Page 40 of Jase
“What about you? Tell me more about Jase Colter? Are your parents still alive? Where did you grow up?”
The water shut off as he made his way back to the table. “They’ve been gone a few years. I grew up in Phoenix but moved to Texas when I was seven.” The expression softened as he scooted his chair closer towards me and sat. “You really have no idea who I am?”
“I can’t place it. I know I’ve seen your face. I think I’ve even heard your voice, but I don’t know. I don’t watch TV a lot. I’m not even big on electronics, but you know that. Are you a movie star?”
He bit his bottom lip as he smiled, surprising me. “No. No way.”
I took in his broad shoulders. He was tall and athletic. “Football player? Baseball?”
“I played some ball in high school. Nothing big. It wasn’t really my thing. I was a bit of a nerd.”
We both smiled as I glanced at his monitors.
“I give up. I have no idea.”
“Do you want to know?”
The way his face changed; I wasn’t sure what to think about it. There was something there. Something that gave me hesitation. He was willing to tell me, but he didn’t want to.
“I don’t think so. Maybe when you’re ready.”
Relief radiated. He nodded, glancing around the space.
“What now? I’m afraid I don’t have many guests, but it’s,” he lifted his arm, glancing at his watch. “It’s almost one. You’d be reading. Or browsing your new groups. Damn. Your computer.”
“It’s okay. I don’t need it.”
“No, we do. We really do.” He turned back to the screens, looking at my now empty living room. “I’ll go back tonight when everyone is sleeping. I’ll be quick.”
“You can’t go back. You said so yourself.”
“We don’t have a choice on this matter. Besides, I can go back; you can’t. A stranger won’t recognize me. They will you. And I can take care of myself.”
“And I can’t?”
Jase stood from the chair, hovering over me. There was no threat, only a burning pull I couldn’t mistake as he stared down at me. He pressed his lips together, easing his fingers to trail down the side of my throat as I kept my head back to peer up at him. The action almost had me stepping closer. “No, doll. Not against these people. This is nonnegotiable. I trusted you with my code. Give me your word that you’ll stay…or…I’ll tie you up to make sure you do.
Chapter 15
Jase
Uncertainty. It sparked in her eyes, but it didn’t last. Kody wasn’t sure I was telling the truth. She wasn’t even sure if she wanted me to be. Was my trust more important for her to keep than the lust she had towards me? Most definitely. I was all she really had. Her friends may have been there, but they didn’t have the kind of bond she and I did. Right now, trust ruled her, and it had her nodding just like I knew it would.
“Fine. But I’ll be able to watch you? You’ll keep this camera up for me?”
“Yes.”
“What happens if he comes back? What if he finds you?”
My head tilted, and I couldn’t help but lower to trace the beginning of her collar bone. “What if I want him to?”
Her eyes got bigger as I dropped my hand.
“Jase.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll be fine. I think after today, the last thing he expects is for you to go back to your apartment. He may be watching the outside, but he won’t recognize me as someone to watch out for.”
“What if he sees your car?”
