Page 21 of The Hitman
“I hardly believe that given your hidden weapons and the precinct level security you have in this place.”
“It’s not my life I was tasked to protect, Callie. If you think it’s too much, then so be it. But I won’t take any chances.” He pauses. “Not with either of you.”
“Are the cops involved? Surely there’s something they can do to help protect you?”
“Since I used to run accounts for Isa’s boss, they’ve allowed me to assist them with the case. But the leads are slim, and they’re spinning their wheels.”
That explains the weird hours, then. The secrecy.
My shoulders soften as my arms lower to my sides. Staying here after what he confessed would be insane… but I believe him.
And for now, that’s enough.
“You could’ve warned me.”
“You’re right. I should’ve, and I’m sorry.” His eyes flick to my mouth, linger, then snap back up. “You’re good for him, you know. Hell, you could be good for me, too, and that’s the real danger here.”
Shocked to my core, I utter a soft, “Why?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’ve got a soft spot for you, Callie.” Hearing him admit it makes my chest swell. “But getting involved with the nanny, plus this shit with my sister and Leo… It’s messy.”
He’s giving me an out, but I don’t take the bait.
“I like messy.”
“Of course you do.”
His approving smirk nearly buckles my knees.
“Look. Whether we’re involved or not, I take this job seriously.” I point to myself, making a vow. “It’s not just your duty to keep Leo safe. It’s mine, too.”
He mutters a curse under his breath. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“Yes, I do. I’m not afraid. Not of this, and especially not of you.”
In the seconds that stretch between us, the energy in the room grows dense, electric. Gradually, he rises from the couch.
“I’m not a good guy,” he says, softer now, with less armor and more ache. “I don’t even know if I can be.”
I move closer, reckless and sure at the same time. A ragged exhale escapes his chest when I press my palm above his heart. “I’m not asking for a good guy.”
Jaxon slowly inhales through his nose.
“Leo’s dad isn’t in the picture,” he admits quietly. “I wanted to be something like a father figure for him, but I’m fucking it all up.”
“You’re not fucking it up. You’re doing the best you can with what you have, and then some.” I pinch him, aiming for playful, and he half-heartedly nips at me. “What Leo needs, Jaxon, is for you to be there. To love him, even if you don’t think you’re capable of it—though Iknowyou are. A blind man could see how much you cherish that little boy.”
Long fingers wind around my hand, securing it to him like a lifeline. He hangs his head with a gentle sigh and closes his eyes. “You’re right.”
The music softens, drawing us closer together. Jaxon’s eyes blink open, and his stare is tender instead of reserved. Welcoming instead of closed off.
“Callie,” he murmurs, fixating on my lips.
“Yes.”
“I want to taste you.”
I swallow. “You do?”
