Chapter 23

JASPER

M y mind had been whirling since Joseph's call just before midnight. When he said there was screaming from Harper's apartment. I had one of my guys breach her alarm system and cut the connection long enough for them to get in and secure the area.

I was on my way out the door when he called me to let me know she was alone and that the screaming had been due to a night terror. I was glad to hear she was safe, but my heart was heavy at the thought of her crying out, all alone, struggling with painful thoughts. The memories that haunt her. She was vague, but I desperately wanted to know more.

I was shocked when she called me just after I received a text confirming that my guy reconnected her alarm system successfully undetected. I decided right then that she was going to come to my house. I texted Hector while she was telling me about her dream and sent him to her. The fear that trembled in her voice was so obvious, even as she tried to be vague and put up a brave front. There was no way I would let her stay there alone anymore.

I didn't know how I was going to convince her to come because of her trust issues with men but I was willing to do whatever it took. When she agreed without too much of a fight, she was clearly more scared of being alone than she let on.

* * *

Riding the elevator up to my penthouse with Harper on my arm, I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was gorgeous – light green eyes and smooth, porcelain skin. Her hands trembled slightly against my arm, yet she maintained a straight face, standing tall with her chin raised.

I didn't get all the details of what she went through as a teenager, but it amazed me every time I saw her living, smiling, just doing life while the world around her was none the wiser. She's so strong.

Maybe that's why I felt so connected to her. I couldn't relate to her experiences until I spent time getting to know her story. Letting her tell me her truth, I sensed we had a few things in common.

When did I turn into such a sap for women?

Or should I say this woman; no one could ever have the same effect on me as she's had. I'm in deep. I think I need a fucking drink.

* * *

I poured a generous glass of scotch and sat in the living room where a crackling fire blazed. It was August and still warm out, but I found the sound to be peaceful. It didn't take long to show Harper around and get her settled in for the night. I put her in the guest room closest to mine. I wanted her close in case she had another nightmare. I didn't want her to wake up alone again.

I was still shocked she agreed to come to stay with me, not that I was willing to give her much of a choice.

I sipped my scotch, pondering whether to nap, when I heard the guest room door unlock and soft footsteps in the hallway. I fixed my gaze on the hall, anticipating Harper's arrival. I left the lights off in the living room so there was only the flicker of the fireplace illuminating as I sat in my favorite chair close to the window.

Being so far up, I never bothered to close the curtains. Harper walked around the corner and straight to the fire. She wore a pair of sleep shorts and a top that was cropped, to reveal her pale skin just beneath her perfect belly button. Just that small amount of skin showing sent my mind into a frenzy, wondering what it would feel like to have her wrapped in my arms.

She looked like a goddess standing over the fire, occasionally putting her hands out to feel the warmth radiating off the flames that flickered. I sat still and watched her as she turned and walked toward the kitchen. She didn't notice I was sitting only ten feet from her.

She made it almost to the threshold of the next room before I used the remote to turn on the lights in the dining room and kitchen. I never found that feature more useful than right then. As I lit her path, she jumped at the sudden brightness. Her breathing was labored as she recovered from the fright I had caused, and I caught her muttering something under her breath.

"hoity-toity motion lighting".

Then she started toward the kitchen again. I couldn't help but chuckle at her disdain for motion lights. She turned quickly, gasped at my outburst, and turned red under my gaze. Her hand went directly across her chest hiding herself from my view as she stared at me like a deer caught in headlights.

I grabbed the throw blanket from the couch and walked towards her. As my footsteps took me closer to where Harper was standing, I heard the rapid intake of her breaths.

She's nervous.

I gave her a small smile before holding up the blanket

"May I," I nodded towards the blanket that she finally noticed in my hand. She let out a breathy sigh of relief and slightly moved her head in a nod.

I wrapped the blanket over her shoulders, careful not to move too suddenly, and to be gentle. She flinched away from me ever so slightly and then straightened herself almost immediately. I wouldn't have noticed the motion if I wasn't expecting it.

She quickly grabbed the ends of the blanket, pulled it closed over her chest, and held it tight. I watched as her shoulders lowered and she relaxed.

In a small voice, she started to speak…

"I…. I…" She stopped and cleared her throat before continuing, sounding confident the second time.

"I couldn't sleep," she said.

I frowned at her unintentionally.

"Is the bed uncomfortable? It's barely been used, except by my assistant Max when he's stayed overnight working late," I blurted out, my tone betraying my nerves only to myself.

No woman has ever made me nervous, not like she does.

"You could sleep in my bed, and I'll take the guest bed if that will help," I offered, eager to make her comfortable. She giggled and it was the sweetest sound my ears had ever heard. It was organic, natural, and genuine.

"No, the bed is great. This is likely the most comfortable bed I've ever experienced. Frankly, unfamiliar environments make me anxious, and I feel a little guilty. She bit her bottom lip as she said the last part.

Damn it if she isn't the sexiest little thing when she does that. I'd do anything to bite that lip for her.

She looked down at her feet.

"Guilty?" I questioned, eager to know what on earth she had to feel guilty about. She lifted her eyes, her long lashes accentuating the soft flush of embarrassment on her cheeks, giving her a look of naivete.

"Yes, you have asked me out twice and I've turned you down both times, but you didn't hesitate to come to my aid the minute there was a need for it," she said softly.

I wanted to stroke her face, yet I was determined not to invade her space to make her feel secure. In an attempt at self-restraint, I placed my hands by my sides and flexed them briefly. She immediately noticed the movement, her gaze dropping to my hands the moment I did so.

"I'll be honest it's not every day I get turned down like that. Not twice in a row and I will say, my ego was a little bruised," I said with a teasing smirk.

"If you truly feel guilty, perhaps you'll let me make you some chamomile tea. It might help you relax for the night," I suggested, gazing into her eyes, a slow smile forming on her lips.

"I'd like that very much. Thank you." I held my arm out gesturing for her to take it with a nod. Guiding her into the kitchen, I stopped at the bar stools and pulled one out for her. I had a custom breakfast nook built when I moved in. I don't particularly like breakfast, but I liked the idea of reading the paper with my morning coffee there.

I stepped back to give her space. She climbed onto the stool and tucked the blanket around her bare legs and feet, all the way up, until only her head was uncovered.

Rummaging through the cabinet after placing the kettle on the stove to heat, I moved various glassware around to no avail. I know I have some teaware in this damn kitchen somewhere…

I'd seen Lucy, my live-in housekeeper, use it a million times, but she had to leave suddenly four months ago when her mother fell ill. Since then, I've been too preoccupied to hire a replacement, or maybe I'm not quite ready to do so.

I hate change.

Lucy quickly became attuned to my preferences, mastered my routines, and adapted seamlessly. It was disappointing that she wouldn't be coming back after I sent her home for a visit on my private jet. Initially, the idea was for her to take a brief break and then come back when she was ready, but circumstances rapidly changed, making resigning her only option.

Lucy was like a second mother to me in a way, she would have one-on-one talks with me about needing to settle down and find a woman to love me. I always acted annoyed with her intrusion into my personal life but secretly, it made me feel cared for.

I finally located the teacups and saucers just as the kettle began to whistle.

* * *

I lay in my bed watching the ceiling fan slowly spin trying not to focus on the fact that I had a goddess of a woman sleeping on the other side of my bedroom wall. It took everything in my power not to touch her or to get too close to her. She was here for my protection, and the last thing she needed was a man forcing himself on her, which based on her divine beauty, I assumed happened to her daily .

I was infatuated by her natural beauty as she sat on the stool in my kitchen wrapped in a blanket without an ounce of makeup on her face and her hair uncombed. The sexiest part about it was she didn't even seem to mind it herself. She seemed so content as she sipped her tea and talked about the only family she knew, her best friend Aster.

I kept my distance and leaned on the counter across from her, sipping my scotch while I let her go on and on. She could have talked until sunrise, and I wouldn't have grown bored with her.

* * *

I wanted to know more, I wanted to know everything. I didn't particularly care to hear a woman's life story if I knew it wasn't going to result in a couple of hours of pleasure and sexual satisfaction. I also never entertained a woman I was not trying to sleep with. Call me a dog if you like, it's just my way.

But there I was, lying in bed, concocting a plan to court her, even if it was until her roommate returned. I wanted to light up her world make her smile, ease her suffering, and shield her from harm.

Judging by the size of the small gym bag she brought, I didn't think she expected to stay more than one night. My instincts were driving my actions, as I thought I would request (but I intended to tactfully insist) that she stay with me until Aster returns.

I had already dismissed her security details from her home until further notice and arranged to have her tailed to and from work, along with a personal driver. I know it's a lot for a woman I barely knew but she's different from any other woman in my eyes. She's genuine, appreciative, and kind-hearted. She's passionate and empathetic.

When I look into her green eyes, I see so much fucking hurt that she hides, but she hasn't allowed that pain to taint her perspective of the world or harden her heart. It was evident she concealed her trauma deep within her soul, always aware and alert in guarding it. But I could see through her stoic fa?ade, I could see the pain she held inside.

When I see Harper, I see the same goodness my mother always had in her eyes, and my mother was a fucking saint.