Page 45 of Guarded from Corruption

Jaw tightening, Niall takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly before answering. “Shit. I want to tell you it’ll be fine. That we have everything handled. And we do. If it were anyone else, I’d be absolutely confident. But it’s not just anyone. It’s you.”

“I know.” I brush my lips across his, lingering for a second. “And I’m sorry. I know you’re not happy about this. I just?—”

“Don’t be sorry.” His expression goes fierce. “You have nothing to be sorry for. And you shouldn’t be worrying about me. I’ll be fine?—”

A quick series of knocks sounds at the door, making me jump. Even though we’re expecting Dante, I feel like a jack-in-the-box, my nerves one crank away from snapping.

“It’s okay,” Niall soothes. He kisses the top of my head and gives me a gentle squeeze. “It’s just Dante.”

“I know.”

“When this is over, I’m taking you on a trip.” His breath feathers my hair as he speaks. “Somewhere relaxing. With a hot tub. And lots of peace and quiet. I’ll give you back rubs and make pancakes for dinner and we’ll watch as many cheesy romance movies as you want. What do you think?”

My heart swells, and inexplicably, I’m close to tears. “I’d really like that.”

A trip with Niall. A real vacation, which I haven’t had since Shea and I went to Miami for spring break during our senior year. Not just any vacation, but a romantic one, with a hot tub and massages and uninterrupted time with the man I’m falling for.

But the promise of a romantic trip isn’t even enough to chase away the choking fear as we go over final plans with Dante.

This time we’re all seated at the dining room table instead of the coffee table, which gives the meeting a more official and intimidating feel. Dante’s expression is stony, and his normally kind gaze is solemn and determined. Niall is stiff beside me, a muscle in his jaw twitching, but his hand is warm and reassuring around mine.

The two men exchange a quick series of glances and chin lifts, a sort of silent communication I’ve seen among the team. Then Dante looks at me and says, “Okay, Jade. I know we’ve gone over this already. But I just want to run through everything one more time before we get started.”

My stomach lurches, threatening to bring up the little I managed for breakfast. Fear rises up so quickly I can’t speak for a second. After a steadying breath, I nod at him. “Okay.”

“So. The subcutaneous tracker is working perfectly.” He taps his phone a few times and shows me the screen, which is displaying a small map with a blinking dot on it. “We’ll know where you are at all times. But it’s really a backup, because we’ll be close by the entire time.”

Niall jumps in, his gaze dark and intense as he adds, “We’ll be right there, Jade. You won’t be alone. And if anything—” He swallows hard. “You are the priority. If there’s any question of your safety, we’ll get you out and end this immediately.”

“Absolutely,” Dante agrees. “Matt already hacked into all the cameras in and around your apartment. So we’ll have eyes on you there. And when—if—someone comes for you, we’ll attach a tracker to their car as well. After that… we’ll be following close behind and intervening before they have a chance…”

Grimacing, his tone dips apologetically. “I hate to talk about this, Jade. I know it’s upsetting. But?—”

My throat clicks as I reply, “I know. It’s okay.”

A low rumble of displeasure sounds from beside me.

With a small sigh, Dante nods. “Alright. If they come for you, chances are it will be at night. And they’ll probably drug you. Don’t fight them. I know it’s going to be scary, but we’ll be watching, and we can get to you in under a minute if necessary.”

His gaze drops to the slim, silver band around my wrist. “We’ll be monitoring your pulse and blood oxygen levels as well. So if there’s any negative reaction to the sedatives they give you, we’ll move in immediately.”

“And…” My lungs constrict. “When they… put me in the car. You’ll still be watching?”

“Yes. We’ll be parked right outside the building. And as soon as they leave, we’ll be right behind. Depending on the traffic, we may have to hang back a little as not to raise suspicion, but we’ll be close enough to intervene if anything?—”

“Nothing is going to happen.” Niall’s voice is sharp, and he flashes Dante a quick glare. “I won’t let it. We won’t let it.” His gaze moves to mine, softening. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise.”

Turning to face him, I take both his hands in mine. “I know. I trust you.”

I trust Niall and his team, but I’m still scared out of my mind.

At B and A, safely ensconced in Niall’s apartment, surrounded by security systems and fences and six highly-trained former Green Berets, it was easier to shove down the fear.

With Niall sitting beside me, holding my hand, hugging me, it was easier to be brave.

When he held me close and kissed me and I could feel his firm muscles and reassuring warmth wrapped around me, the rising panic inside me settled.

Now, back in my apartment, alone for the first time in weeks, I’m terrified.

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