Page 54 of Jessica's Hero
As for the other two questions? Yes and yes. As hard as it’s been to wrap my head around it, I really do believe Kane cares about me. Might even be on the way to falling, just like I am.
Or if I’m being honest with myself, I’m practically there already.
How could I not be? When I think back to those silly lists I used to make in high school, the ones outlining all the traits of my ideal future husband, they didn’t even come close to reality. To my kind, thoughtful, brave, handsome—I know looks aren’t important, but I’m not blind, either—protective, smart, loyal boyfriend who gives me the courage to do things I would never have considered before.
Like pinning Sandy with a stern glare that tells her quite clearly,I know you’re talking about me and I don’t care.A glare that says,Get back to work instead of standing around staring.
Okay. I still care a little. But I’m much better than I used to be. Where in the past, I’d duck my head and scurry away when someone was being unkind, now I stay still and hold their gaze. I tell myself all the reasons why I shouldn’t be intimidated anymore.
Like a mantra, I remind myself every day.
I made a mistake, just like millions—no, billions—of other people do.
I didn’t hurt anyone. I’m not responsible for the actions of others.
Kane believes in me. He thinks I’m a good person.
“Jess, honey?” Kane’s brows pull into a concerned V. “Are you okay?” He scans my face, then casts a quick look around the room. His expression darkens as he spots Sandy and Anna over by the water cooler, still staring at me. A muscle in his jaw twitches.
Looping his arm around my shoulder, he draws me into his side. In a low, almost growly tone, he asks, “Havethey been giving you problems? What are their names? I’ll look into them again.”
“No, it’s okay,” I hurry to reply. Sandy and Anna might be kind of bitchy and cliquish, but they’re too self-absorbed to spend their time coming up with creative ways to torment me. They’re more interested in talking about their plans for after work and which bar has the best ratio of available men to women.
“Are you sure?” He casts another glance at the women, assessing. “I don’t like how they’re looking at you. Maybe I can have Leo or Ben run them through?—”
“No, no.” Winding my arm around his waist, I turn him away from them. “It’s really fine. They never actually say anything to me. And anyway, I don’t care about them. I care about seeing you.”
Kane hesitates, still eyeing them with that same suspicious cast to his features. But after a moment, he faces me and smiles. “Okay, Jess. I know you think I’m being overprotective?—”
“I don’t.” Well. A little. At his raised eyebrow, I amend, “I like it. When you’re all protective of me. And—” My cheeks warm, but I say it anyway. “I like it when you’re all tough and growly about it.”
His smile stretches wider. “Oh, really?”
“Yes. Is that okay?”
“Of course it is.” He holds my gaze for a second, emotion shifting in his eyes. Then he touches my new necklace, balancing the delicate pendant on the tip of his finger. “You’re wearing it. Does that mean you like it?”
I look down at the tiny rendition of Nyx carved fromgold. My own lips curve up of their own accord. “I love it, Kane. It’s perfect.”
One of the surprises from our romantic date this past weekend, Kane presented me with this gorgeous necklace along with the explanation, “I wanted to give you something special, Jess. And Nyx, she reminds me of you. Beautiful. Strong. Plus, she’s your namesake. So I thought it was fitting.”
I could tell he was nervous about giving it to me, but he had no reason to be. I love it. And I have no plans to take it off. Especially when I heard about the added feature, which is that it has a little GPS tracker implanted inside it. “Not so I can track you all the time,” Kane was quick to say, “but just in case. And if you’re ever in trouble, you can press the little button on the back and it’ll send a signal for help. I’ll get the alert and so will the guys at Blade and Arrow. Not that I think you’re going to need it. But better safe than sorry… And—” He pinked up for the next part. “All my friends got one for their partners. Cash, Ben, Grant, Ian… I hope it’s okay that I got you one, too.”
Was itokay? Of course it was. And three days later, I still feel all warm and fuzzy whenever I look at it.
“I’m glad,” Kane replies, still looking at the necklace. Then his gaze raises to meet mine. Resignation tinges his voice as he says, “I guess Ishouldget going. Oliver’s waiting outside. But I’ll be back at four-thirty to pick you up. So it’s not too long to wait.”
“Not too long,” I agree, though another four hours without Kane doesn’t thrill me. “I was thinking I could make homemade pizza tonight, if you want. And we couldwatch that new documentary about the history of video games?”
Yes, this is my life now. Going home to make dinner with my boyfriend and cuddling on the couch while we watch TV afterwards. Or hopping on our computers to play a couple hours ofTenebris Veil. Then off to bed where Kane shows me all the wonderful ways he can take control in the bedroom. I never knew I liked restraints or being told what to do in bed, but with Kane? I really,reallylike it.
Does it suck that whoever vandalized my house is still out there? Do I wish I could go around town without needing protection? Of course. But the whole living with Kane part is pretty darn great. That, I wouldn’t mind continuing.
“You don’t want to play your game tonight?” Kane asks. “I thought you wanted to check out that new zone from the expansion pack.”
“I do, but maybe tomorrow night? So we can just cuddle tonight instead?”
Kane’s eyes light to a bright topaz. “Cuddling works for me.” He hugs me again. His lips press to my forehead. Quietly, he adds, “I’d give you arealkiss right now, but since we’re both on the job… it’ll have to wait until later.”
