Page 60 of Shielding Maya

He lay his head on his right arm, as he focused on not falling to the ground. His legs still shook as his mind reeled.

Slowly and gently, Maya pulled up his briefs, tucking him in gently. His jeans came next. Her hands cupped his ass before sliding the jeans over it. When she had them in place as he'd been before, she grinned up at him. "Now I think you're relaxed and ready to go out there and talk to your community."

He stared at her for a moment, then squatted in front of her. "You're sassy."

"Get used to it."

"God. That is something I can't wait to get used to." He kissed her lips softly, then stood and buttoned his jeans, zipped them up and picked up her coffee cup and took a sip before handing it back to her.

She giggled, "I guess we can call that fireplace sex."

He chuckled. "I guess we can. Next time, it's your turn."

"Yes, please." Her lips parted into the most beautiful smile.

Filling his lungs with air, he slipped his shirt on. "Tell me what you'll be doing while I'm addressing the community."

“Myles, Spencer, and I will be patrolling the perimeter of the common area. Henry, Addy, and Tate will be watching the cameras from below to make sure no one comes up the roads."

"Okay." He buttoned his shirt. "And after?"

"And, after, Myles and Spencer will go to the HOG and they'll work around the clock watching the cameras. I'll be here with you."

She stood and closed the distance between them. "We aren't going to let anything happen to you."

"We don't even know they want to harm me."

"It seems Malibu Man focused on you for a reason. Since Marni had a thumb drive, we know why now. When he shot the senator, he wanted to get out of there in case we'd already called the police. I'm assuming he felt he'd come back and find the recording and finish the job. And, he likely had contact with King or his men in the process and likely offered your name."

"Why isn't he after you then?"

"We don't know he isn't. That's why I'm up here with you." She stood on her toes and lightly pecked his lips. "That and other reasons."

"I like the other reasons." He kissed her quickly, squeezed her tightly, and stepped back. "Okay, I have to meet with Reece and the men before I address the community."

"You'll do an excellent job, Jasiah. This is nothing you haven't done dozens of times."

"Yeah." He turned to open the door, but stopped. "Be careful Maya."

"I will."

He stepped out of his cabin, but his stomach was in knots. He didn't like all this subterfuge and nastiness. He stalked across the common area, towards the covered area where Reece, Cole, and the rest of his inner council sat at the table chatting.

"Hey, everyone. Are you ready for this evening?"

Cole nodded. "Nothing for us to worry about."

Reece and the others nodded in agreement.

"Okay. Is Adam also taking some time to chat with the community this evening?"

Cole shrugged. "We offered him some time, but he was non-committal."

"Okay." Jasiah saw community members making their way to the common area. Cole stood quickly, "I'll get the fire going."

Cole stepped into the community area with an armload of wood. He stacked it in the firepit and began starting a fire. Jasiah saw the door to his parents’ cabin open, and his mom stepped out. She walked toward him and he met her halfway.

"Is everything alright, Mom?"

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