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His hand weaved in my hair as he held me. "Shh," he rubbed my back. "I'm here. You're safe."
"Jace," I sighed his name, breathing in the scent only he possessed. "I'm not afraid for me. Please hear me when I say this. I'm not afraid for me. I'm afraid for you."
"I'm not in any danger, Angel." Jace assured. But he didn't know. He just didn't know.
"You are." I tightened my hold on him. "If anything happened to you - I wouldn't be able to go on living."
His arms tightened almost unbearably around me. "Don't say shit like that. You have a life to live with or without me."
The meaning of those words stabbed at my heart and I sobbed. "No, Jace." I shook my head, clutching to him. I wished I could get closer. I wanted him inside me. I wanted him wrapped around me so I knew without doubt he was here with me. "I couldn't live without you." I pulled back to meet struggling blue eyes. "So don't do anything stupid. Promise me you'll take a bodyguard."
After a long moment where I knew he was trying to stare me down and I didn't relent even for a second, he sighed and nodded. "I'll speak to Gabe."
"Promise me." I begged fiercely.
"Olivia, I promise if you allow Gabe to be yours then I will get myself a bodyguard."
"But Gabe's the best."
Jace frowned. Obviously, he was failing to see the issue in giving me Gabe. "Yes he is."
"Well, then he has to protect you."
"Oh no, Angel." Jace shook his head as understanding settled in. "You're the one I care about. This fucker has chosen to harass you, not me. You're the one who needs the best bodyguard."
"No I don't." I shook my head, wanting to pull out my hair…or maybe his. Whatever worked. "He's not threatening me. He is threatening you."
"Olivia." He barked. "This is not up for discussion."
"Yes it is."
"No." His blue eyes were hard and fierce, daring me to continue. "It's not."
My mouth opened with words of argument on the tip of my tongue when Gabe appeared in the doorway. I started to wriggle in Jace's grasp, but he didn't put me down. He focused his attention on Gabe.
"Franco took the delivery." Gabe stated.
"Yes, I know." I said and Gabe's eyes flickered to me before settling on Jace again.
"He didn't recognize the man. He gave me a description and said he got," Gabe quoted his fingers as he spoke the words. "The creeps."
"Hmm." Jace nodded. "What was the description?"
"Dark brown hair. Five foot eight. Medium build. Strong jaw. That's about it."
"Eye color?" Jace asked.
Gabe shook his head. "He was wearing sunglasses."
Jace shifted and I knew he was looking at me. I was staring at the floor. "Does that sound like anyone you know?"
"Yeah,"
Jace stiffened. "Who?"
I looked up into his eyes. "A lot of people, Jace." I scoffed. Did he seriously expect me to start pointing fingers? Was he insane? "A lot of people have brown hair, are decently tall, and have strong jaws. I mean," I laughed. It was a hysterical sound. "What's classified as strong anyway?"
Jace sighed heavily. He looked to Gabe. "We need to talk."
Gabe nodded. "We do."
"Olivia, can you give us a minute?" Jace asked. I recoiled.
"No." I spluttered. "Why the hell would I give you a minute to talk about this? It involves me, Jace."
"I realize that. But I'd like a moment with Gabe." His voice was stern and I felt my cheeks taint red.
With a clipped nod, I untangled myself from his arms. I walked to my desk and snatched my purse. "I'll be outside."
"Thank you." Jace said gently as I slammed the door.
***
It had been five minutes that they'd talked in the office without me. In my office! I was so mad I was vibrating. I wanted to go home. I wanted the familiar smells of my home and I wanted to snuggle Moo-moo. I hadn't seen him in what felt like forever.
I needed a taxi, but I didn't feel quite safe in this city that housed crazy people by the cartload. There was one crazy person who decided to target me. And I didn't feel much like putting myself directly in their target sight. I rummaged through my purse for the card of a trusted cabbie I'd met while in a time of need and yipped in glee when I felt it between my fingers. I pulled it out, dialed the number and waited.
"Bill here." A gruff, old voice rumbled through the phone.
"Hi Bill. It's Olivia LeRoux. You picked me up two months ago and gave me your card," I sighed. What had I been thinking? He wouldn't remember me.
