Page 21 of My Bodyguard Neighbor
"I'm terrified.Of the Russians, of my father, of losing myself again.Of trusting you and finding out I was wrong."
Jonah didn't try to pull her closer, didn't try to comfort her.He just sat there, solid and honest."I can't promise you won't feel trapped while this threat exists.The truth is, keeping you alive means restricting your freedom temporarily.I won't lie about that."
Holly appreciated his honesty, even as it made her heart ache.
"But I can promise you this," Jonah continued."When this is over—when the Popovs are dealt with and the threat is neutralized—you'll be free to walk away.No guilt, no manipulation, no strings.If you decide you can't trust me, if you decide what I did is unforgivable, I'll disappear from your life.You'll never see me again."
"And if I don't want you to disappear?"
"Then I'll spend every day proving I'm not like your father.That I can love you without consuming you."Jonah's voice was rough with emotion."But that's your choice, Holly.It has to be your choice."
Holly stared at him, seeing the vulnerability beneath the warrior's mask.He wasn't promising her everything would be perfect.He wasn't promising she wouldn't feel controlled or scared.He was just promising her honesty and the freedom to choose.
It wasn't enough.Not yet.But it was a start.
"I need time," she said finally."To process all of this."
"Take all the time you need."
Before Holly could respond, Jonah's phone buzzed.
“Fuck,” he said tightly.
"What is it?"Holly asked, her stomach already sinking.
"Text from my contact at the courthouse."Jonah's voice was grim."The jury got the case this afternoon.They could have a verdict as early as tomorrow."
She'd spent three years fighting for her independence, and the man she was falling in love with—the man she wasn't sure she could trust—was the only thing standing between her and a nasty crime family..
"I know I said I need time.But right now, with everything about to go to hell—" Holly's voice shook slightly."I'm glad you're here.Even if I don't know how to feel about everything else."
Jonah crossed to her and pulled her into his arms.Not possessively, not desperately, just...holding her."I've got you.Whatever happens, I've got you."
Holly buried her face against his chest, drawing strength from his solid presence.
Chapter Six
