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When they arrived, Thaddeus checked the property for safety before he escorted her into the house. Was that what her life had become…expecting disaster around every corner? Not even safe in her own home?
Eva had left a note on the counter that she would be home late. She’d gone to the movies with friends. Jana smiled. Her grandmother could have texted, but in some ways, she was still old school. Leaving a handwritten note was like her.
It was just as well. Jana wasn’t in the mood to tell her grandmother the bad news. Since she was out, that dreaded task could wait. That would give her a chance to figure out how to share that drama with Eva without upsetting her.
On second thought, that was impossible. Eva was going to be more worried than before, but it couldn’t be helped. Jana was worried, too. She couldn’t tell whether Thaddeus was more concerned or not. He had a way of appearing calm under any circumstances.
Jana made hot cider, and Thaddeus joined her on the enclosed terrace. He didn’t say anything, but he was concerned. He had to be. Yet he offered no reassurance, didn’t tell her that everything would be okay.
It was comforting to sit in the familiar setting and gaze at the beauty of the forest. The trees stood tall and silent, like they’d been there for centuries. Trauma and upheaval came and went, yet the massive pines were still there.
Some things endured; some things weren’t shaken by every whim of fortune. The mountains, the snow, the trees. Those were the things Jana could count on. That was why she lived there, to be close to the wintry world she adored.
The longer Jana stared at nature, the better she felt. Having Thaddeus next to her didn’t hurt. He was a stabilizing influence, a man she could count on. She hadn’t thought of him that way before, but it was true.
Jana put her cup on the table, then took the empty one from Thaddeus to place it beside hers. She sat on his lap and put her arms around his neck. He didn’t seem to mind. Judging from the look in his eyes, he liked it.
Love radiated between them. Jana didn’t break the spell by talking. She leaned down and touched her lips to his. Thaddeus pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. He tasted so male, and his steel body excited her.
Jana ran her hands over his strong shoulders then down his biceps. She delved into his mouth, wanting him. His tongue lashed against hers, revealing his desire for her. She put her palm on his cheek and pulled back to look into his eyes. “Thaddeus…”
Why was it that she couldn’t think of more to say? There wasn’t more to say. Thaddeus was all; he had her heart. She wanted the danger surrounding her to go away, but she didn’t want him to leave. Yet he would go as soon as he wasn’t needed.
Jana wouldn’t think about that. It was in the future, and for the moment, she was in his lap. She’d enjoy his sweet kisses and the feel of his rock-hard muscle. When he was gone, all she’d have would be her memories. She cherished each moment with him.
*****
Thaddeus had gazed at the winter scene outside the window. It was peaceful, in contrast with Jana’s life. It wasn’t right that she had to face one life-threatening event after another. He didn’t bring that up, though.
For as long as Jana was content, sipping her drink and enjoying the view, then Thaddeus was happy. Her joy was his joy. He supposed that was how love worked. He hadn’t experienced it before, but it seemed right.
He shuddered to think what might have happened on that slope if he hadn’t been there. Even with him beside her, the situation had been dicey. He’d reacted, and things had turned out okay. But what if they hadn’t?
He didn’t want to imagine Jana alone, not now…not ever. But it would happen. He was around to take care of the situation and make sure she was safe. After that, he’d be gone. He tried to imagine it but could only think of Jana beside him.
It felt good to be near her. Emotion surged inside him, and he was tempted to tell her how he felt. But that was a bad idea. Confessing his love would make it more difficult when the time came to go. So he was quiet.
When Jana came over and sat on his lap, Thaddeus welcomed her. Holding her close was all he wanted—that and her sensual kisses. Her soft lips touched his, heating his blood and warming his skin. She dipped her tongue into his mouth, making his need impossible to hide.
Thaddeus stroked his palms down her spine, then dug his hands in her hair. She was luscious and sexy, a temptress. Then she pulled back and looked in his eyes. His heart skipped a beat—he loved her so much.
Sadness filled Jana’s beautiful green eyes, tearing his heart apart. Thaddeus wanted to take her away from the danger, keep her somewhere safe, and make sure that no one harmed her. If he was able to achieve that, he’d almost be okay with living without her…almost.
Jana ran her fingertips over his lips. She sighed. “What do we do now?”
That could mean one of two things. Either she was suggesting that their relationship might have a chance, or she was talking about the danger she was in. Thaddeus took a chance that it was the latter. “About the attempts on your life?”
Jana nodded. “My life has been turned upside down. After years of effort, just when life should be good for me, this has to happen.” She kissed him lightly on the lips. “I don’t mean you.” She paused. “You’re the best thing that has happened to me.”
Having a relationship was still beyond his level of expertise. But danger he understood. It had been a part of his life for as long as he could remember. Yet it shouldn’t be part of Jana’s.
Thaddeus touched her cheek and his heart melted. “My vow is to take down your enemy and restore your safety. It’s what I do. It’s why I’m here.”
Jana sighed, and he sensed disappointment. Whether she was pleased about it or not, protecting her was the reason he was there. He had no intention of failing in his duty. It had been that way from the start, but loving Jana the way he did, he was more motivated.
“I will stick close,” Thaddeus said. “You can count on that.”
Jana put her arms around his neck, then rested her cheek on his shoulder. “I know I can count on you. I’d be in a bad way if you hadn’t been here.” She raised her head and looked into his eyes. “It’s just that…I don’t know how to make all of this stop.”
Thaddeus wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. “It’s not up to you. I’m here and I’m not leaving.” He pressed her warm body to his, craving the feel of her. “Whoever is doing this will be revealed. No one can stay in the shadows indefinitely.”
Jana pulled back to look into his eyes. “That’s what I’m afraid of. What’s going to happen next?”
“The enemy will surface, and when that happens, I’ll be there,” Thaddeus said. “I’ll take care of you.”
If only he could offer that beyond the current situation. He looked forward to putting an end to the danger. Yet if he had a choice, he’d stay with Jana after that. It wasn’t meant to be, but that didn’t keep him from wanting it. He could dream, so long as he didn’t confuse dreams with reality or shirk his responsibility.
Jana took his hand then slid off his lap. She pulled on his arm and Thaddeus stood up. “I don’t want to think about it anymore today.” Her tender expression lit him on fire. She pressed against him. “I just want to be with you while I can.” Then she headed for the bedroom.
