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“No. They know me though, and they hunt these locations. Before the day is out, they’ll probably know you too.”
Chapter 21
Jase
For a moment, I could almost imagine my life was normal. Complete. I’d had Kody in my arms. She was safe. She’d even let down her walls and given herself to me in the most innocent of ways. Trust. I’d had it all for a single second. Then that damn reporter ruined it.
But I wouldn’t focus on that right now. She’d given herself over to me, and I could get her to do it again. It was just going to require patience. Patience that was getting harder to come by, the further away she distanced herself.
Four days had passed since we’d gone shopping. Clothes came by mail. She worked out in the gym. Kody even ventured onto the balcony in the mornings and evenings. She was getting a new routine. Just not one that seemed to involve me. It was as if she was trying her best to stay out of my way. I couldn’t stand it. From having her in my arms to nothing. Not even sleeping in the same bed. She excused herself right after dinner. I wasn’t sure what to do. I knew what I could do, but not what I should.
“You look like hell, Jase. Have you had any sleep, or have you been working this entire time?”
My gaze left Rian’s image on the screen to transfix on Kody. She was standing in the sun, her exposed skin glowing from underneath the thin straps of the romper. She had her hands pressed against the top barrier of the balcony. Her hair was in a constant state of blowing. The sight was hypnotizing. Once I started watching, it was almost impossible to look away.
“You’re distracted. You’re…falling for her.”
“What?” I laughed, looking back towards him. “I’m keeping her safe.”
“No.” A sly smile took over his face. “It’s more. Protecting, yes, but it’s deeper than that.”
“Enough. Tell me about You2.”
“Can I come over? Maybe I want to date her. She’s cute. Really, really cute.”
My teeth clenched for the first time in days causing Rian’s finger to shoot up as he pointed.
“Right there! There it is. You have feelings for her.”
“Do you want me to fire you?”
“We both know that’s not going to happen. What you can do is let me help you. You know I can do it. Two is better than one. Especially given what you’re dealing with.”
Again, my gaze went to Kody. “I’ve compiled a few theories. Ways to…try.” She turned, leaning against the thick cement. Her eyes met mine, stealing any focus I might have had. Need rolled through, twisting with the increasing lust. I blinked, tearing myself from her gaze. Rian’s smile had me cursing. “I’ve already emailed the damn thing over. We’ll talk about it later.”
I ended the video call, pulling my earbuds free. As I approached the back door, Kody’s smile grew. Damn, I was in trouble. Not so much from what I’d already decided, but from these feelings. They grew by the hour, and they’d already surpassed anything I’d been prepared for. That told me a lot. I knew myself better than anyone, but I wasn’t predictable when it came to her.
“You were pouting.”
I shut the door behind me. “I was not.” I smiled. “Okay, maybe a little. How do you know what I look like when I pout, anyway?”
“I just know. What happened to make you upset?”
Walking to the back, I leaned against the barrier, trying not to overwhelm her with this beast inside of me. Could she feel it? Sense it? It was there, waiting, wishing…
“Nothing really. Just work stuff. You’ve been quiet the last few days. What about you? How have you been? You go in a few days to have the pins removed from your hand. Are you excited?”
The smile faltered, but she forced it to return as she glanced up to me.
“Yeah. I can’t wait to get rid of this device, actually.”
“I bet. The 3D cast will be so much more comfortable for you.” I paused. “You’re okay other than that?”
“Yeah. I’m adjusting. It’s like I have to get to know myself all over again. I’m not the same person I was before.”
“No.” My head shook, and my hands drew into fists as I kept them from reaching out to comfort her. “It’ll get easier. It just takes time.
“All I seem to have is time. Too much time. It’s driving me crazy.”
