Page 92 of Exposed

“Dammit, Jasmine. No. I’ve got two armed guards with you and Simon at all times. We’re good.”

“Not you,” she points out. She looks like a deer ready to flee, and I don’t want to make any sudden movements.

She has a good point. I don’t think it was a random mugging, so I won’t lie to Pepper and say it was. One of the guys jumped me from behind and held my arms behind my back, while the other got a knife and tried to stab me clear through the heart. It’s lucky I’m fast and fought out of the guy’s grasp before his buddy could finish me off.

“You’re right. Maybe I need a guard until this all blows over,” I acquiesce.

“That would cost you a fortune with already having two forSimon.”

“For Simonand you. I’m protecting you both,” I remind her. “My dad has worked in this city for thirty years. The security firm is good friends with him and has been for twenty years. They’re giving us a hefty discount, and I have the money, Jasmine. Your and Simon’s lives are worth more than any amount of money I have. Don't worry about it.”

She swallows and looks past my shoulder at the wall.

“You’re my wife, Jasmine. You’re mine to protect. Don’tleave. At least, not until you’re free from the lies you’ve been charged with.”

Her expression softens. “Leaving isn’t what I want. I want you and Simon. I wish my life were different, so I didn’t have to think about leaving you guys.”

Screw sudden movement. In a few quick strides, I’m in front of her, cupping her face in my hands.

“We’re married. That means we don’t leave each other. I won’t leave you. I promised to be there for you for better or worse. We’re facing the worst upfront, then it’ll be better.”

She licks her lips and nods, seemingly convinced. “How do you always make so much sense?”

“It’s a gift,” I joke, my heart pounding. “Stay.”

“Okay. As long as you get a guard to escort you,” she negotiates.

“Deal. You almost gave me a fucking heart attack. Don’t try to sneak out again,” I sigh.

“I’ll do my best,” she agrees.

Simon cries out from his crib.

“Good morning, little man,” I call as I jog back to get my son with a smile on my face. Today, I get to hang out with Jasmine and Simon, my two favorite people.

After we have breakfast and workout together, we take turns showering and watching Simon.

I’m nervous about how fast the first hearing is coming up. I need proof that the Trumans are unfit guardians, so I dial my private investigator, Cat Shepard, for an update.

“Mr. Truman was at his office most of the day. Mrs. Truman met with an attorney and attended another meeting at a restaurant with a few business types,” Catinforms us. “Yesterday evening, they had a few well-dressed people meet with them at their home.”

None of that is remotely helpful. “I need more. We need concrete proof that they’re unfit guardian material.”

“They seem squeaky clean so far. Sure, they’re boring and uptight, but I don’t see anything unhealthy going on,” she responds.

I groan inwardly. “Look harder, please. My son’s life depends on it.”

“I’ll do my best,” she assures me. Going forward, she’s going to email a daily report to us.

“She can’t find any dirt on them,” I lament to Jasmine when I end the call.

I lay on my stomach and distract Simon with a book while he does tummy time.

“Look, Simon. It’s a panda,” I point to the picture he seems drawn to the most.

“I hope she finds something quick. We don’t have a lot of time before the first hearing,” Jasmine sighs.

“Exactly.” I can’t let myself dwell on it. I’ve got to focus on the here and now, and I still have Simon all to myself.

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