Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

Anderson

"No." Aspen glares at the boxes Tiago brought. "I don't care if it's the best of the best."

She places her hands on her waist, tapping her right foot. "You can't just decide that I need an alarm system because…why do I need an alarm system? There is something you're not telling me. What is it?" Her tone is suspicious and fierce, reminding me that we can't hide much from each other.

"I'll feel better knowing you're safe." Is this a lie by omission? Why can't she be one of those women who accepts whatever they're told? Because I wouldn't date someone like that, that's for sure.

"Nine-one-one is a three-digit code I can use, and it's as useful as your alarm," she retorts giving me a knowing look. "What's so unique about this system?"

"The police won't be here as fast as?—"

"Tiago, it's on a need-to-know basis," I remind him.

Aspen eyes him, sizing him up, then she looks at me. "This is on a need-to-know basis, Hawk."

She extends her hand to Tiago, examining him. I hope that's all. With his long hair, Latin looks and tattoos, he's always getting more attention than the asshole deserves. "We haven't formally met. I'm Aspen Zimmerman."

"Tiago." He swallows her little hand with his massive one. "It's nice to finally meet you. Let me know when you're ready to drop his ass. I'll be here for you."

"Tame your stupidity. She's blondie's best friend."

"Texas girl?" Tiago arches a brow. I nod. "Hmm. Interesting."

"The system is connected to the usual emergency services, but…" I want to explain but how much is too much?

"Never seen you tongued tied," Tiago says laughing at me, looking at Aspen. "And for someone so tiny and cute."

Aspen, who's a foot shorter than Tiago, puffs her chest and lifts her chin protesting, "I'm not tiny, nor cute."

"You're adorable, babe." I try to weasel my way out of the other subject by redirecting the conversation. "Anyone is tiny in comparison to Tiago."

"Please, don't butter me up and try to insult my intelligence." She leans away, circling our conversation back to the stupid alarm. "What's with the alarm system?"

"Our systems are designed to connect not only with the usual emergency services, but also with our own call center." I release a deep breath, take her hand, and walk her through the hallway toward the stairs, up to the second door where her bedroom is located.

"Because I want you safe," I say, feeling like a dumbass who didn't think about the consequences of his actions. Every day we spend together is blissful. Aspen is becoming a part of my world, which isn't as safe. She lives in the worst part of the suburbs. It's close to the hospital where she works, but an area I would rather avoid. Then there are my enemies. I'm careful. But if someone finds out who I am, they can find her, and I don't want to think about it.

I lean in and kiss her nose, then the corners of her lips, and finally brush my lips against hers. "Even when I know you can take care of yourself, I'm making it my mission to keep you safe, protected." My fingers grab hers when she makes a small noise.

"The people I deal with at work are dangerous. This security system will alert the right people about your situation—hence the cameras we'll install around the perimeter." Her body trembles. "I won't let anything happen to you, but the alarm is a little insurance policy just in case."

I reach out with both hands and wrap them around her waist before closing the gap between us. I keep her steady against me. "Asking for you to trust me is stupid, I haven't done anything to earn such trust. In any case, I beg you to believe me when I say that the security system isn't an invasion of your privacy. It's a safety net."

Those whiskey eyes stare at me, deciding that what I've said for now is enough. I wish I could take her away with me to a place where she's permanently safe—but I can't. That's her decision, and our relationship isn't at that stage. She's fearful of what we've developed and I don't want to push her away with fear of losing her.

"Okay, install whatever you consider is necessary." Her hands cup my face. Our linked gazes don't break as she pulls me even closer to her. We are only a breath away from each other. Those tender, silky lips touch mine, moving slowly, kissing me lovingly. It doesn't last long, but I feel it all the way down into my soul. "I don't know why, but I trust you. There's something in the way your heart beats that tells me I'm safe with you."

This is a refreshing change of pace from a few days ago. "Funny, my heart knows he's safe with you."

I swallow hard, knowing she might not like what I'm about to say. "After I install the system, I need to see your schedule. I have a mission coming up—we don't have too much time left."

Concern flashes through her eyes. She closes them immediately, trying to hide the fear. I feel it racking through her erratic pulse. I kiss her hard, like my life depends on this exact moment. I'm communicating that this is only an intermission before the next big act. That no matter how long it takes, I'll come back to her.