27. Aliyah
ALIYAH
Iwake to sunlight streaming through Jackson's bedroom windows, the sheets cool against my skin where he used to be. My phone buzzes on the nightstand - a text from Naya about meeting for lunch. A smile tugs at my lips. Finally, a chance to see my best friend after everything that's happened.
The hardwood floor chills my bare feet as I pad down the hallway.
Coffee's rich aroma guides me to the kitchen where Jackson stands at the counter, dress shirt rolled to his elbows, exposing corded forearms. His shoulder holster holds twin pistols against his ribs.
Even in his own home, he's armed and dangerous.
"Morning, angel." His dark eyes rake over my oversized t-shirt - his shirt. "Sleep well?"
I brush past him to reach for a mug. "Like the dead. Though someone kept me up late."
His hand catches my hip, pulling me back against his chest. "Didn't hear you complaining." His voice rumbles low, sending shivers down my spine.
"I need coffee before you start that again." I twist away, but his grip tightens.
"Going somewhere today?" The question sounds casual, but there's steel underneath.
"Lunch with Naya." I pour the coffee, watching the steam curl up. "She wants me to meet her at the new lab that Ryker built her." I give him a grin. "You have competition. You've never bought me a building."
Jackson's jaw ticks at my building comment. He moves behind me, caging me against the counter with his arms. "I can take you to lunch." His fingers trail up my arm, deceptively gentle. "Since you're so concerned about my generosity."
"Antonio can drive me." I turn to face him, pressing my palms against his chest. The fabric of his shirt does nothing to hide the solid muscle beneath. "We still don't know who tried to grab me that night. Until we figure it out, we shouldn't be seen together."
His eyes darken to obsidian. "You think I can't protect you?"
"I think whoever's watching will notice if I suddenly start riding around in an Aston Martin with Cole's top enforcer. And I don't want that to come back on you." I trace the edge of his holster.
"Aliyah-"
"I know you can handle yourself, but I don't want that to happen to you." I swallow hard. "I want to protect you." His breathing turns uneven and I lean into him. "Besides, Antonio's harmless. Just your cousin who happens to be very good with a gun. It will protect us both."
Jackson's hand wraps around my throat, not squeezing, just holding. A warning. "Nothing about our family is harmless, angel. You'd do well to remember that."
"Trust me, tough guy." I press closer, letting my lips brush his jaw. "I know exactly what kind of devils I'm dealing with."
His grip tightens fractionally. "You're playing a dangerous game."
"Good thing I like danger." I nip his earlobe. "Now let me get dressed before Naya thinks I stood her up."
He releases me with obvious reluctance. "Antonio picks you up here. Not at the front gate, not down the street. Here." His voice drops to that commanding tone that makes my spine tingle. "And you keep your phone on. If anything feels wrong-"
"I'll call. Promise." I slip past him toward the bedroom, feeling his eyes track every movement. "Try not to kill anyone while I'm gone."
"No promises, angel." The dark amusement in his voice follows me down the hall.
I slip into my favorite green silk dress, the fabric whispering against my skin.
It hugs every curve - a gift from Jackson that probably cost more than my old apartment's rent.
The sweetheart neckline dips just low enough to be dangerous without crossing into trashy. Perfect for lunch with my best friend.
Jackson leans against the bedroom door frame, arms crossed. His dark eyes follow my movements as I fasten my jewelry - the special pieces designed to gather intel at parties. Old habits die hard.
"You're overdressed for lunch." His voice carries that edge of possession that makes my pulse race.
I slide on my heels, adding another three inches to my height. "Maybe I just like looking pretty for you." I sashay past him, letting my hand trail across his chest.
He catches my wrist, spinning me back against him. "Don't start what you can't finish, angel."
"Who says I can't?" I press a kiss to the corner of his mouth, leaving a perfect red imprint. "But Antonio's waiting."
A horn honks outside - speak of the devil. Jackson's grip tightens before he releases me with a growl.
Antonio lounges against the sleek black town car, his usual cocky grin in place. Unlike his cousin's perpetual suits, he sports designer jeans and a fitted black t-shirt that shows off his tattoos.
"Looking dangerous today, princess." He opens the back door with an exaggerated bow.
I tap his cheek as I slide in. "Better watch that mouth, Tony. Your cousin might think you're flirting."
"Nah, he knows I value my life too much." Antonio winks, closing the door. Through the window, I see Jackson watching from the doorway, his expression promising retribution later.
"Besides," Antonio adds as he starts the car, "you're way too high maintenance for my taste."
I laugh, settling into the leather seats. "That's why you're my favorite driver. You know exactly how to stroke my ego."
I like how easy the banter is between Antonio and I as he drives. While it still makes me feel a little flighty, I like getting along with Jackson's family.
The car glides to a stop outside Naya's gleaming research facility. All glass and steel reaching toward the sky. I adjust my emerald dress, making sure everything's in place, including my hidden recording devices. Old habits die hard, even for lunch with my best friend. Then, I head inside.
I stand by the reception desk, watching Naya head down to the lobby. Her scrubs are replaced by a sleek pencil skirt and blouse - Ryker's influence showing in her wardrobe now.
"Look at you, all official." I wrap her in a hug, breathing in her familiar jasmine scent. "Running this place like a boss."
"Please, I just make sure no one dies and the research stays on track." Naya links arms with me as we walk to our favorite bistro down the street. Her movements are quick and efficient, but there's a new confidence in her stride.
"How're the parties?" she asks once we're settled in our usual corner booth.
"Darling, they're insane." I lean back, crossing my legs.
There are no parties anymore, but I'm not ready to tell Naya that.
I want her to think my life hasn't changed until I get everything under control.
"Last week I had the Saudi prince's nephew show up with his entire entourage.
The champagne bill alone could've bought a house. "
Naya shakes her head, scanning the menu she already knows by heart. "Meanwhile, I'm discovering new ways to save lives without bankrupting people."
"Speaking of which-" I lean forward, elbows on the table. "When are you getting that doctorate? You're basically doing the work already."
"Honestly?" Naya shrugs, stirring her water with its lemon wedge. "The hands-on experience here teaches me more than any classroom could. We're developing techniques that haven't even made it into textbooks yet."
"Fair enough." I take a sip of my martini, the olive catching the light. "Though I bet Ryker would build you a whole medical school if you asked."
"Probably." Naya laughs, then hesitates before asking, "How's Jackson? Are you two still..."
My smile dims slightly as I think of this morning's encounter. He won't like that I'm hiding this, but I know that it's the best for him. He can take care of himself, but I don't want to put more targets on his back. It seems silly given who he is…but I want to protect him. In any way I can.
"Not really. You know how it is." I wave my hand dismissively. "Let's talk about something more interesting. Did you see the new Gucci collection? Those boots would look amazing on you."
Naya recognizes the deflection but goes with it. We spend the rest of lunch chatting about fashion, celebrity gossip, and my latest travel plans. It's nice, just being normal friends without the weight of our complicated lives pressing down.
"Time to head back." I check my phone, noting a text from Jackson asking for my ETA. "Got a party to plan for tonight."
"And I have research to oversee." Naya stands, giving me another hug.
Just around the corner, Antonio is already waiting for me, and I smile at him as I get in. I haven't been so happy in so long.
Too bad it can't last.