Page 22 of Ignited Heat

"More than anything, I want you safe. But part of the healing process involves talking to others about what you went through."

She pulls me to her and burrows against my chest.

"I'm not sure my parents are going to like you staying with me under their roof."

I tense at her words.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you go where I go. I'm not separating from you ever again."

"I won't be able to be with you all day, every day. I've got work, and so do you."

"But at night. You make me feel safe. What if he comes after me again? He'll kill me this time."

"That's why we're doing the shooting practice, and soon, we'll start self-defense classes that will help you feel more confident."

"Do you want me to go back to my parents?"

"I want you to do what is best for you. When you're ready, you'll know."

I feel the tension run out of her body in a rush and I suspect the worse.

"I'm not trying to get rid of you, Cassie."

"Sure feels like it."

"I care about you. I worry about you. I…"

I can't say the words. It's too soon, and it's too much. I move us to the couch, and we lie down together. Having her body pressed against me reassures me that she's there and that I'm keeping her safe. A part of me is scared of her going back as well. I couldn't protect her back then. How am I going to do it now?

If I could just find that bastard Solis, I could bring him to the authorities so he can go to trial and be convicted. I can feel the moment Cassie drifts off to sleep in my arms. Her body relaxes, and her breathing evens out. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place with her and her family. I decide to rest my eyes for a few minutes before contacting my team for an update.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if life was this simple and perfect? Just the two of us, isolated in our own little bubble where nothing and no one can hurt us. But that's never been the life for me. It's always been hard decisions and unbearable consequences. All I know right now is that if I'm going to join Cassie's life to mine, I have to close some doors from the past. That way, going forward, we can build a future together.

Chapter 9

Cassie

It takes at least another month for my family to convince me to return to my life. I don't really like what is waiting for me. A room in my parent's house, my job as hostess of the Dragon's Lair, our family restaurant, and a life without Jason at my side. While packing, I realized that if I wanted to change my life, I needed a plan. Right now, all I managed was to get my parents to agree to let Jason stay with me when he has a night off.

Maybe I could go to college or find a hobby. I cycle through a lot of ideas while getting my bags ready. Carlos is picking me up, and hopefully, I'll see Jason tonight when I go to deliver the food at Midnight Heat. I've missed the people that worked there and I haven't talked to Annette in ages.

I hear the car approaching and close my last bag. I look around the room I've shared with Jason. The memories are bittersweet. After all, we wouldn't be together if I hadn't been attacked. Carlos knocks on the door, and I go to let him in.

"Hey, sis. Are you ready?"

"Yeah. My luggage is in the bedroom."

He carries the two bags easily, and I grab my purse. I take a last look at the house. This was my safe place for the past two months. Am I really strong enough to leave it behind? Carlos starts blowing on the car's horn, and a feeling of annoyance replaces everything else. My brother, the gentleman. I walk out of the house and close the door behind me, making sure it's locked.

My entire family is at my parent's house waiting for me. They've got food, balloons, and signs that say 'Welcome Home.' I'm not sure that this feels like home anymore. No. Home is in Jason's arms. Home is wherever he is. I try my best not to show that part of me that wants to be somewhere else right now and enjoy the happiness my family is showing me.

Mama has made all my favorites and I eagerly ingest all of the delicacies. After dessert has been served, I go to sit in the living room on one of the sofas. My mother follows me and sits beside me.

"You miss him already, don't you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say softly. "When's my first shift at the restaurant?"

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