Page 35 of Jenna's Protector

“Oh ho, the small-town cop needs the big guns, huh?” His smirk is practically audible. “Bring ‘em over. I’ll see what I can do.”

We chat for a few more minutes, trading barbs and catching up. By the time I hang up, Jenna returns, a smile on her face.

“All set,” she says. “Let’s hit the road.”

The California coastline stretches before us, an endless expanse of blue meeting the rugged cliffs. The sun sits high in the sky, casting a golden glow across the water. Jenna sits beside me, her hair whipping in the wind from the open window. The salty tang of the ocean fills my nostrils, mingling with her light perfume—a subtle, floral scent that embodies her essence.

Max’s head pops up from the backseat as we drive along the coastal road, his nose twitching at the salty air. Jenna reaches back to scratch behind his ears, earning a contented groan from my loyal companion.

Jenna’s gut-wrenching task of confronting the demons of her past and reliving the horrific memories that have haunted her for so long shows her incredible strength and resilience. The fact that she’s willing to put herself through that, all in the name of helping others, is awe-inspiring.

My heart aches for her, knowing the pain she must be enduring. I wish I could take that burden from her.

The past few days have been a different whirlwind for me. The investigation has given me an excuse to spend more time with Jenna, savor her company, and get to know her. Every moment we share, every conversation we have, only intensifies the feelings growing within me.

I’m captivated by her, drawn to her strength, intelligence, and beauty, both inside and out. I’m falling for her hard and fast, and the realization thrills and terrifies me.

Even as I enjoy Jenna’s company, guilt gnaws at me, a constant reminder of what I’ve asked her to do. I hate dredging up her painful past, forcing her to relive those horrific memories. It feels like a betrayal, a selfish act, even though it’s necessary for the investigation.

Seeing her struggle, I’m overwhelmed by my desire to protect her. I want to wrap her in my arms and promise that nothing will ever harm her again. The intensity of my emotions catches me off guard, but I can’t deny their truth.

Jenna shifts in her seat, drawing me out of my thoughts. Her green eyes meet mine, a silent question in their depths.

“You’re awfully quiet,” she murmurs, her voice almost lost in the rush of the wind. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just thinking.”

“About the case?”

“Among other things.” Mostly about her. How I want to holdher, be more than just the guy asking her to dig up painful memories.

“I want to thank you for everything you’re doing.” I reach out and grasp her hand. “It’s not easy facing your past like this.”

“I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t believe in the cause.” Jenna’s fingers intertwine with mine as if we’ve been holding hands for years. “Those girls… They deserve justice. They deserve to be found.”

Her words echo my thoughts, and a surge of admiration rushes through me. Despite everything she’s been through, Jenna’s strength and compassion shine through.

She’s a survivor, a fighter.

The road curves ahead, hugging the cliffside as it winds toward our destination. The Guardian compound is still miles away, and my heart races with anticipation as we draw closer.

Blake’s offer lingers in my mind, a tantalizing possibility. The resources, technology, and sheer scale of the operation are enough to make any cop drool. Yet, even as I consider the prospect, my thoughts keep circling back to Jenna.

What would she think if I joined the Guardians? Would she see it as abandoning our small town? Or would she understand the need to do more, to make a more significant difference in the world?

Would it take me away from her?

Now, that’s the real question. The thought of being separated from Jenna, of not being there to protect her, gnaws at me. We’ve only just begun to get to know each other, and I don’t want to give that up.

“Penny for your thoughts?” As if sensing my inner turmoil, Jenna squeezes my hand.

I glance at her, surprised by the gesture but grateful for the contact. “Just wondering what you’d think if I took Blake up on his offer.” A wry smile tugs at my lips.

“What offer?”

“He thinks I should become a Guardian like him.”

Jenna is momentarily quiet, her gaze distant as she stares at the ocean.

---