Page 54 of Aussie
“We’ll make sure you’re protected,” Aussie assured her, his gaze steady and unwavering.
Ava hesitated, worry evident in her eyes. “How can you be so sure, Aussie? This is serious.”
Aussie stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Because you’re with me now, Ava. I care about you both, and in my world, that means you’re part of our community. SEALs look after their own.”
A faint blush colored Ava’s cheeks, and Aussie chuckled, lightening the mood. “Besides, until Derek hears back from his FBI and PD contacts and we have a plan, I think it’d be best if I stay here with you and Christian. I promise I’ll behave, and I’ll even take the couch.”
Ava’s mind raced at the thought of having Aussie under the same roof, even if only temporarily. She knew he was right that having him there could offer a sense of security, but her heart fluttered at the idea. She nodded, though a blush betrayed her excitement. “I’d feel better if you stayed,” she admitted softly, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Christian glanced between them, grinning. “I’m, uh, gonna go catch up on the schoolwork I missed,” he said with a small smirk before heading to his room.
Once they were alone, Aussie took Ava into his arms, wrapping her in a hug that she hadn’t realized she needed so badly. She closed her eyes, letting his strength reassure her.
“Everything’s going to be fine,” he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. “My team and I have got you and Christian covered.”
He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes, and before either of them could think twice, their lips met in a kiss that held all the emotions of the past few weeks—relief, love, and the warmth of being together again. Ava melted into him, feeling the weight of her worries lift, even if just for a moment.
She’d missed this. She missed being with him. And right now, with danger looming, having Aussie by her side was exactly where she wanted him to be.
A little while later, Ava took a deep breath as she dried the last dish and placed it in the cabinet.
She had showered earlier, after dinner, and Christian had just gone to bed.She was wearing her flannel reindeer pajamas, a red tank top, and fuzzy socks to keep her feet warm.
She had so much on her mind that she couldn’t think straight. She still couldn’t believe that Christian was pursued by a gang who wanted to recruit him. She was, however, very proud of him for seeking out help.
She also was still coming to grips with the fact that Aussie was staying the night. Or maybe a few nights. She was nervous as hell about it.
Get a grip. He is staying here to protect me and Christian. He’s not here for body-protection duties.
But with Aussie staying here overnight, her heart was doing overtime, and she wasn’t even sure how to act around him. This situation was way beyond her usual comfort zone.
As she closed the last cabinet, she heard Aussie’s deep, smooth voice behind her. “Need some help?”
She turned and immediately regretted it. There was Aussie, fresh from the shower. His damp hair was tousled, and he was standing there all six feet- something of him in nothing but a pair of blue and white pajama pants.
Ava’s jaw nearly hit the floor, and her thoughts did a swan dive from innocent to dirty.Holy shit, he is gorgeous!She knew she was staring, but she couldn’t stop her eyes from wandering over his sculpted chest and defined abs. Her mind veered into territory she was not prepared for. It was a dangerous, tempting, and absolutely unprofessional territory.
Aussie’s amused chuckle jolted her back. “Didn’t mean to turn you speechless, but I have to say, I’m flattered.”
Ava felt heat rush to her cheeks. “I, uh, y-you clean up well,” she stammered, instantly regretting how ridiculous that sounded.
“Well, I’d return the compliment,” he said with a teasing grin, “but I might sound biased, considering the view.” He stepped closer, and Ava felt her pulse quicken. He was close enough now that she could feel the heat radiating from him.
Aussie leaned down, his face a few inches from hers. “Relax, love. It’s not like I’m about to swoop in and ravish you.”
Ava bit her lip, trying to keep a straight face, but her heart was racing. She wanted to thank him for agreeing to stay here and for making her and Christian’s safety a priority. “Thank you for doing this and for making time for us. I know you didn’t have to, and—”
“Ava,” he interrupted, his voice soft. “I’d do anything for either of you. There’s no need to thank me.” He brushed a gentle hand over her arm. “But promise me you’ll keep your guard up at work. Don’t go anywhere alone.”
“I will. I’ll make sure to stick with Sarah if I have to go anywhere,” she assured him.
He gave her a nod, his intense gaze lingering on her for a moment. Then, before she realized what was happening, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was soft at first, then grew into something deeper, more electrifying, until her knees felt weak beneath her. Her hands found his shoulders, and for a moment, she felt an emotion she barely recognized. Was she falling in love with this man?
When they pulled apart, her mind was swimming. “We should probably, um, get some sleep,” she said, looking sheepishly at him.
Aussie gave her a gentle smile and nodded. “Yeah. Let’s call it a night.”
They walked into the living room, where Aussie’s blanket and pillow were already set on the couch. Ava took one look at it, then back at him, and bit her lip. The man was enormous. There was no way that couch would be comfortable.
