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Jensen nodded, but her not being alone would make him feel best. “You’re determined to stay here?”
“I am. I have students coming early in the morning before their school starts. Besides, this is just another one of Treven’s scare and control tactics. You keep reassuring me he’s still in prison. He wants me for his wife. He’ll keep trying to manipulate and scare me, but do you realize he’s never let any of his people hurt me? I wonder if he isn’t protecting me so he can marry me.”
Wants me for his wife. He’d heard that before, and it made him sick every time. Treven Rindlesbacher would never force himself on Livvy like he had on other women. Not on Jensen’s watch.
Jensen didn’t know what to think about her claim that Treven wouldn’t have his friends hurt her. The Rindlesbachers had proven they’d hurt anyone who stood in their way. It was a relief William was finally dead, but Jensen feared Naomi was just as smart and devious and still had connections. Treven obviously had a network even from prison. The man had no access to email and Jensen had cut off any visitation rights, yet Livvy continued to get those stupid emails and now this had happened.
“I won’t force you into protective custody,” he told her. The challenging look in her eyes said that was a smart move on his part. “But I would like to station men outside your house until we figure out who turned off your power and left the note and dead bird.”
He waited. If she told him no, he would have to respect that. He’d have quiet patrols come by regardless.
“Okay,” she said.
“Okay,” he repeated. He wanted to stay, wanted to be alone with her, wanted to talk to her and see if she was really okay emotionally, or just incredibly brave and filled with faith.
They studied each other for a few beats, then her dad stood and put out his hand. “Thank you for coming yourself, Chief Allendale. It means a lot that you would take Livvy’s case seriously and help protect her.”
Jensen stood and shook the man’s hand. “I am serious about protecting her.”
Livvy popped up as well and walked briskly through the living area and into the entryway. Jensen exchanged a look with her dad, but there wasn’t much to say until they had some answers.
“Thank you,” Elijah said again.
Jensen nodded, released his hand, and followed Livvy into the entryway. Curiously, her dad stayed in the living room, giving them a measure of privacy.
Livvy opened the front door, a clear message it was time for him to go. Jensen stared down at her. She wasn’t much taller than five feet, but she was fearless. Why did she have to be so confusing and so appealing at the same time?
“I’ll keep you informed about the prints and other research,” he said.
“Thank you.” Her lower lip trembled.
If she cried, he would have no choice but to hold her. Right?
“I really do appreciate you being so diligent,” she said. “I just … can’t cower to my fears any longer.”
“You are extremely impressive and brave.” His gaze swept over her beautiful face, and he couldn’t resist reaching for her hand. She was being overly brave. Keeping her safe had to be the most important thing right now.
Livvy’s eyes widened slightly, but she let him take her hand in his. Her hands were delicate and feminine. There were YouTube recordings of her performances. He’d watched them far too often, fascinated by her talent and the way these hands danced with the piano keys, creating music that transported him to a different world.
“Please call if you have any uneasy feelings, hear anything, or if you want to talk. I want to be there for you, Livvy.”
“As the chief of police?” she asked in a breathy voice that made his heartbeat quicken.
“As a man who is captivated by you.” Maybe he shouldn’t have gone there, but that might be almost as good of a romantic line as Chad or Malik could come up with. Charm had never been his strong suit, though, and he meant his words sincerely. She captivated him, entranced him, enthralled him. He’d dated other women, but she was the only one he’d been truly interested in for most of his adult life.
The smile that grew on her beautiful face was radiant. He must’ve done all right with his response.
“Thank you, Jensen.” She lifted onto tiptoes and brushed her soft lips across his cheek.
Jensen’s heart threatened to beat out of his chest. If her lips on his cheek felt that incredible, what would it be like to kiss her?
Before he could act on that impulse, she stepped back. That was for the best. Professionalism was incredibly hard to come by tonight, and kissing her right now would be out of line.
He released her hand and inclined his head to his officers parked across the street. “My men will be right there. Two others will patrol your neighborhood. Please arm your security system after your dad leaves, and please sleep with that gun and your phone close at hand. With my number on the screen.”
“I will.” She smiled.
Jensen knew it was time to go. He hated leaving her. Tilting his chin up, he said, “I’ll check in tomorrow.”
