Page 116 of Jenna's Protector

“Welcome to the Guardians and Protectors.” CJ extends a hand. Relief is evident in his voice.

The thought of being Jenna’s Protector, of being there for her in every way, stirs something deep within me. Maybe this is the path I’m meant to take, but it’s a big step, one that will change everything.

As they walk away, I shake my head, pushing thoughts aside for now. Right now, I have more immediate concerns—plans to make, operations to coordinate, and Jenna to protect.

Speaking of, I need to tell Jenna her life’s about to change.

FORTY

Carter

When I pickJenna up from medical, she’s curled up in a chair, a book forgotten in her lap. Her face lights up, and she jumps up, racing into my arms. She wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me into a tight embrace, her body warm and soft against mine.

Without hesitation, she presses her lips to mine in a big, fat kiss, pouring all her relief and love into it. Her fingers tangle in my hair, and I hold her close, the weight of the world momentarily lifting. When we finally pull back, she rests her forehead against mine, her eyes searching mine.

When we arrive at her apartment, it feels different. The weight of Guardian HRS’s offer is heavy on my mind.

“It’s good to be home,” she whispers, her voice filled with emotion.

“Agreed,” I reply, my heart swelling with gratitude for this incredible woman in my arms. I guide her to the couch. “I’ve got some things to tell you.”

“What?”

“We uncovered a lot of information, but there’s something you need to know.”

“What?” Jenna pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine.

“They offered me a position as a Protector.” I take a deep breath.

“Protector? What’s that?”

“The official title is Personal Protection Specialist. It’s like a bodyguard for people who need to disappear.”

“Disappear?”

“Yeah, people with active threats against them.”

Jenna frowns, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Who would you be protecting?”

“I would be your Protector.”

She looks at me, shocked. “Me? Why would I need protection? The threat against me is gone. Isn’t it? I thought it was gone.”

I sigh, taking her hands in mine. “Greaves is still out there. Malfor and his network don’t tolerate failure. He’s a loose end they won’t ignore. Even though we rescued you, the danger hasn’t passed. They might come after you again.”

Her eyes widen, and she takes a step back, her hand covering her mouth. “What does that mean?”

I struggle to find the right words. “It means you’d have to change your entire life. New identity, new location… Everything. And I’d be your Protector, ensuring your safety.”

She looks at me, shocked. “Change my life? Again? But what about my café? What about everything I’ve built?”

“It’s a huge change, and it’s not fair. But I promise we’ll find a way to make it work. Your safety is the most important thing.”

“And if I don’t do this?” She’s silent for a moment, processing the weight of my words.

I take a deep breath, my heart aching at the thought of what I have to say next. “If you don’t, you’ll always be at risk. You’ll always have to look over your shoulder, never feeling safe. You could never be alone, never relax. They’d find you eventually. But if you do this, I’ll be right there by your side. We’ll figure out a new life together. You won’t be alone in this. I promise.”

“I thought it was over. That I was finally free.” She buries her face in my chest, her body trembling. “I don’t want to live in fear, but it’s a lot to give up.”

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