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She only nodded, lifted a hand, and watched him go.
He walked slowly to his Volvo XC90. He was walking a thin line between focusing on her case, keeping a clear head, and making progress toward his dreams of dating her. At least she knew he was interested and might reciprocate those feelings—if she weren’t in such a dangerous and ugly situation. He hated Treven Rindlesbacher and all the ugliness and pain the criminal and his family had created for him and for the August family. The royals were Jensen’s close friends and he took their attacks personally.
He had to keep Livvy safe and eliminate the threat. He wanted to stop being professional and start dating her seriously. Would that ever happen, or was it just a pipe dream? He remembered her lips on his cheek. That simple touch had felt better than a full-blown kiss with other women.
Livvy was brave and resilient. Even though she had sequestered herself to her house because of Treven’s taunts, she refused to quit, learning self-defense and how to shoot. Her accomplishments with music showed she was a woman who would work until she was an expert in whatever she focused on.
He loved that pluck and determination. She was the only woman for him.
Now to somehow convince her of that … after he had a good, long talk with Treven Rindlesbacher.
It was after eleven p.m. He considered waking Treven up, but it would be smarter to wait until morning. He was out of sorts and ticked off at Treven for sending someone to threaten and terrify Livvy.
Jensen would get some rest and deal with the man after his morning workout and sparring session with Steffan. The doctor prince might have some extra bruises tomorrow. Hattie would give him a tongue-lashing for that, but Steffan wouldn’t care. Unless he knew he was preventing Jensen from using Treven as a punching bag. Steffan despised the man almost as much as Jensen did.
Chapter Six
Livvy pressed her fingertips to her lips, savoring the memory of touching the smooth skin of Jensen’s cheek with them.
As a man who is captivated by you. As a man who is captivated by you.
Ah—those words. She could still feel his hand around hers and see the intensity and desire in his dark eyes.
He was interested in her.
“Yes!” she cried out.
“Livvy?”
“Oh, crap,” she muttered.
Her dad appeared in the entryway. His dark eyes were an interesting combination of serious and mischievous. “What happened with the chief of police?”
“Were you listening in?”
“No. I’m not your mother.” He winked.
“I really like him,” she admitted.
“He’s an impressive man. I admire him, and I might allow you to date him.”
She laughed at that. “I’m twenty-six years old, live on my own, and support myself. How would you stop me from dating him?”
“I am still your father. I can ground you.”
She grinned and hugged him. “I love you. Thanks for being here for me. Now go home and get some rest.”
All teasing evaporated. He studied her. “Livvy, you’ve had a bad scare tonight. Why don’t I sleep in your guest room?”
It sounded wonderful to have her dad stay, but she had experienced two empowering lightbulb moments tonight. First was knowing she would not allow herself to be victimized by Treven. Not any longer. She was rising above that identifier and reclaiming her life. She thought she’d done that living alone and when Cap had taught her how to fight and how to shoot. Now it was time to put her newfound bravery into action.
The second epiphany was that Treven wanted her alive and unharmed for his weird obsession with marrying her for her royal blood. That he hadn’t raped her years ago when he’d had her alone confirmed that theory. His weirdo friends or random strangers he paid would keep taunting her, but Treven wouldn’t let them hurt her.
Sadly, he could and would hurt those around her. Another reason it was better for her dad not to be here and for her not to stay at her parents’ home.
Livvy would fight. She would be strong, brave, and independent. Someday, this would be behind her and she would ask Chief Jensen on a date. That made her feel light and happy, but a little queasy. Would he want to go out with her?
As a man who is captivated by you.
