Suddenly, a sound echoes across the empty hall. It’s the sound of clanking metal falling. My heart races and I worry someone’s here. Before I can focus enough to call 9-1-1, Jackson pulls out a gun that was tucked away in his holster. Apparently, my observation skills need work.
“Teresa, get behind me. Now!” The urgency in his voice is not a warning. We creep down the hallway, Jackson ready his gun for an attack. I stay close behind him, wishing I’d brought my knife. I look around the first floor again, noticing that the place doesn’t seem disturbed. Jackson freezes and my anxiety ratchets.
Jackson keeps me behind him at all times. For a brief moment, I feel secure. “I think we’re in the clear,” he says as he holsters the gun.
I push past him and immediately freeze in my tracks. In front of me is a busted work lamp, filament shattered everywhere. Somebody was here and I don’t think it was Hammitt.
“Alexander, come here.” He’s at my side before I can finish the sentence.
“How big is this thing you need me to look into?”
“I don’t know. There are too many coincidences. Does this give you motivation now?” I look at him over my shoulder.
“Darlin’, I didn’t need another reason. This is no coincidence. I need you to promise me something, and I’m not fucking around.” He grabs my shoulders and spins me around. It doesn’t hurt, but the intensity is there. “You call me, day or night. I don’t fucking care. If there’s something going on, you find me. Do you understand?” I nod my head.
“I’mma need those words from ya,” the hint of his twang coming out.
I gulp. “Yes, sir.”
He tosses me over his shoulder like a rag doll, a habit he is picking up but I don’t mind. “Come on, I’ll ride behind you to make sure you get home.”
I smirk at that last statement. “You’ll ride behind, huh?”
Smack, landing on my ass. “Yeah, I deserved that.” I mutter.
Chapter 10
It’sonlybeenacouple of days since our visit to the shelter, and my head is still reeling. I’m obviously being followed. I’m starting to question myself: what did I get myself into?
I’m immersed in something that may be more than I can chew, and I’m enlisting the help of a man I’m starting to trust more with each passing day, and yet still doesn’t understand his life. This isn’t me. At least, not who I’ve been since erecting those damn walls. Is this what progress feels like? My phone buzzes, fully expecting it to be Jackson checking in on me. I’m shocked he’s not standing guard outside my office, honestly. I peek at my phone.
Michelle:I was told that your ass needed to come over for a family bonfire.
Me:Told by whom?
Michelle:One guess, sweet cheeks.
Jackson? Why would Jackson make Michelle tell me to come to bonfire night? I dial his number.
“I was wondering when you were going to connect the dots.” He sounds amused.
“Can I ask why I have plans that I didn’t make?” I inquire.
“I need someone I trust to keep an eye on you so you don’t get yourself in trouble while I make some runs.”
I purposefully act shocked. “What, I’m not going to have my watchdog? I agreed to call you in emergencies. This damsel is not in distress.”
“Told you I don’t fuck around, especially with my girl. There will be a prospect with you tonight.”
Those words haunt me. I haven’t been anyone’s ‘girl’ since my ex.No, this is not the time to break down or freeze. Time to get back to the Tessa everyone knows.
I growl in response. “Jackson, I have neither the patience nor the brain power to explain this to you. I’ll be fine. I can stay home and you don’t need to have someone watch me.”
As soon as it leaves my mouth, I regret it. No going back now.
“Careful Little Cub, that mouth can still get you in trouble. Hate to leave you with a red ass and wet pussy as punishment.”
“Awe, Alexander, promises, promises.” I giggle, just to annoy the fuck out of him.