Page 73 of Dangerous Pursuit

“Goes both ways, sis.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll text you when I get there. See you in a bit.” She hangs up.

I flop on the bed and take in the last twenty-four hours. It went from paradise to a shitstorm in a matter of minutes. I should have confessed that I’d been having her followed the second she came clean about everything. Why didn’t I?Fuck if I knowis my initial response. But deep down, I know exactly why. It wasn’t worth risking a negative reaction from her under the current circumstances. She needs me by her side more than I need to clear my conscience.

When I get her through this mess and out of it safely, we’ll have that conversation, but right now, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. I just wish my subconscious believed that. The most important thing at the moment is to keep her safe, which means protecting her in every way possible. I just found the woman I love—I’m not letting her go that easily.

Mia

After landing, Jackson dropped me off at home to regroup and let my mom know I was back. We thought about going to hisplace as if we were still out of town, but it didn’t feel right, and honestly, I needed time to reflect.

Mom was surprised to see me, but I had my story ready and told her Jackson had to return for a meeting tonight that I’d be attending as well. She didn’t bat an eye and even said to let her know if I would be back tonight or not. Apparently, I don’t need Walker as an excuse anymore—being eighteen has its benefits. She asked how the weekend went and was happy to hear that Jackson and I had a good time with Cici. It’s good to have our relationship out in the open and be able to talk about it with her.

Telling Jackson about my situation is a different story. It was a relief to share what I’ve been going through, but it opened the door to a host of new fears. I was nervous before, but now I’m terrified. Not only do I risk them finding out I told someone, but involving another person in this mess isn’t fair. Especially since it’s the man I’ve fallen head over heels in love with.

I still can’t wrap my head around the last twenty-four hours. Being with Jackson is intense. He brings me to levels of pleasure I didn’t think possible. The things he says and does weren’t even conceivable before, and now I can’t get enough. That he said he loved me before saying the words myself chased away any remaining doubt I had, allowing my complete surrender.

His desire for my safety makes me feel cared for in an unfamiliar way, and I’m relishing this new scenario. The dynamic of our relationship started on equal footing, but having him assume the role of protector is comforting. The future is less scary knowing he’s by my side, but at the same time, it freaks me out. I’ve never depended on another person for peace of mind, so it’s hard to be vulnerable. Is that what love does to a person?

My mind is spinning in circles while I get ready for tonight, and I decide a distraction might be necessary for a minute while I finish up, so I finally call Walker to fill him in on everything. He’s sent numerous texts over the last few days, to which I’veresponded with short, hurried messages telling him I’d call when I had time.

He listens patiently as I recount the events since my birthday. He gasps, oohs, and aahs as I tell the entire story. After I make it to tonight—minus the real reason we came home—I finally go silent, giving him a chance to speak.

“One week is all it took. I knew it. Damn, girl, you scored yourself a man.”

“Walker, seriously, you gotta give me more than that. Honestly, though, what do you think? Am I crazy? Is it too fast?” I’m looking for reassurance. Hopefully, it doesn’t backfire.

“Mia, there’s no time limit on love. It just happens. And, girl, I saw it in his eyes that day. He was already in love with you. I’d say if you’re happy—and I can tell you are—andyou’re having mind-blowing sex, then you go, girl.”

“Ugh, it would be about sex for you. It’s not just that, though. He makes me feel… I don’t know how to explain it… special. Important. Like I’m his number one priority and I’m worth it. God, that sounds vain. But it’s not only how he makes me feel. It’s him, how smart he is, how he holds himself, and you should’ve seen him with his sister. He’s… everything.”

“Mia, are you trying to convince me or yourself? Nothing you’ve said screams ‘too soon.’ Stop worrying about what you think is normal and just go with it. He’s supposed to be older and wiser, right? Well, he’s on board, so stop questioning things and enjoy the ride.”

“Okay, you’re right. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks, Walker. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now go have more sweaty sex tonight and give me details later.”

“Walker!”

“I may be gay, but I’m still a guy. Later, babe.”

“Ugh. Bye, Walker.”

THE GAME

Jackson

We’re silent as I hold Mia’s hand on the way to poker. I texted her earlier that Eli had got me on the list. Fully understanding her situation made it hard to pull away when I dropped her off earlier. And even though her security detail gives me peace of mind, having her with me again puts me at ease.

My chat with Sam didn’t alleviate my concerns, considering they can’t do anything other than keep a closer eye on her. But that doesn’t make me feel better knowing she was being assaulted while he was stuck outside last time. I’m planning to talk with Mia about having a full-time bodyguard, thinking it won’t be necessary to tell her that I’ve already had someone in place if she’s willing to accept it moving forward.

“I think we should go in separately so it doesn’t seem like we’re together. I don’t want to raise any red flags,” she says, pulling me straight from my thoughts to pissed off in two seconds flat.

“Mia, we are together, and I plan on making it obvious to everyone there. I won’t have some creep coming on to you.”

“See, this is exactly why I shouldn’t have told you. This is serious, Jackson. It’s not about you and me. It’s bigger than that, and you know it. If I give these guys any ammunition, who knows what they’ll do next? I just need to ride it out, and eventually, I’ll pay them off and be done with this. But until then, you and I both need to play by the rules and not stir the pot.”

“Goddammit. I hate this for you. Wait, how much do you owe them?”Fuck, why am I just now thinking of this?

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