell you a little bit more, but right now I want you to get your rest.”

  “Yes, sir,” I can’t help teasing.

  Jase stands, but then turns to me. “Luke Saunders has been calling all day; would you like to speak with him?”

  Well, that’s a surprise. Honestly, he hasn’t crossed my mind since I walked into this house. “No, I’ll call him tomorrow.”

  Jase sits again and his face turns serious. “Do you know anything about Luke that perhaps nobody else knows? Does he maybe work for someone else or have you ever come across any information that seemed…” Jase tilts his head and finishes his sentence with, “odd.”

  “Odd? Well, the last year of our relationship was odd, to say the least. He was very secretive and developed some obsessive compulsive tendencies.”

  Jase raises an eyebrow at my answer. “Huh. Did he always keep information from you? Is that why you two broke up?”

  “Pretty much. I think he was seeing someone else. On the day he threw me out, I was snooping in his office.”

  His eyebrows raise. I know I should probably tell him about what I found in Luke’s office, but I don’t see how that would help the situation. Luke will just get into trouble and have his own unit following his every move, and the whole thing will be a mess. I’m not ready for that. I can’t handle it now. Besides, he hasn’t mentioned any specific concerns about Luke, so I let it be for now.

  I’m ready to change the subject but a thought enters my mind. Did what I found in Luke’s office have anything to do with my attack? I can feel my chest tightening, my pulse racing, and I’m starting to feel dizzy.

  “Nora, are you alright?” Jase’s voice is panicked.

  I can’t get my mouth to work. I feel paralyzed, and before I can get my thoughts together, I’m lying on the bed with Lizzy taking my pulse. She hands me a paper bag, and she tells me to inhale and exhale into the bag.

  Jase has somehow found his way to the other side of the bed and is lying next to me stroking my face, trying to calm me. And it’s working. I concentrate on his touch. It’s masculine, but very gentle. I begin to focus on his deep blue eyes. There is a fear in his eyes…of what, I’m not sure.

  I slowly start to calm, and soon my breathing evens. I can understand what he is saying, “It’s okay, Nora. I’m here. Nobody is going to hurt you.”

  “Luke,” I whisper.

  “You want Luke?” He’s shocked, and frankly, so am I.

  “No, I think he knows,” I murmur. “I think he knows who did this to me. I think he’s involved,” I confess.

  Jase sits upright and grabs my arms. “Tell me everything. Do you think he did this to you?”

  I don’t want to go into details, so I say, “He has been so secretive. Maybe someone is after him and settled for me?”

  In a flash, Jase is off the bed and on his phone. He’s trying to be discreet, but I get the gist of the conversation. He only says one word sentences. I think that’s code for talking to Tucker. “I’m on my way to his hotel. Make sure he has no idea I’m coming.”

  “Jase, please don’t go. I know he wouldn’t hurt me. I just overreacted.”

  I’m not sure why I’m defending Luke, but I don’t want Jase to go after him. My emotions are all over the place. No, it’s better to defuse the situation.

  Jase rubs the nape of his neck. “Nora, if he is responsible for this or has any information he is withholding, I need to question him.”

  I plead, “No. Just stay here. With me, okay?”

  He lets out a growl of frustration. “I don’t understand. Why are you defending him?”

  “I’m not; I just don’t think he would hurt me like that.” I can tell he doesn’t like that answer, but he gives in.

  “Fine, get some rest. I’ll be down the hall if you need anything. Lizzy, give her something to help her sleep. I want her to rest and not worry about Luke.” He tugs the door closed as he exits the room.

  Lizzy hands me a pill as ordered. “Ms. Skye, if you don’t tell him everything you know, he won’t be able to help you,” Lizzy advises.

  I want to say something sarcastic. She picks this minute to voice her opinion? I don’t want Jase on some wild chase if Luke has nothing to do with it. Plus, I don’t want Luke to get hurt because of me.

  I’m all mixed up and dead tired. Lizzy settles me into bed. I’m still sore and bruised, but the pills take effect, and soon I’m dreaming of Jase.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Jase

  This woman frustrates the hell out of me. One minute, I want to hold her in my arms, and the next I want to scream at her for being so stupid, trusting Michael Malone of all people. The biggest fuck up I’ve ever met.

  After leaving her room, I find myself in the weight room. I almost left to find Luke/Michael/Douche Bag. But the way her eyes regarded mine, she pleaded for me to stay, and for some reason I can’t seem to tell her no.

  Thankfully, Lizzy gave her an extra pill to relax. Worrying about Luke shut down her panic attack, which pisses me off, since that son of a bitch doesn’t deserve her worry or even a second of her time. But, then again, I don’t either. She’s too good. I’m a criminal. No better than Luke.

  I put in my ear buds and go heavy with the weights, hoping to work out my frustration. With each bench press, the idea of wrapping my hands around Luke’s neck fuels more reps.

  When the exhaustion sets in, I wipe my face with a towel, check my phone on the bench beside me, and see that it’s midnight. Perfect. I’ll shower and go to sleep, then I can start this torture again in a few hours.

  After my shower, I pull on clean sweat pants, and as I step into the hallway, I hear a shrill scream coming from Nora’s room.

  I barge into her room. Her body is thrashing beneath the sheets and she is screaming, “PLEASE NO! PLEASE STOP! Why would you do this to me?”

  I move to the bed and hold her body still, but she fights against me. “Nora, wake up! Wake up!”

  Her eyes fly open and she catches her breath as she wraps her arms tightly around my bare back. She breathes out my name like I am her savior. “Jase.”

  “Nora, I’m here. I’m here. You’re okay; it was just a dream.” Her body is trembling and her skin is damp. I feel her hands move to my face. She guides my face towards hers, resting her forehead against mine.

  Nora’s breathing fast; I can feel her heart race alongside my chest. I smooth the back of her hair and whisper, “It’s okay; no one can hurt you.”

  Her head drops, and I feel her tears fall against my naked chest. Being the person she is leaning on right now is so satisfying. As long as she is in my arms, everything will be alright.

  Nora moves from my chest. “Jase, I’m so sorry. It was so real. I think I remember some of what happened.” Her voice is straine
d and hoarse.

  “Come, let’s lay back and calm down.” We settle back onto the pillows. As I settle into place, she rests her head on my chest. It shocks me, but I’m glad she does.

  “You don’t have to talk about it. I don’t want you to have to relive it.” Without thinking, I kiss the top of her head and run my hands through her silky brown hair.

  “I’m sorry to have woken you.”

  “I was just finishing in the shower.”

  She giggles, “Is that why you smell like soap? I wondered if maybe you sleep shirtless.”

  “Well, had I heard you a few seconds earlier, I probably would have run in here naked. At least now I’m just half naked.”

  My head swirls thinking about being naked with Nora, but when she laughs, I grin, and relax again.

  Nora takes a deep breath and in a shaky voice asks, “Would you mind staying with me for a little while? It just seemed so real.”

  “Sure,” I reply, but what I really want to say is you’ll never be alone.

  I continue to run my fingers through her hair, over her shoulder, and back to her hair. The movement puts me in a trance.

  “I remember the sound of his laugh. I can’t place it, but it’s familiar. The man. He was walking behind me while I was on my way to the guest house.”

  “Did you have security escort you?”

  I could feel her body stiffen. “No,” she confesses.

  I know this isn’t the best time for a safety speech, so I make a mental note to remind her some other time. Plus, I find myself distracted by the nearness of her body. She’s somehow managed to break one leg free of her blanket and tangle it with mine. She caresses my arm while she talks. I don’t want to let her go, so I try not to move and let her talk.

  “Like I said, I was on my way to the guest house. I remember being so happy.” Her big brown eyes look up at me and a smile crosses her lips. Was she happy because of our time in the pickup? “No one was around, so I started singing a song that was played at the wedding. But someone clapped, loud and slow…almost like they were being sarcastic. I don’t think I will ever forget that sound.”