Page 28 of Triggered By Love
“I can’t let you do that for me.” She recoiled, yanking her hand away despite the pleasure of his grip. “You’re practically a stranger, and I’m sure you have many unsolved cases.”
“You’re that confident of me, aren’t you?” He gave her a self-deprecating grin and shrugged. “We don’t have to be strangers, do we?”
“No, we don’t. You already offered to be my friend, but I’m warning you—that’s where it stops.”
“Let me tell you a secret.” He made a gesture for her to lean toward him. She met him halfway, and he kissed the shell of her ear before whispering, “I don’t intend to ever stop when it comes to your safety.”
He’d saved her once, but could she save her heart?
“As long as you don’t become the threat,” she said, holding back a sigh at the way he made her feel. If she closed her eyes hard enough, could she turn the clock back far enough?
“I already am.” He brushed his lips over the junction between her earlobe and jawline, and she knew he would never take “no” for an answer—not that she wanted him to stop pushing.
Chapter Ten
Jason had never heardAvery giggle before, and the mischievous way she covered her mouth made his heart light and fluttery. They were on their third round of beers, and Brando’s friend, Trent, and his date, Jayla, had joined them in front of the dartboard.
“I’m lucky these are only magnetic darts.” Avery laughed when her dart stuck not to the board but to a shelf above it.
“I prefer the old-fashioned ones with the steel tips,” Jason said. He casually tossed a dart and it hit the center, lighting up the high score. Handing Avery a dart, he said, “Try again.”
“Only if you hold my hand.” She wobbled on her heels to get in position.
“What do I get if I help you score?” He gladly stepped behind her, holding on to her left arm to steady her.
“Just get me onto the board, and then we’ll talk.” She held the dart backward.
He didn’t think she was that out of it, but if she wanted to act giggly and silly, he’d go with it. It was much better than the fear on her face when she looked away from the man with the wraparounds.
He readjusted the dart in her hand, then cupped his hand over hers. “You have to let go when I tell you to.”
“Aye, aye, sir!” She let him flail her hand but didn’t let go when he said, “Now.”
Instead, she turned in his arms and stuck the dart into his mouth, laughing like an imp. “Eat this.”
Without thinking, he leaned toward her, and she bit the other end of the dart, tugging at it like a puppy on a rope toy when he wouldn’t let it go.
His competitive streak kicked in, and he bit down hard on the dart, growling to keep it. She tugged, shaking her head, and then let go, surprising him.
He inhaled, and the dart hit the back of his throat before he coughed it out.
Avery doubled over, holding her belly. Laughter pealed from her sweet lips, and her eyes glittered with tears.
“Looks like I hit the jackpot.” She chuckled and downed the rest of her beer. “Buy me another one.”
“No more for you,” Trent said. He glared at Jason. “Didn’t you say you were a cop?”
“Yes, and your point is?” He put his arm protectively over Avery’s shoulders. “I can take care of the lady.”
“Don’t take advantage of her,” Trent said tightly. “You know why.”
“She’s legal, and she’s not going to drive,” he replied. The overt hostility signaled this party was over. Avery didn’t need Brando’s friends to protect her.
“We can take Avery home,” Jayla said, nudging Trent. “I don’t think her brothers are showing up tonight. Damon said they have a code freeze, whatever that means, and it’s all hands on deck spinning builds all night.”
“I’m not a baby,” Avery said. Her shoulders were still shaking from residual laughter. “You should have seen the expression on his face when he choked.”
“I didn’t choke,” Jason said.
