by Cindy Stark
He didn't care if others thought he was pussy-whipped for helping her. Sometimes fate threw people in others' lives for a reason. Yesterday, she'd been a stranger hurtled into his. Today, he wanted to take her and run away, and explore the possibility of a life far from crime. But tomorrow, he would ship her off to Jenna's where she'd stay until her new life was established. He had to.
Damn it. Why did life have to be so hard?
The Fates had altered his life when his entire family had been snuffed out by the Trasatti gang. He'd finally managed to accept that. He'd healed himself by focusing on revenge, and that plan had sustained him through some pretty hard times.
He didn't need this new curveball. He didn't need a wounded woman tugging at his heart. He didn't need it one damn bit.
He threw off his covers, hoping the night air would cool his thoughts. A clear head would help him recommit to his original plans. The Trasatti family had to pay for what they'd done.
Jase had chosen his future path, and there was no going back. He'd known that when he'd made his decision, so he couldn't very well complain about it now. Besides, he'd gotten good at lonely nights, gotten good at the sound of silence echoing through the vacant rooms, here as well as at his apartment downtown. He was so used to his own company that he usually didn't notice. When it got to be too much, he found a temporary woman to ease the pain.
Maybe he would hook up again with Jenna for a quickie. She didn't seem to mind the sex-with-no-strings he'd offered before, and he sure as hell needed to relieve some pressure. He was rock hard thinking about the temptation who lay a short distance away. Max was right. He did want to sleep with Allie.
But no one had to tell him that was out of the question.
The light flipped on in the other room, ripping Jase from his thoughts. He hurried to sit up. "Are you all right, Allie?"
He heard shuffling and then she was in his doorway. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
He pulled the covers over his lap and turned on his bedside lamp, taking in her bare legs that led up to an oversized green T-shirt which scarcely covered her ass. Her dark hair was softly rumpled about her face, and he had to fight back a fierce urge to crush her in his arms and kiss her sweet lips.
Allie's heart thudded in her chest as she met Jase's heated gaze. She'd lain in her bed for more than an hour, unable to sleep. She worried she'd almost given away her secret when Jase asked about her ties to the mob. She had no ties besides the baby she carried, but how could she tell him about that? He might see her as an infiltrator and toss her out on the street.
If that wasn't enough to keep her awake all night, there were noises. They sounded like someone breaking in. Jase had said she was safe, and she wanted to believe him, but in the darkness of night, she couldn't contain her fears. It had taken her forever to work up the nerve to turn on the light. "I can't sleep. I keep hearing something. I know you said nobody can get in, but…" She caught herself looking at his bare chest and forced her gaze upward.
"Nobody's getting past the guards I have outside. We're fine."
She tilted her head, not wanting to ask, but too afraid to go back to her own bed. It was crazy that she'd willingly put herself in close proximity to a man who had the potential to seduce her with a smile, but she'd rather face him than a frightful night in the other room. "Can I sleep with you?"
His eyes widened as her cheeks burned. A wicked smile spread across his face at her blunder.
"I mean, in here with you." She gestured toward the empty side of the bed, trying to make him understand. "Not like in having sex, but I just...I don't want to be alone." She sucked in her bottom lip. "I promise I won't take up much room. I won't steal the covers, and I won't snore." Sure, she'd wondered what it would be like to have him touch her, but that's not what she needed right now. She only wanted a safe place to rest.
He stared at her for a moment, and she wasn't sure what to make of his silence.
"Please?" She didn't want to intrude, but she didn't want to be alone. She'd never had men looking to kill her before, and with him, she felt safe.
He blinked, looking as though he still hadn't heard her correctly. "Uh...sure." He glanced at his dresser. "You might want to turn around first so I can put something on."
Now it was her turn to widen her eyes. Was he naked under that sheet? She swallowed and turned, feeling her face flush again. She tried not to picture him crawling from between the sheets, exposing every inch of his flesh. The top half of him looked pretty damn hot with nothing on. She could only imagine what the rest of him looked like.
"Okay."
She turned to see him climb under the covers wearing only a pair of blue plaid boxer shorts. Trying to erase the thoughts of him naked, she hurried over to the other side of the bed.
"Aren't you going to turn out the light in your room?"
"Right." She shifted direction and went back into her room. The interaction with him had totally thrown her for a loop. Now, instead of night noises, she'd have to deal with thoughts of lying next to a hottie who'd been naked in that same bed only moments before.
A minute later, Allie was safely tucked in his bed with all the lights out. She rolled on her side, away from him, ignoring the thumping pain in her arm. It was tolerable. She rearranged her pillow and sighed. She certainly didn't feel scared anymore, but had she really thought she could sleep next to him, as attracted as she was? She sighed again and tried to rearrange her thoughts. The sheets were buttery soft beneath her skin, and she moved her foot back and forth, enjoying the feel of them.
"Are you going to be able to sleep now?" He sounded as though he was right behind her ear. She rolled over to look at him, finding his dark silhouette still firmly on his side.
"Sorry. I guess I'm still a little fidgety. This whole thing has me freaked out."
"Considering what you've been through, that's understandable." The sound of his voice soothed her, and she curled closer in his direction. "Just remember, you promised no snoring." He chuckled, but it didn't lessen her anxiety.
There were actual killers looking for her. She shivered. "You have a gun in here, don't you?" Just in case.
"Don't worry. It's right by the bed."
"Okay." If someone did break in, he could protect them. She relaxed a bit. He shifted again, and then all was silent. A few minutes later, Jase's breathing became deep and even. He'd fallen asleep, and now she was left to face the shadow monsters alone. She shut her eyes and tried to match her breathing to his. But try as she might, she couldn't will herself to fall asleep.
His men would watch, too, she reminded herself. They were outside the kitchen door. And it wasn't as though the entrance to the house was on the street. Jase had already explained someone would have to make it through the warehouse and know where the hidden door was to find them. Plus no one except Jase's men knew where she was. The guys who wanted to kill her had no idea where to look. It would be okay.
She inched a little closer to Jase. His breathing remained steady so she scooted a bit more. Being near him made her feel safer. If she felt safe, maybe she could sleep. That was all she wanted.
She moved again until she was right next to him. She waited, but he didn't say anything. In the faint light, she could see his arm resting above his head on the pillow. His eyes were shut, and his bare chest rose and fell repeatedly. Gently, she lifted her head and rested her cheek on his chest. His body was hard, but warm and comfortable at the same time. When he didn't move, she released a pent-up breath and relaxed.
She froze when he brought his arm down and snuggled her closer to him. She wasn't sure she dared to breathe, wasn't sure he was consciously aware of his actions.
But a moment passed, and he didn't say a word. He held her close, and somehow, she knew everything would be okay. Her eyelids grew heavier. She sighed and closed her eyes.
* * *
When morning came, Allie was alone. At some point during the night or early morning, Jase had gotten up and left her
by herself. She pulled his pillow toward her, throwing her arm around it and hugging it to her as though it were him.
She wasn't quite sure what to think of herself, craving the comfort Jase offered her, wanting to spend the night curled up in his arms. It had to be from the shock of the whole situation. She was a little embarrassed she'd come begging to sleep in his bed. But every time she'd woken during the night, she'd been tightly wound in his arms, his strong body warm against her. She buried her face against the cotton pillowcase and inhaled his scent. It had felt so right. He felt so right.
Why? It had to be more than shock that fitted them so neatly together.
The clock on the nightstand said it was after ten-thirty, but she didn't want to get up. Getting up meant she would be moved to another stranger's house today, and she would no longer have Jase around to protect her. He'd insisted it was the right thing to do. But she didn't want to go. Nothing much in her life felt stable right now. Nothing but Jase. It was only when she was with him that everything seemed okay.
She heard footsteps outside the bedroom, but before she could react, Jase popped his head inside. Boo came bounding up behind him and settled himself in the crook between her belly and bent legs. He swiped his pink tongue across her face before she had time to move out of the way.
"Good morning." Jase was fully dressed in jeans and a dark blue T-shirt that showcased his muscles and made his dark eyes seem darker. He smiled at her, but it didn't reach his eyes or touch her heart. "It looks like Boo gave you your morning kiss so I won't need to."
"Funny," she said as she ruffled Boo's soft fur.
"You need to get up and get dressed." Jase barked out his orders, seeming every bit the rough vigilante, and Allie couldn't help but wonder where her warm snuggle-buddy had gone. "Max has already been here, and he'll be back in an hour to drive you out to Jenna's."
Boo jumped over her and settled behind her as she rolled onto her stomach, burying her head under the pillow. "I don't want to go," she said, her face against the soft sheet.
"You're mumbling."
Allie swiveled her head and poked her face out from under the pillow. A little zing slid through her when she caught Jase visually stroking her bare legs. She shifted, making the sheet ride higher up her thighs, enjoying the look of desire on Jase's face. "I don't want to go."
He seemed distracted by her bare skin and didn't immediately reply, giving her an idea. If she played her cards right, using every bit of ammunition she had at her disposal, maybe she could convince him to let her stay until she left for college. She wouldn't resort to sex to influence him, but she'd do almost anything else to not be thrust out into the dangerous world that lay beyond Jase's door. She slowly slid the front of her foot up the back of her leg and down again, caressing it.
Jase blinked and then jerked his gaze to her. "Stop it."
"Stop what?" She widened her eyes in innocence.
"You have to go. It will be better for you."
"How can it be better for me?" She sat up in bed, determined to give it one last fight. "I'm safe right here."
"You'll be safer there. You're too close to me, too close to my men. It's better this way." He tossed her a dark T-shirt similar to the one he wore. "Here. Wear this. Max will be here soon."
"You already gave me some shirts yesterday."
He frowned at her. "This one will fit better."
She frowned back, feeling agitated that he wouldn't agree to let her stay. "The others fit just fine." She held the shirt up against her. "This one's too big. It looks like one of yours."
"Does it matter? It's a shirt." His dark eyes turned black. "Put it on."
His dismal mood didn't frighten her, and she wasn't finished yet. "Why does Max have to drive me? Why can't you?" She'd wondered if Jenna really was his girlfriend and wouldn't like Jase showing up with another woman.
"What difference does it make if Max drives you or if I do?"
"I want you to." Not only because she felt safer with him, but she would miss him. In the short time she'd known him, she'd become attached. It was probably that stressful-situation-attachment kind of thing. Whatever the reason, it didn't matter.
The frustration on his face was evident, and she enjoyed a small amount of satisfaction. He opened his mouth to reply, just as his cell phone rang. He narrowed his eyes at her as he pulled the phone from his jeans pocket and answered it.
Allie frowned and ruffled Boo's fur while she half-listened to Jase's end of the conversation. There had to be a way to convince him to let her stay. Just for a little while.
"When did this happen?" Something in the tone of Jase's voice caught both Boo's and her attention. "The one on Ninth?" Another pause. "What about Jenna? When did you hear this?" He shook his head and swore softly. He shifted his gaze to Allie and then he quickly looked away. "Okay, fine. Get some men out to both places. Make sure Jorge has extra cash for anyone willing to talk. I'm leaving right now, and I'll see you in twenty."
Jase ended his call and looked at her. From the expression on his face, she knew it wasn't good news. "Someone's torched one of our hideouts."
Allie's throat tightened. "You said Jenna." She tried to inhale. "Was it her place?"
"No." He shook his head. "But rumor is, her place is next."
"I thought you said it was safe there." Cold fear gripped her. "Is it because of me? Do they think I'm there?"
"Allie, this isn't a risk-free business I'm running. It could be for any number of reasons." The look on his face told her otherwise.
"But that's not what you think."
"I don't know what to think. All I know is I'm the closest one to Jenna's, and if her place is about to be hit, I need to get there first."
Allie's insides started to shake. "Can't you call her? Warn her to get out?"
"Max tried. Nobody's answering." He looked as sick as she felt. "I have to go."
"No," she said, scrambling out of bed. She grabbed his hand. "Don't leave me."
"You're safe here, Allie." He touched her cheek. "There's fifteen men stationed in the warehouse. All with guns. All prepared for a fight." His look was sincere, but she didn't feel comforted. "And no one but a few of my people knows you're here."
She shook her head. "No. Please don't leave me."
"I have to go. If I don't, Jenna's dead." He pulled away. "I'll put several more men near the entrance to the tunnel leading here and a couple more just outside the kitchen doorway. They'll protect you."
"Who will protect you?" Tears hovered in her eyes, but what could she do to stop him?
"I'll leave Boo with you, too." He didn't acknowledge the question of his safety. "Stay," he said to his dog.
Allie looked down and there was Boo sitting loyally by her feet. She lowered her hand, and he bumped it with his wet nose. "Be careful."
There was a fierce look in his eyes as he left. She sank to the floor next to Boo and pulled him into her arms. His fur was so soft. So warm. He seemed to sense her mood, and she let him lick the tears from her face.
Allie didn't sit for long. The best thing would be to get up and get dressed. She didn't want to be in her pajamas when Jase returned, and if she needed anything from the men stationed outside her door, it would be better if she was dressed.
Using Jase's methods from the previous day, she made a makeshift patch to cover the bandage on her arm and took a quick shower. Afterward, she slipped into Jase's shirt, letting the feel of the soft cotton surround her. She hugged herself, pressing the fabric against her skin. This was better than the other shirts, anyway.
She released a deep breath. Everything would be okay. She repeated the mantra to herself again several times, trying to sound believable.
Boo followed her out of the bathroom and down the stairs. If she weren't safe, the dog would let her know. She walked into the kitchen and over to the door. Jase had said he'd stationed some men out there to protect her. She pressed her ear against it and listened as Boo sniffed around the edges. The voices
of two men echoed from beyond, laughing over something. Boo wandered away, and she felt satisfied everything was as it should be.
In the quiet of the kitchen, she sat at the table, eating toast and milk, tossing the crusty edges of her bread to Boo. He was so cute with his white chest and feet. She smiled. When she finally found a place to settle, she was going to get her own dog.
She stood to take her dishes to the sink when Boo let out a low growl. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, combined with the previous night's events put her on alert. She froze midstep, her gaze drifting to the door. Adrenaline gushed through her veins as her heart pounded loudly in response. She swallowed, listening carefully. There was a yell, and Allie screamed when several loud pops echoed from behind the kitchen door.
Oh, God. Not again.
"Boo," she whispered and patted her leg. "Come on." She raced out of the kitchen and up the stairs. This was not happening again. It couldn't. Jase had promised she'd be safe. But she wasn't. No one was. She'd learned that lesson the hard way. No one was safe living in a world of crime.
In her bedroom, she stopped long enough to stuff her feet in her shoes, and then she headed immediately for the closet. She opened the door. Her pulse thundered in her veins, but she was determined to stay in control. The latch to the opening was up above somewhere. Frantic, she felt along the underneath of the shelf. Then she had it. She jerked it down and pushed open the hidden door.
Below her, she could hear pounding. It wouldn't be long before they were inside. Boo turned toward the open bedroom door and growled again. "No, Boo. No." She called him to her.
She found Jase's flashlight on the shelf and shut her and Boo in the closet. She wouldn't leave a path for them to follow, and there was no reason to think they'd find the hidden door.
She grabbed Boo by the collar and turned into the narrow stairwell. Quietly, she pulled the hidden door shut behind her.
Each beat of her heart was loud enough to give away her location. With soft pats on her jeans, she convinced Jase's dog to follow her up the stairs. Calm. She needed to stay calm. Her deep breaths echoed in the narrow space. She kept the flashlight's beam trained on the door above her. Safety lay ahead.
