by CORY CYR
“Is it a castle? Does it have a moat?” I joked.
“There’s a big difference between protection and privacy. I value the latter immensely. Just go about the rest of your day and know you’ll be under my protection twenty-four-seven.”
Chapter Eight
Jasper
What the hell just happened?
I never involved myself in someone else’s woes, especially marital. Seeing the remnants of what her husband had done to her face set me off. She appeared strong and capable. Especially since she had gotten herself in league with the authorities. But beneath her guise of independence, she was afraid and fragile.
It wasn’t my nature to insinuate myself into another person’s conflicts. At least not in a very long time. Kai and Reese were right. I was jaded. Helping Daisy was a weak attempt to reset my past, and that would never happen. Maybe being her savior would help me gain points toward my redemption. I couldn’t save myself, but just possibly, I could save Daisy. It was the truth that she did remind me of my sister. Rumour and her daughter were my only family and, aside from Kai and Reese, truly the only human beings I cared for.
The miles that separated us made it difficult to be privy to her issues. Rumour had a husband, too, but the man knew who her brother was, and he feared me with every fiber of his being. As well he should. Terminating his life would be easy, just a footnote in my life’s history.
My difficulties would begin with talking to Reese. Better to hear it from me than the gossip mill. And even though I didn’t have to justify anything to Fady, since we spent our time at her place, I would speak to her about changing up our routine because I wanted to make sure Daisy stayed safe during work hours. I had a fully functional office. We’d fucked several times in here, bending her over my desk or laying her out on the sofa. Fady enjoyed diversity and would be more than happy to comply because my cock served her well. And I certainly couldn’t tell her I currently had a roommate… and that it was Daisy. That information would inflame Fady.
I adjusted my dick. It wasn’t just Fady. I would have a woman living with me. I’d never done that before. Even though our rooms were far apart, it would only take a few strides to her door. Granted, she had a nice arse, but I never thought of her as a sexual conquest.
Yes, you have. Burying yourself inside the country bumpkin excites you. Why do you think you’re hard as steel right now?
No, I denied my inner thoughts. This was strictly an act of protection. She would be living under my roof so I could make sure no harm came to her. Fucking her would cause irreparable damage, probably to both of us.
The last thing I wanted to do was confuse Daisy. I feared she’d already endured much, having to deal with her husband’s actions, both physical and emotional. The woman didn’t need my petulant cock adding to her problems. Plus, I promised to behave. This would be a test for me. Could I actually have empathy for someone else?
I would never again allow someone to destroy my well-being—everything I loved and cared about. I had defied the odds for years, but becoming a part of VIP had allowed me a life where I’d finally found some normalcy. True, it had started as a financial partnership, but eventually, I gained two great friends. Regardless of what Kai and Reese thought, I wasn’t soulless. It had just been a long time since there was someone I chose to help.
I hadn’t had the pleasure of dealing with the FBI, but I was thoroughly acquainted with the tactics of Scotland Yard. As it was, I’d rather forgo the pleasure of Federal agents. Let them secure the mainland, and I’d take care of St. Willis Island.
I spun in my desk chair as I faced the picture window. Daisy was right. I didn’t know her. Yet here I was, offering to keep her safe.
You can’t make up for the past.
If I was honest, the little of her I’d seen interested me. Daisy was smart, vibrant, and needed me. In truth, I considered exploring her sexual nature. The way she moved and held herself, she exerted sensuality. I was content with Fady, but having Daisy living under my roof might be a temptation I couldn’t walk away from.
Of course, having sex with her would complicate things, and I knew it. Not too many women had Fady’s attitude when it came to my tastes. But then, I was good at multitasking. I could fuck Fady and have sex with Daisy, as well as protect her from an unruly husband.
I chuckled to myself. I was already contemplating screwing Ms. Jones when I might not be an obvious choice for her. Now that was amusing. I’d seen interest in her eyes and scented the desire. I was a self-serving prick. I’d convinced her and possibly myself that I wished to protect her when in fact all I wanted was the opportunity to bed her.
I’d promised to be a gentleman. And if nothing else, I was a man of my word. I would allow my home to be a safe haven for her. I’d barely knew her, but now we would get acquainted quickly. It might take days, possibly weeks, but I would let Daisy Jones come to me. Her need would surpass her fear, and at some point, she would be in my bed.
Chapter Nine
Daisy
I’d always thought of Maynard as rich because we lived well and had loads of cash. But when I entered Jasper’s home, I realized the difference. His home was enormous and lavish in size yet understated. Several pieces of fine art decorated the walls, paintings I recognized from magazines. The tempered glass and leather furniture reminded me of his office. Nothing was out of place, and it appeared to have been staged expertly. What took me by surprise was the place seemed frosty and clinical, a reflection of the man who lived here.
I stared down the dark hall on the right, wondering what his bedroom looked like, but I rolled the luggage cart toward the left and went to find a room. I peeked into several rooms. The one at the far end was a large bedroom with a separate office and its own bathroom. Heck, the bathroom was bigger than all three in Maynard’s house.
I dumped my carry-on and began to unpack. The closet was huge with plenty of room for my minimal clothing. Wanting to escape my husband’s grasp, I left a lot behind.
The room was painted a subtle white, but the headboard and furniture were dark wood. The linens were gray and soft to the touch. I pulled back the bedspread and fingered the sheets. I had a long day, and because of last night’s sleep, I was tired.
I kicked off my shoes and slid under the covers, yawning as I turned to one side. I supposed I should have been worried about being under his roof. I didn’t know Jasper. But I obviously trusted him because here I was, napping in one of his many bedrooms. I pointed my toes as I stretched, falling into a deep sleep.
* * *
Jasper
It was morbidly quiet when I entered the house. I began to undo my tie as I turned off the A/C and slid the door open to the patio. The sun was still bright as it set on the crashing surf. I tossed my necktie on the sofa and padded toward the kitchen to get a beer. Leaning against the island, I took a deep gulp. I wondered what Daisy was doing or even if she was here.
“Hey,” I heard a soft voice say.
I looked up to see a slightly disheveled woman in bare feet.
“I wasn’t sure if you were here. Were you sleeping? Did I wake you?” I reached back into the refrigerator and grabbed another beer. “You drink beer, I assume?” I asked, handing her the bottle.
She nodded. “Well, it’s not all corn alcohol and bathtub gin. I do enjoy a beer on occasion,” she replied, taking a small sip.
My libido heightened as I watched her lips cover the opening of the bottle. Just this singular event sent my cock into frenzy mode. I cleared my throat as I excused myself to get changed. “I’ll barbecue later if you wish.” I spoke as I walked down the hall to my bedroom.
“Sounds good. But don’t think you need to babysit me. You can go about your business and keep your regular routine.”
I snorted at her words. My regular routine would consist of changing and then procuring a woman or finding Fady to fuck. I removed my clothing and carefully placed them on a chair. I adjusted my hard-on and pulled on a pair of shorts. I
found a T-shirt that would complement what I already had on. I abhorred flip-flops and preferred going barefoot.
Daisy had changed into a short sundress with no shoes. She looked at home in the clothes she wore, and it made me smile because she was as country as her origin.
She glanced at me from top to bottom.
“Do I meet your approval?” I asked, breaking her concentration.
Her face turned crimson at my comment. “I’m sorry. You just look different than I expected.”
I reached into the refrigerator to retrieve an abundance of seafood and meat. I balanced it in the crook of my arm as I motioned her out to the patio. I set the food down on the counter of the outdoor kitchen and turned on the grill.
“I hope you like steak and shrimp. I’ve never learned my way around an actual kitchen, but I’ve been told I do know how to handle a grill.”
Daisy pulled up a chair. “Well, I do like steak. Never had shrimp. They have tiny tails, right?”
I chuckled. “I suppose they can be small, but these are jumbo shrimp, so larger tails. You’ve never had surf and turf?”
She shook her head. “I had squid once. It was disgusting.”
This woman made me laugh and smile, which I hadn’t had an opportunity to do in a very long time. “Well, I guarantee you’ll love this meal. I did mention I was skilled in everything. Consider this part of that conversation.”
“Well, I am hungry. So at this point, I could eat anything.”
My body stiffened at the implication. It was a little too soon to try seduction. She didn’t even know me yet—which would be a problem in itself. Currently, things between us were tentative. I offered her safety. To really know me wouldn’t give her the warm fuzzies. I wasn’t that man. We would never be more than workplace acquaintances, possibly lovers. Friendship was out of the question.
I wasn’t the kind of man who had female friends. Kai and Reese had established that fact a few years back. True, things had changed for Kai. Reese yearned for the change, but I was destined to live a solo life. Being responsible for someone you loved always complicated life, and in truth, you could never live up to that person’s expectations.
Yet I had taken it upon myself to help Daisy. To keep her safe and secure. I doubted her capable of knowing the real me. Hell, no one knew that man except Rumour. My dear sister still reveled in the memories of the boy who loved music, video games, and playing jokes on his older sibling. Those times had been crushed under a dark boot and forgotten years ago. She’d married a man who was a prick and only out for her money, and the teenager she had grown up with perished and was reborn into a callous and bitter brother.
Chapter Ten
Daisy
While I ate, I tried not to stare at Jasper. The steak was juicy and had a mesquite taste to it. The shrimp was… well, fishy. I was used to bass and catfish, but even though this meal was good, the tails bothered me. I chewed quietly as I looked out toward the horizon. As the sun went down, lights came on around the deck where we were eating.
Damn, that stuffy and sexy British man was covered in tattoos and massive muscles. He could camouflage his body and art under expensive suits, but in shorts and a tee, he was exposed. His chest was wide and his thighs looked strong and powerful. The man’s forearms bulged with veiny definition. Jasper was a foreboding figure. If not for the occasional boyish smile and the bluest eyes I’d ever seen, I’d shrink in fear at his mere stature.
“Enjoying the view?” he asked with a swallow.
“I guess… I just didn’t realize… I mean, I suppose you really are a trainer.”
He broke off the tail of his shrimp with his teeth. “You doubted my word. I assure you, Daisy, I am someone that never lies, and I am more than meets the eye.”
I took another sip of beer. “I’m not sure what that means.”
“It means I’m more than just a corporate man. It’s true. I am rather stingy with my time when it comes to personally training our clients, but I have my own private gym in the house. I’m a person who values his body and hones it to perfection.”
“Looking at you, I can see that.”
“And do you like what you see, Daisy Jones?”
“It’s a little intimidating. I mean, the way you look. I had no idea you were tattooed.”
“Does my ink bother you? I’ll admit most of it was a product of a misspent youth. I’ve only had a few areas tattooed in the last couple years.”
I walked over to where Jasper was seated and lightly traced the portrait on his right arm. “Is this your sister?” I asked.
He hissed as if in pain, and I quickly pulled my hand away in embarrassment.
“I’m sorry. It was inappropriate to touch you. I think maybe you bring out the bawdy in me,” I admitted shyly.
His hand promptly caught my wrist. “It’s risky touching a man like me. I may misconstrue the action as you desiring something more.”
My pulse quickened as my breathing increased its speed. Maybe because he made me feel secure concerning Maynard, I ignored the obvious peril of being around a man like him. This was the second time that I’d felt drawn to him. Nothing more than sexual, but it was there. He should terrify me, especially intimately, but he was the only man I knew I could sleep with and not be worried about repercussions from Maynard.
I heard a fork clatter on a plate. “You look deep in recollection. May I ask what thoughts are rattling around in that pretty head of yours?”
I bit my bottom lip, ignoring his observation.
“There’s no shame in wanting,” Jasper observed.
“What I want is stupid. I mean, here I am at my age, running away from my criminal husband who wants me dead. You’ve been so generous, allowing me to stay here and offering to, what, kick Maynard’s ass if he shows up? All of that going on and—”
“Now you do have my attention. What is it that’s got you all knotted up? Tell me, Ms. Jones, what is it that you desire?”
“I’m lonely. I’ve let my anxiety turn me into a nervous and uneasy woman. One who has too many self-doubts. I guess I just want to be wanted, to have someone distract me from all this. Heck, at this point, anybody who’s willing. It’s been years since… I sound like a hussy.”
“Quite a confession. Now I have one—or rather a warning. You do not want a man like me. I can only take. I don’t know how to give. If I had sex with you, it would be one night and probably not one you’re likely to forget because I’m selfish and demanding. If you want a single night of debauchery with no ties of any kind, then us fucking would serve that purpose. Otherwise, I can promise I will most likely break your heart.”
“Well okay, my turn to confess. What makes you think I’d want more than one night? As long as you keep me safe, one night is all I’ll need.”
“I don’t think you realize what you’re asking,” he said.
I could tell he was contemplating the thought.
“Like I said, I’m obviously older but maybe not wiser, because the way you look scares the heck out of me. But it’s the scary part that makes me feel safe.” I coughed. “Well hell, I do sound brazen. I’ve never offered myself up to a man before. Maybe you’d like a slice of pie to go with my whorish offer.” I exhaled loudly.
“God almighty, I better stuff my mouth with another shrimp before I make a complete ass of myself. Wait… you liked my ass.”
He laughed. “You are witty, Ms. Jones. I’ll give you that. I’ve never been so elegantly propositioned.”
“Probably sounded better than let’s screw,” I uttered under my breath.
“Is that what you want?”
Oh hell, I meant to say that with my quiet voice. What would he think of me? A southern slut. I honestly wasn’t this forward. I’d only slept with three men in my life, and it took Maynard fourteen months to get me in bed. But as much as Jasper’s size frightened me, there was a part of me that he excited. Even though I knew he could hurt my husband, I sensed he would handle me with care if we slept
together.
This was crazy. I’d just met him.
“For some reason, you’re bringing out my sensitive side, and truly, I have none. But I do think us having sex would be a mistake.”
“Oh, I get it. I’m a little long in the tooth.”
Jasper looked confused. “I really don’t know what you’re implying. I have rather… exotic tastes. Ones I’m sure have never crossed your mind or body. And it’s not that I’m not willing—”
Exotic tastes. What exactly did that mean? Were his words meant to scare me? Because my lower half pulsed like a beacon.
As much as I wanted Jasper to touch me, I was afraid that any physical contact would cause a fire so hot it would consume me with a passion I’d never known.
Chapter Eleven
Jasper
Her quandary had me perplexed. It was much too soon to advocate for sex. But here she was. Offering. Wanting. And I was a man. One who desired just the briefest taste of her. The woman clearly didn’t realize what she was asking and the fact that any pleasure I chose to gift upon her was strictly for my own benefit. What I contemplated at this moment wasn’t sex, but giving her a singular sample of who I was.
“Take off your panties,” I ordered softly.
She blinked several times as she tried to swallow. “Wait. What?”
“I think you’ll find me extremely direct. I only asked politely because tearing them from your body might scare you, and I believe you’ve had enough of that. So I’m asking… yet once more. Ms. Jones, please remove your panties for me. I won’t ask again, and I’ll conclude you’ve changed your mind.”
