Dangerous Pursuit (The Pursuit #3)

11 Stay

STAY

Jackson

T he images keep replaying in my head. The minute I saw that fucker holding Mia face down on the table, pressed into her with his hands on her body, I saw red. It’s a good thing I didn’t stop at my place first and grab my gun, or else I’d probably be in jail right now, which is ironic considering the girl I saved could easily put me there.

All I want to do right now is wrap her in my arms and keep her safe. She’s too good a person to be around men like that. Why is she risking her safety to play at those types of poker tournaments? What exactly is she involved in? I need answers one way or another, but right now, that isn’t my priority; ensuring she’s okay is.

I’m silent on the way to my place, too afraid to speak about what happened and scare her any more than she already is because I’m too angry. Angry that I took so long to get there. Angry at the asshole who thought it was okay to take advantage of a woman. Angry at whatever she’s caught up in that put her in this situation, and angry that she won’t confide in me so I can help her out of it.

I’ve decided it’s best to remain quiet for the time being until I can calm down and manage a civil conversation. In the meantime, I’m not letting her out of my sight, refusing to take her anywhere other than my condo, which, thank fuck she agreed to. Now that I have her, I’m not letting her go.

The minute I held her, my feelings hit me like a tsunami. I knew there was no going back to the way things were before. Fighting my attraction is one thing, but fighting the feelings bubbling up to the surface is damn near impossible. I want to protect her, care for her—I want to make her mine.

I’m relieved to finally pull into the parking garage from what felt like the longest drive in history. After pulling into my space, the short time it takes to get from my door to hers is long enough to realize that I’m powerless from the need to touch her. Reaching for her hand, I help her out and lead us into the building, refusing to let go. She was silent the entire way here, and I have no idea how she’s feeling.

Once inside, I pull her into my arms, and after one deep breath, she breaks down sobbing, giving me the answer. Picking her up and carrying her bridal style, I walk into the living room and sink onto the couch with her head in the crook of my neck while she cries. All I can do is hold her as I caress her hair, moving it off her neck and then rubbing her back while whispering words of comfort. At the same time I console her, I’m trying to erase the earlier images from my mind but failing. I want to hunt that asshole down and make him pay for causing Mia’s anguish. I’m lost to this girl.

“I’m sorry. I just can’t stop thinking about what would’ve happened if you hadn’t shown up.” She sucks in air as she tries to speak.

“Shhhh. Mia, I’ve got you. Let’s not think about what could’ve happened and just be grateful it didn’t. I’m here now. I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise.”

“You can’t promise that. Oh my God, I’m so stupid. What was I thinking?” Well, at least she’s admitting to that.

“I don’t think you’re ready for that conversation. I’m certainly not.” I give the softest chuckle to make light of the statement and not freak her out, but fuck no, I’m not ready for it yet. She’ll need to be in a better state of mind because I have a few choice words I won’t be able to hold back.

“I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready. Why did you bring me here? I just… I don’t know why you’re being so nice. What’s going on?” She’s still cradled in my lap with her head resting on my chest. The tears have stopped, and she’s beginning to breathe normally.

“I brought you here because… fuck, Mia, I had to. The thought of taking you somewhere else… it just wasn’t an option. This need to hold you, keep you safe, is too damn strong to do anything else.” I think it’s time to come clean about how I feel about her.

“Mia, I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a complete asshole. It’s the only thing I could do to keep my distance. The truth is, I’m so fucking attracted to you that it’s killing me. I know I’m too old for you, not to mention your boss, but the worst part is that I can’t even legally touch you, and I’m not used to keeping my hands to myself. Making you the enemy was to prevent me from taking what I really wanted. And, Mia, I want you. In the worst way possible.”

Mia

Am I in the twilight zone? Is something wrong with my hearing? My body just became hyperaware that I was sitting in Jackson’s lap while he admitted to wanting me. Oh. My. God. I’m tingling between my legs, muscles clenching of their own accord, and I know I should not be feeling this way after all that’s happened, but I can’t help it.

“Mia, please… don’t do that.” His words are almost pleading.

Oh… ohhhh… I feel his erection growing under me. Holy… Should I move over, or do I just stay still? What if my body clenches again by accident? Oh crap, it just did. Thinking about it obviously isn’t helping. He’s the only one who makes me feel this way, and there’s no denying my thoughts are very inappropriate at the moment. And now I’m making it worse as the images running through my mind cause me to clench again. This is going downhill fast.

“How about we move you over so we can talk?” His voice comes out gravelly as he lifts me easily, setting me on the couch beside him with zero space between us. He chuckles. “There, that’s better. Now, tell me what you’re thinking… other than the obvious.” My panties melt at the cheeky smile he flashes. Good thing I’m not on his lap anymore.

Our fingers are entwined while his other arm keeps me pinned to his side. I don’t think he’s let go since the moment he showed up tonight, other than getting in and out of the car. I guess he wasn’t kidding about needing to hold me.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m obviously attracted to you, but you’ve pretty much treated me like crap from day one. And yeah, you’ve been better recently and even nice this week, but I still feel sort of blindsided.”

“So, you’re attracted to me, huh?” He smirks.

“That’s all you got out of that?” I ask in disbelief.

“I was focusing on the positive.” He chuckles.

“Seriously, Jackson, you’ve been a jerk. I don’t get it. You’ve treated me like a child, acted like I wasn’t capable, and have basically demeaned me for the past two months. I’ll give you credit for getting better the last few weeks, but before that, you were horrible. You’re telling me that was all just an act the entire time?” I’m shocked by his confession, but I’m also irritated that I had to put up with him, all because he couldn’t handle it.

“Okay, maybe not the entire time. Yes, I was attracted to you from day one. I mean, you’re beautiful. How could anyone not be? But my resentment toward you was stronger. Not only were you completely off-limits, frustratingly so, but I also didn’t think you were qualified.” I tense at that, and he sighs. “Look, I’m under a lot of pressure. Running this company alone while trying to take it to the next level puts a lot on my plate. And through it all, Cindy’s been my rock, keeping me going day in and day out, and then suddenly you’re forced on me by the same people I’m trying to prove myself to. I expected the worst when they told me.”

“Gee, thanks,” I say sarcastically. Although his perspective is understandable, and I understand why he felt the way he did.

“But when Cindy went into labor early, and I saw you in action that first day, I could tell you were more than I gave you credit for. But I was too stubborn to let go of your age. I was at war with myself, one side wanting to prove you’d fail and the other realizing how amazing you were. I’m so sorry I put you through hell, and I hope you’ll forgive me so we can move forward.” He ends his explanation with a kiss on my head, which is resting on his shoulder.

He doesn’t press me to respond immediately, and I don’t, staying silent while I process his words and internalize this new reality. What does he mean by “move forward”? As in, getting along in the office? Or something more? And what do I want? Can I overlook the fact that he’s been a jerk to me over the last two months? And then there’s this screwed-up situation I’m in. I can’t involve him—though he’s already more involved than I thought if he found me tonight. Maybe we should have that conversation before we dive further into what his intention is.

“Jackson, I think we need to talk about tonight first. How did you know where I was?” I sit up, extracting myself from his hold to face him.

Instead of answering, he reaches up to caress my cheek, concern reflected in his eyes. “First, how are you feeling? Do you hurt anywhere?” I can hear the anger underneath the surface of his words.

“I’m doing better.” Surprisingly, I’m not as weirded out as I should be. Being here with Jackson makes me feel safe… comfortable even.

“What about your pain, Mia? Did he hurt you anywhere other than your face?” He grimaces.

“I’m okay.” He gives me a stern look. “All right, I have a slight headache, and my cheek hurts. He didn’t have a chance to do anything else. He was just rough, is all.”

Upon hearing my last words, he closes his eyes, and his chest slowly expands before deflating. “Come on, let’s go get you something to drink and a couple of aspirin. Then we’ll talk.” He stands up and tugs my hand.

Heading to the kitchen, he guides me to the island with my back up against it and stops before me, caging me in against the counter. Looking directly into my eyes, he says, “I’m so damn sorry I didn’t get there sooner.” He presses his lips to my forehead before he backs away to get a glass of water and two pain pills out of the cupboard, handing them to me expectantly.

After I down the entire thing, along with the medicine, he leads me back to the couch, positioning us so we’re facing each other, our hands clasped in his lap.

“Are you going to tell me how you knew where I was?” I ask before he has a chance to speak.

He smirks. “How about an answer for an answer?” His right eyebrow rises in question before I turn my head to look away.

Shit. Why didn’t I see this coming?

“Don’t you want to play this game, Mia? If you’ll recall, I have quite a few unanswered questions myself.”

“I answered all your questions. You just didn’t like the answers,” I say defiantly.

“Is that how you’d like this to go, then? Because I’d be happy to give you some answers that you won’t like.” He smirks, and I growl in response.

I’m not sure where to go from here. I don’t want to lie anymore, but the truth can’t come out. And I can’t expect him to come clean if I’m unwilling to do the same. It’s frustrating that he’s right and has me backed into a corner.

“Are you ready to tell me what’s going on and why the hell you were at a game like that? Because I have a lot to say on the matter. Or are we at an impasse for now?” He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it.

His lips on my skin cause flutters in my belly, making me wonder how much better they would feel on my mouth. Maybe we should return to that topic since we probably won’t get anywhere on this one.

“What did you mean earlier when you said you wanted to move forward? Do you mean, start being nice to each other in the office or…?” I leave the question unfinished, unsure how to phrase it.

“Nice change of subject, but I’ll take the bait. What I meant is that I don’t want to hide my attraction to you anymore. And to finally admit that ever since that day you walked in on me, I’ve been imagining you on your knees, your mouth around my dick, until you’re swallowing every… last… drop.”

My breath catches as the image comes to mind, and I’m trying hard to control the response from my body. Is it possible to orgasm from words alone?

“Oh.” I try to normalize my breathing, which could currently be labeled as panting.

He smirks. “If your reaction is any indication, I think you’re just as interested in my fantasy as I am. Unfortunately, neither of us can give in yet. I’m warning you now, though, when you’re old enough to be fucked by a man and not a boy, I’ll be the first in line. Does that clear up any confusion about how I’d like to move forward?”

“Yep. All clear.” Holy shit. Is it boiling in here, or is it just me?

“Your blushing is adorable. I can’t wait to make you blush with more than just my words.” He runs his finger down my arm, causing goose bumps to rise in its wake.

“I also want you to know that this isn’t just sexual attraction. That did come first, but I hope you were listening earlier when I said you were special. You’re the full package, Mia. You blow me away with your drive, your common sense, and the way you carry yourself so assuredly. I tried to fight my feelings, lying to myself that it was just physical, but it’s so much more. Can we start over so I can prove it and make up for being such a prick?” He’s looking at me expectantly, wanting a response this time.

“Well, you’re making a good case, I’ll give you that. There’s no doubt that the physical attraction is mutual. As far as the other stuff goes, I’d say you’re off to a good start. So, I’m not opposed to the idea. And we’ll definitely have to start over… because it’ll take me a while to forget what a bosshole you are.” I smile up at him and am met with laughter.

“I earned that and more. I promise I won’t be deserving of that title anymore. I’ll even do one better and work toward earning the title of boyfriend if that’s okay with you.”

Swoon.

“You don’t need my permission to work toward it, just my acceptance if it’s earned.” I can’t believe this is the same Jackson as yesterday. If I didn’t know better, I’d think the aliens were back for good.

“Fair enough. I’ll take that as a win for now. Will you stay with me tonight?” He sees my shock. “Not for anything but sleeping… in my arms. I swear I won’t make a move on you.” He gives me the Scout salute, making me giggle. However, I’m not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed.

“I’ll stay, but I need to text Walker and tell him I won’t be there tonight.”

Jackson

When she pulls her phone out and starts texting, I catch sight of the previous message and grin.

“I take it he approves?” I ask as I raise my eyebrows and tilt my head toward her screen. She blushes again, which I’ve now become addicted to seeing.

“Yeah, he’s been on your side since the office incident. He thought it was hot. Then, when you cornered me at poker, he tried to get me to admit I wanted you. And by the way—” She bites her lip and looks down. She’s so fucking sexy, and she doesn’t even know it. “—he’s insisting to meet you before I go to Montana.” Her hesitance is adorable.

“Is that so? And when will this be happening?” I’m glad to hear she has someone in her corner, although I wonder if he’s aware of what’s really going on with her. I’d like to have a private conversation with him, so I’d say his insistence on meeting me works out in my favor.

“On Wednesday. He’s coming to pick me up for my birthday lunch since our previous plan was canceled because of a certain bosshole.”

“Oh really?” I reach over and tickle her, causing her to erupt in laughter. It’s music to my ears. She’s beautiful when she smiles, and my heart feels like it grows larger with each one I earn. She almost manages to escape, but I pull her in tight before she’s out of reach.

As soon as she’s back in my lap, her arms fling around my neck, hugging me tightly. “Thank you for coming to my rescue. I don’t think I said it earlier, and I… I know you don’t want to think about it, but if you didn’t come when you did… I might not be the same person sitting here. So, thank you.”

I squeeze her tighter, knowing how right she is, and start to feel the anger bubbling up again. Before it gets too out of control, I frame her face with my hands, holding it inches from mine. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise you that. I’ll protect you no matter what.” Our lips are so close, and my resistance is wavering. “God, you have no idea how bad I want to kiss you right now.”

“Why don’t you, then?” she challenges me.

“You’re not old enough yet,” I say matter-of-factly, purposefully riling her up. She rolls her eyes, making me grin and plant my lips on the tip of her nose. “But also because I want you to see the real me before I start making moves on you. Let’s take a few days to get to know each other in a new light and see if you’re still interested in kissing me on your birthday. And maybe I’ll even have a surprise for you.” I bring her in and kiss her forehead.

“I don’t like surprises.” She’s cute when she pouts. Tonight, I’m discovering the many sides of Mia.

“I think you’ll like this one.” I scoot out from under her and stand, reaching my hand out. “Are you ready for bed? It’s been a long day for both of us.”

“Bed sounds good—I mean sleep… in the bed.” Her blush is fierce.

“I knew what you meant, Mia. Don’t worry, I’ll keep my hands to myself… mostly,” I say, wagging my brows in her direction while leading her down the hallway.

After escorting her through my bedroom to the master bath, I place a hairbrush, along with a brand-new toothbrush, on the counter.

“I picked up the habit of keeping extras from my parents. Get ready for bed, and I’ll set some clothes out for you.” Squeezing her hand before letting go, I walk out, shutting the door behind me.

To distract myself, I grab two water bottles, place one on each nightstand, and plug my phone in next to the bed.

When she’s finished, we trade places so I can get ready and give her time to change. Usually, I sleep naked, but for Mia’s sake—and mine, I leave my boxers and undershirt on. For now, the more layers between us, the better.

My dick wakes up at the sight of Mia lying in my bed. However, I can’t help but smirk when I notice that she’s stiff as a log with the covers pulled up to her neck. It’s like she’s never been in a man’s bed before. Well, I suppose she hasn’t, only boys’. Or maybe she’s just nervous to be in my bed. Normally, I wouldn’t blame her, but I did promise not to make a move tonight.

“Nervous, Mia?” I tease.

“No! Why would I be? I just didn’t know which side to take, and I was worried I picked the wrong one.”

I give her a skeptical look while pointing to my phone. “Riiight. Hmm, it should’ve been obvious since I already plugged my phone in. You sure you’re not nervous?”

“I’m sure.” She’s still clutching the covers in a death grip, motionless save for her head turned my way, nodding.

I climb in and move toward the middle. “Then you, little girl, better get over here and let me hold you.”

“You did not just call me that.” She makes no move to join me.

“I did, and I’m going to until your birthday because I know how much you love it. Isn’t that nice of me?” I smile.

“Oh my God, you’re pathetic. You’re seriously going to, just to piss me off, aren’t you?” She shakes her head in frustration and rolls her eyes. I love messing with her. That won’t ever change.

Turning off the light, I lie on my back and pull her over to me. “Maybe, or maybe I like calling you that because it gets me hot. What gets you hot, Mia?” I probably shouldn’t be going down this path, but I’m having too much fun pushing her buttons.

“Ummm, I don’t know,” she squeaks.

“Hmmm, we’ll have to figure that out together, then—after your birthday.” If only my dick would get that memo because he’s been fighting to be let loose all night.

I nuzzle her into me, caressing her back and running my fingers through her hair. She’s tucked into my side with her head on my chest, and I can feel her rapid heartbeat. I’m glad we’re on the same page sexually, but it would be nice if she actually liked me first.

“Get some rest, little girl. I’ll keep you safe.” I smile as I kiss her forehead, and she groans in response. Within minutes, her breathing turns heavy, telling me she’s already succumbed to her exhaustion.

It’s nice having her in my bed, snuggled up to me as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. Having her in my arms feels right, like it’s where she belongs. Never in a million years did I think this was how my day would end. I didn’t plan on making my intentions known until her birthday but couldn’t stop myself after what happened.

It’s crazy what a difference a day makes when, just this morning, we were arguing as usual. And what a day it was. The fury I felt at seeing her about to be—I can’t even fathom the word—is inexpressible. It would never have happened if she’d simply told me what was going on so I could help her. I’m beyond frustrated that she won’t confide in me and more determined than ever to earn her trust until she does. I just pray nothing else happens until then.

How she’ll react when she finds out I’ve been having her followed has me equally concerned. Sure, it’s for her safety, but will she see it that way? When the time comes, I anticipate it to be a battle of wills, and if I’m lucky, I’ll come out the winner. Until then, I’m not changing anything other than beefing up security, starting tomorrow. It’s worth the risk of her anger rather than any harm coming to her. I just hope she sees it that way in the end.