Page 35 of Dangerous Pursuit

He breaks the silence. “We can’t talk about what happened yet because I’m too angry about what I walked into. I just need to get you home.” An instant ache forms in my chest at the thought of being without him before he continues. “Can I take you to my place to make sure you’re okay? I’d like you with me right now.”

I’m too shocked to respond.Where is this coming from?

“Please,” he pleads.

“Um… sure? I’ll just need to text my mom and Walker.”

He doesn’t say anything, just nods and kisses my fingers before lowering our hands to the console, still not releasing mine from his grip. He drives the whole way using his left hand, unwilling to let me go, forcing me to make do with one hand as well.

I text my mom that I’m in for the night because I know I’ll be safe with Jackson. Next, I text Walker and let him knowwhere I’m going and that I’ll explain later, but not to worry. His response, “You go, girl!” makes me smile for the first time tonight.

I could lie and tell myself that I’m only going to get answers, like how he knew I was there and who that man was, or I can be honest and admit that I feel safe and was relieved when he suggested taking me home with him. I don’t know what this means or why things suddenly feel different between us, but I do know I need him right now as much as he seems to need me.

STAY

Jackson

The images keep replaying in my head. The minute I saw that fucker holding Mia face down on the table, pressed into her with his hands on her body, I saw red. It’s a good thing I didn’t stop at my place first and grab my gun, or else I’d probably be in jail right now, which is ironic considering the girl I saved could easily put me there.

All I want to do right now is wrap her in my arms and keep her safe. She’s too good a person to be around men like that. Why is she risking her safety to play at those types of poker tournaments? What exactly is she involved in? I need answers one way or another, but right now, that isn’t my priority; ensuring she’s okay is.

I’m silent on the way to my place, too afraid to speak about what happened and scare her any more than she already is because I’m too angry. Angry that I took so long to get there. Angry at the asshole who thought it was okay to take advantageof a woman. Angry at whatever she’s caught up in that put her in this situation, and angry that she won’t confide in me so I can help her out of it.

I’ve decided it’s best to remain quiet for the time being until I can calm down and manage a civil conversation. In the meantime, I’m not letting her out of my sight, refusing to take her anywhere other than my condo, which, thank fuck she agreed to. Now that I have her, I’m not letting her go.

The minute I held her, my feelings hit me like a tsunami. I knew there was no going back to the way things were before. Fighting my attraction is one thing, but fighting the feelings bubbling up to the surface is damn near impossible. I want to protect her, care for her—I want to make her mine.

I’m relieved to finally pull into the parking garage from what felt like the longest drive in history. After pulling into my space, the short time it takes to get from my door to hers is long enough to realize that I’m powerless from the need to touch her. Reaching for her hand, I help her out and lead us into the building, refusing to let go. She was silent the entire way here, and I have no idea how she’s feeling.

Once inside, I pull her into my arms, and after one deep breath, she breaks down sobbing, giving me the answer. Picking her up and carrying her bridal style, I walk into the living room and sink onto the couch with her head in the crook of my neck while she cries. All I can do is hold her as I caress her hair, moving it off her neck and then rubbing her back while whispering words of comfort. At the same time I console her, I’m trying to erase the earlier images from my mind but failing. I want to hunt that asshole down and make him pay for causing Mia’s anguish. I’m lost to this girl.

“I’m sorry. I just can’t stop thinking about what would’ve happened if you hadn’t shown up.” She sucks in air as she tries to speak.

“Shhhh. Mia, I’ve got you. Let’s not think about what could’ve happened and just be grateful it didn’t. I’m here now. I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise.”

“You can’t promise that. Oh my God, I’m so stupid. What was I thinking?” Well, at least she’s admitting to that.

“I don’t think you’re ready for that conversation. I’m certainly not.” I give the softest chuckle to make light of the statement and not freak her out, but fuck no, I’m not ready for it yet. She’ll need to be in a better state of mind because I have a few choice words I won’t be able to hold back.

“I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready. Why did you bring me here? I just… I don’t know why you’re being so nice. What’s going on?” She’s still cradled in my lap with her head resting on my chest. The tears have stopped, and she’s beginning to breathe normally.

“I brought you here because… fuck, Mia, I had to. The thought of taking you somewhere else… it just wasn’t an option. This need to hold you, keep you safe, is too damn strong to do anything else.” I think it’s time to come clean about how I feel about her.

“Mia, I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a complete asshole. It’s the only thing I could do to keep my distance. The truth is, I’m so fucking attracted to you that it’s killing me. I know I’m too old for you, not to mention your boss, but the worst part is that I can’t even legally touch you, and I’m not used to keeping my hands to myself. Making you the enemy was to prevent me from taking what I really wanted. And, Mia, I want you. In the worst way possible.”

Mia

Am I in the twilight zone? Is something wrong with my hearing? My body just became hyperaware that I was sitting in Jackson’slap while he admitted to wanting me.Oh. My. God.I’m tingling between my legs, muscles clenching of their own accord, and I know I should not be feeling this way after all that’s happened, but I can’t help it.

“Mia, please… don’t do that.” His words are almost pleading.

Oh… ohhhh… I feel his erection growing under me. Holy… Should I move over, or do I just stay still? What if my body clenches again by accident? Oh crap, it just did. Thinking about it obviously isn’t helping. He’s the only one who makes me feel this way, and there’s no denying my thoughts areveryinappropriate at the moment. And now I’m making it worse as the images running through my mind cause me to clench again. This is going downhill fast.

“How about we move you over so we can talk?” His voice comes out gravelly as he lifts me easily, setting me on the couch beside him with zero space between us. He chuckles. “There, that’s better. Now, tell me what you’re thinking… other than the obvious.” My panties melt at the cheeky smile he flashes. Good thing I’m not on his lap anymore.

Our fingers are entwined while his other arm keeps me pinned to his side. I don’t think he’s let go since the moment he showed up tonight, other than getting in and out of the car. I guess he wasn’t kidding about needing to hold me.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m obviously attracted to you, but you’ve pretty much treated me like crap from day one. And yeah, you’ve been better recently and even nice this week, but I still feel sort of blindsided.”

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