Page 66 of Protected from Reprisal
“Yes.” The pink deepens. “You called me your girlfriend a few times. At my house, and later, at the hospital. So I thought…”
“Yes.” Cupping her cheek, I kiss her back. “You canabsolutelycall me your boyfriend.”
CHAPTER 13
YARA
“Didyou have a nice time with Bea?”
Ace smiles at me from the open doorway of his apartment as I approach. His gaze moves up and down my body, quickly assessing. A moment later—after determining I haven’t suffered some sort of traumatic injury since the last time he saw me, I’m guessing—the last of the worry fades from his eyes, and his smile expands.
Given that I only walked from the backyard to here, roughly a five-minute trip, there wasn’t much chance of running into any trouble. But I’ll admit, it feels nice knowing he was worried about me. To excess, for sure, but it’s nice just the same.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, really, that Ace is about as protective as they come. Most of the guys I worked with in the Army were naturally protective—I think it’s part of what made them want to join Special Forces—but Ace takes it to another level.
Or maybe it’s because I’m his girlfriend now, and not just a friend or a fellow soldier. And maybe that’s why I’m learning to accept his overprotectiveness instead of pushing back against it.
As I head down the hallway towards him, I ask teasingly, “Were you watching for me?”
The faintest hint of pink colors his cheeks. “What do you mean?”
“Well.” My lips curve up of their own volition. “I’m not sure how else you’d know I was coming back from Bea and Indy’s. Unless you’ve been standing here for the last”—I glance at my watch—“two hours. Which would be pretty boring, if you ask me.”
That’s how long I was visiting with Bea, out at the little house she shares with Indy right on the property. Indy used to have an apartment in the main building, like Ace, but once Indy and Bea got together, they decided to build a cottage in the backyard for some added privacy.
Well, maybe backyard isn’t quite the right word for it, considering the Shadow Team HQ is located on over ten acres. And their house is tucked into the woods, so when you’re there, it feels more like you’re out in the wilderness than just a few minutes’ walk from the main building.
Personally, I like Ace’s apartment better. I like being right in the center of everything, with all the conveniences like the gym and the home theater only steps away. And I’ll admit, I feel safer here. I never used to think about stuff like that, but after everything that happened in Iran, my personal safety became more of a concern.
And now? After I was attacked in my own house? Held hostage right in my basement? I’m not sure I’ll ever feel safe going back there again.
I know I’ll have to get past it. I can’t stay at Blade and Arrow forever, after all. Five days out from the attack, I’m alreadyfeeling a lot better. And I have work to get back to. Projects to check up on in person, instead of just virtually. Plus, I’m sure Ace doesn’t want me staying with him indefinitely. That implies a level of commitment I’m not sure we’re at yet.
Would I like it if we were?
Maybe.
Okay, probably.
Something I’ve discovered while staying in Ace’s apartment is that I really,reallylike spending time with him. I like all the little parts of the day, like sharing coffee before he heads to the gym and making dinner together—well, he cooks, and I help—and snuggling on the couch in the evening while we watchBattleBotsorAncient Aliens.
It’s a different dynamic than regular dating, when you only share the polished part of yourself at first. You don’t show up to a date in baggy sweats and a makeup-free face. You edit yourself, so you make the best impression.
But staying here with Ace, it’s different. He sees me in my most natural state—unvarnished and sometimes more vulnerable than I’d like. He sits with me at three AM after I have a nightmare. He insists on cleaning my cuts and replacing the bandages. He wiped my freaking nose with his sleeve when I was all snotty after crying without missing a beat.
Things like that make me feel like I wouldn’t mind staying.
“I wasn’t standing in the hallway the entire time,” Ace replies. “I agree. Thatwouldbe boring.”
“Did you look on the security cameras?”
He shakes his head. “No. We don’t use the interior cameras unless there’s an emergency.” Then he ducks his head, like he’s embarrassed. “I asked Bea to text me when you left. I know it’s silly.”
“It’s not silly. It’s nice.” I meet Ace at the doorway, and he pulls me into his arms. His body envelops mine, surrounding mewith reassuring strength and solidity. His warmth seeps into me, chasing away the last of the chill from outside.
As I lean against him, hugging him back, he dips his head to kiss me. I part my lips for him, and he kisses me more deeply, stroking my tongue with his. He tastes of sugar and chocolate with a hint of cinnamon, and when we break apart, I ask, “Have you been eating s’mores cookies?”
He grins, and his eyes crinkle up at the corners, erasing years from his features. “Maybe.”
