Page 36 of Pulse

That last one did the trick—nothing sexy about a bedpan.

Thank God she didn’t have her glasses on because nothing could have deflated his cock in that case.

Talia sat down and lifted her legs onto the couch, resting her back against a fluffy pillow on the armrest. Exhaustion seemed to kick in as soon as she was off her feet. She deflated againstthe cushions, closing her eyes on an exhale. The line of stitches on her face served as a constant reminder of what happened last night.

Because of him.

Protective instincts he hadn’t felt for years rose to the surface. Nothing else would happen to her. Somehow, he’d find a way to keep her safe. That would mean enlisting the help of his club, which would require some fancy maneuvering. He didn’t relish lying to his club more than he already had, but he had to find a way to keep her out of the DEA or cartel’s crosshair.

She’d kick him in the balls if she could hear him making plans without her approval.

He cleared his dry throat. “Can I… can I get you anything? Water, or do you need something to eat?”

She blinked, and a look of surprise crossed her face. “Oh. Um, don’t worry about it. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don’t need you waiting on me.”

Pulse snorted. “It’s a fucking glass of water. I’m not offering white-glove service.”

Talia chuckled, but it was stiff. “Okay, well, I guess I could use a drink, thank you. There’s a pitcher of water in the fridge. And glasses in the cabinet next to the fridge. Thank you. This is really nice of you.”

For real? Was she so unaccustomed to someone offering to do anything for her that a simple glass of water seemed like a huge deal?

That would change if she spent much time around his club. They were so intertwined in each other’s lives, constantly helping and easing each other’s burdens. He almost smiled as he imagined how prickly she’d be as she learned to let his family in.

He fetched the water—she had lemons floating in the damn pitcher—and returned to the living room. Their fingers brushed as he handed the glass over. Hers were so soft compared to his.He had the strong urge to slide his hand up her arm to feel her silky skin, but he resisted and pulled away to sit at the opposite end of the couch, near her feet—a much safer distance than before.

“Thanks again,” she said as she lifted the glass to her lips.

Pulse glanced away. He couldn’t risk watching her mouth with all these weird feelings messing with his head.

“So, uh… what’s the plan, Pulse?”

Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? He rubbed a hand over his chin. It itched as it always did if he didn’t shave daily. “Don’t have one yet. I’ve got a guy I need to call who can dig into this for us. I’ll have more for you after I talk to him.”

“Okay.” She drummed her nails against the side of the glass. “Hey, do you think I’m safe? Here at my house, I mean. Do you think they’d come for me here? I mean, I can handle myself. I just want to be prepared.”

The vulnerability in her voice punched the air out of his chest. It had to be killing her to voice concern. Of course, she couldn’t admit she might be unable to manage this all alone.

“Should I get a big dog or something?” she asked with a forced laugh.

He grinned. “Yes, to the dog, but that’s only half for protection. The other half is because everyone needs a dog.”

That had her laugh sounding much more genuine. “Doyouhave a dog?”

“No. But that’s because I’m in a tiny-ass apartment and have my heart set on getting a mastiff. As soon as I purchase a house, I’ll get one, though.”

“Nice. Growing up, I always wanted a big dog, but my father was allergic.”

“Now’s your chance.”

“I’d love to, but I work so much. Plus, I don’t think I’m the nurturing kind. I’m too Type A. A poor dog would probably hate living with me.”

Pulse frowned. What a sad thing to think about herself, especially when the evidence proved otherwise. Hadn’t she just gone out of her way to comfort him while he bared his soul? For someone who presented with such confidence, Talia needed someone to clue her into what a fantastic person she was.

He wasn’t the man to take that on. Not when he was drowning in his issues.

“To answer your question, yes. You’re safe here.”

“You sound certain.”

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