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  Jordan ached for this woman he so badly wanted to defend from all the hardships she’d endured. He’d never in his life felt like this about another person. The only person that had given a damn about him and his future had been himself. As a result, he’d long been used to only watching his own back. But Senna changed everything. He wanted to keep her safe always. Wanted to make her happy.

  “And the rest is history I guess?” he asked.

  “Yes. I left my old job and took on working with fighters full time. Thankfully, people seemed to think I was pretty good at it, and the pay isn’t bad either. Above all, it keeps me on the move. Keeps me in a different place each time. But now, this changes everything. I didn’t think he’d be able to find me again. Maybe because this job is pretty close to home. Or maybe because he’s desperate.”

  “Whatever it is, you’ll be safe here, Senna,” Jordan said calmly, reaching out his hand to cover hers. “You have my word.”

  With that, the tears Senna had been holding back started to flow freely. Jordan instinctively wrapped his arms around her, hoping they would offer some sort of comfort.

  Our mate, Jordan could hear his wolf growl. He didn’t disagree, but put it out of his head for now. He’d have to figure that out later.

  “The worst part was…” she said, choking between soft, heartbreaking sobs. “The worst part was being afraid I’d never get another chance at finding someone.”

  Jordan just listened and let her cry on his shoulder. His wolf snarled at him for not speaking up and telling her she’d already found someone, but he didn’t think any sort of confession of love or whatever the two of them had together would be appropriate right now. Not with her stalker still out there and not with her experiencing so much turmoil.

  As her crying subsided, Jordan came behind her and laid her down to rest on the bed, cuddling her closely from behind. She seemed soothed by it, and he pulled the sheets up over her as she nestled into the soft pillows. Jordan frankly didn’t know why he’d decided several years ago to build and furnish such a lavish mansion he thought he’d never use. But the fact that it was a safe place for Senna made it all worthwhile.

  She fell asleep in his arms, and while he listened to her soft, silent breaths, he contemplated what to do next.

  And what the hell he should do when their three weeks were over.

  7

  The next day, Jordan insisted they take the day off and relax, much to Senna’s protest. After crying it out last night, she felt much better and was both embarrassed and comforted by the fact that Jordan had listened so attentively while she gushed all the pent-up emotion and fear she’d been clinging to the past week.

  Senna refused to stay in though, to Jordan’s chagrin. She didn’t want fear to rule her life, and as long as Jordan was with her, she felt safe. So they compromised on going to the mall. It was a weekday morning and, as such, wouldn’t be busy at all.

  “So anywhere in particular you’d like to go?” Jordan asked as they walked in. The mall they chose was in the nicer part of town, so it tended to attract a more expensive crowd than the typical places Senna shopped.

  Today, Jordan was wearing a dark pair of worn-looking jeans and a fitted shirt with another absurd, macabre but artistic sort of print that suited his style. But despite his rugged appearance, Senna got the inkling Jordan wasn’t a cheap person and if he shopped in places like this, his rougher look might be spendier than one would have otherwise thought.

  “Nowhere in particular. I just enjoy window-shopping,” Senna said as she admired the beautiful, glittering shops all around her.

  “Well, I know just the right place for that, if it’s what you’re in the mood for,” he said, pointing at an expensive jewelry store to their right.

  Senna saw no harm in it since she didn’t get easily attached to things like jewelry or clothes.

  And Jordan seemed more than happy to accompany her wherever they decided to go, so it didn’t really matter. Just being around him soothed her. She could feel his protective presence guarding her at all times.

  They walked in and were greeted by a formally dressed employee.

  “So what are you? A ring person? A necklace person? Or more of a bracelet wearer?” Jordan asked casually, looking at the various pieces on display in the many cases.

  “Kind of none of the above. My job pays all right, but not excessively well. I get by, but I don’t really have the time or money to invest in things like this,” Senna replied, admiring the workmanship.

  “So something like this doesn’t suit your fancy?” he asked, pointing at a necklace with big, fancy flowers dripping in crystals.

  Senna laughed. “No, not really. If I had a preference, it would be for more simple, symbolic things. Say… like this,” she replied, motioning to a small pair of earrings shaped like water droplets. “There’s a lot of potential meaning there.”

  “Ah, so earrings are your thing?” he asked curiously.

  “Not really. I don’t get to look at them, so what’s the point of having nice ones on?”

  “That makes sense actually. Hadn’t thought of it that way before,” he said thoughtfully.

  They browsed for a while and then decided ice cream was in order. As they walked, they discussed everything, from what it was like being a professional fighter to all the exotic or interesting locations they’d visited with their work, to their favorite hobbies.

  After they’d ordered and sat down to enjoy their ice cream, Jordan furnished a small box from his back pocket, wrapped in a colored bow and touting the name of the store they’d just visited.

  “I wanted to get you something small to say thanks for getting me back into the swing of things. Your help has made all the difference.”

  Senna was shocked. “What? You really shouldn’t have, Jordan.”

  “Nothing huge, just a token of my appreciation. Please, open it,” he said, motioning to the small box.

  Senna opened it. Inside was a small pouch, and inside that was a gold bracelet with a key attached at one end. The workmanship was perfect, classy and understated. There was a small price tag still connected to the bracelet by a piece of string that the clerk must have forgotten to remove, and Senna gulped at the cost.

  Apparently, Jordan Vale’s “token” of appreciation came in 18-karat gold.

  “What you said about symbols… I figured this could have multiple meanings. Not only because you work with fighters in locked cage matches, but on a deeper level. You’re the one who holds the key to unlocking your destiny, your future. Nobody else.”

  “It’s perfect. Thank you, Jordan.” It appeared he really was a thoughtful person at heart to have put that much consideration into what he got her in the small time they spent in the store. “How did you get it?” she asked, putting it on and enjoying how it caught the light in the mall.

  “When you were looking at the paintings in the store, I slipped the clerk my card and told him to box it up. Then when you weren’t looking, he handed me the package,” he said with a devious grin. “As I see it, whatever they’re paying you, I’m sure it’s not enough to make it worth having to deal with me,” he said unapologetically.

  Working with you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my entire life, she thought.

  The hardest part was that it had to end though.

  They enjoyed their ice cream and chatting as Senna enjoyed the wonderful gift Jordan gave her while she tried not to look too far into it. The gift hadn’t come with any pronunciation of love or feelings from him. No promise of commitment. Just gratitude for doing her job. No strings attached, no matter how much she wanted there to be. So for now, she had to keep her distance.

  When they got back to the car, having enjoyed their morning outing, Senna was surprised when Jordan drove them back to the dojo instead of the mansion.

  As Senna followed Jordan inside, she saw Jordan’s younger brother, Asher, working a punching bag like there was no tomorrow.

  “Hey, b
ro, mind if we use the dojo for a bit?” Jordan called out.

  “Sure,” he said, holding the bag and turning to Senna and Jordan. “Next class isn’t for a couple hours. Just keep the place in one piece.”

  “Can do,” Jordan said, giving Asher an awkward wave as he walked past them and out the back exit.

  Jordan walked out onto the mat and pulled off his shirt, then went to a cubby and pulled out a set of gloves and a set of striking pads, tossing them into the middle of the floor.

  “What’s this all about?” Senna asked, curious as to what Jordan was doing.

  “Something I’ve been thinking about since yesterday,” he answered cryptically.

  “And that is?”

  “Come here,” he said, motioning to her. She took off her shoes and came onto the mats. When she was next to him, he handed her a pair of gloves.

  “I think you’ve done a great job at taking back control of your life after what happened to you. But I think if you’re going to be able to be truly confident you’re safe, whether it’s with someone or by yourself, you’ll need to know how to defend yourself. So starting now, for the next few hours, I want to teach you the best techniques I know.”

  “I don’t know about this,” Senna said hesitantly. She was the opposite of a violent person and was somewhat uncomfortable with the idea.

  “I want to be there for you, but I also want you to always know you can protect yourself. To let that inner strength I know you have show on the outside, if the time ever comes that you need it.”

  “So are you going to teach me mixed martial arts?” she said, putting on the gloves, which were light and cut off at the fingers, giving her knuckles padding but not limiting the movement of her hands.

  “Yes and no. Most of this stuff is illegal in sanctioned matches. For good reason.” His voice was deep and serious. It was obvious he wasn’t taking this lightly. “But first, we’ll start with the basics,” he said, picking up two rectangular pads and holding them up in front of him. “Lesson number one: striking.”

  Senna put up her fists. She was going to do her best.

  * * *

  After training for a couple hours, Jordan was pleased with how much Senna had learned in a short period of time, and even Senna seemed jazzed about her new knowledge and skill. Jordan hoped to continue the lessons over the next couple days.

  They were drained by the time they decided to walk home from the dojo. Thankfully, it was only a few minutes’ walk, and it gave them a chance to chat and let their bodies cool down from the exertion.

  And from the sexual tension. Even though Jordan stayed entirely professional during the lessons, the second they were finished and he watched her glowing as she gathered her things to go home, his body heated just knowing she was there, close and happy.

  It was hard being around such a drop-dead gorgeous woman. Every time he found his eyes wandering over her luscious curves, he had to remind himself there were bigger things to focus on than how much he wanted her body.

  She had a stalker out there somewhere. And whether the threat was physical or verbal, it was real either way.

  When they reached his house, Jordan led her in and then locked the door behind them.

  Now that they were safe and alone, the sexual tension seemed even more palpable.

  “I’m going to take a shower,” he said, starting toward the steps. She’d be safe here now that they were home behind locked doors, and he needed a few minutes to calm himself so he could give her the space she needed. “Is that okay?” he asked.

  Senna nodded and then paused. “Wait, Jordan,” she said in a hesitant voice, making him pause on the steps and look down at her.

  “Yes?”

  “I, um… This may sound like an odd request, but could you use the shower in my room? I still get creeped out being in my room by myself, and I want to know you’re nearby if I need you,” she said shyly.

  “Sure thing. Of course,” he said, feeling oddly proud that she trusted him like that. “I’ll just grab my clothes and take them in with me.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m sure that’s really weird. I’m just still a bit on edge after yesterday, you know?”

  “Makes sense. I’ll be in and out before you know it,” he replied, coming up the stairs with her, going into his room to grab fresh clothes, and then coming over to her room. She’d already nestled onto her bed and opened a book by the time he went in, but he could feel her eyes following him whenever his back was turned.

  Jordan made the shower quick, but it was hard not to be aroused at the thought of her voluptuous breasts in his hands, getting her off over and over again like he had the other night, tasting her again.

  When Jordan finished his shower and got out, he realized he’d forgotten underwear when he grabbed clothes. And going commando while turned on wasn’t a great idea.

  He decided he’d just go back to his room and change really quick. Try to be nonchalant.

  He wrapped a towel around his waist, exited the bathroom, and walked for the door.

  “Sorry, I forgot something. Be right back,” he said, moving quickly.

  Senna’s eyes popped up from their place in the book she was reading. She met his gaze for a moment, and then he felt her eyes roam over his body. Just watching her watch him like that made Jordan want to pounce her right there on the bed.

  She seemed happy and calm, and he couldn’t resist teasing her.

  “Like what you see?” he asked. He was still wet from the shower, and he flexed his arms and chest for her, noticing her blush got redder and more pronounced the longer he stood there in front of her. He always liked getting a reaction out of her, but this was the best kind.

  “I don’t know,” she said in a husky voice. “You’ll have to come a little closer so I can see.

  Jordan did so. “And is the inspector pleased with what she sees?” he said playfully, moving closer.

  “Very,” she said, her gaze fixed on him.

  “Any last requests before I have to cover this up?” he said, motioning to his body. Jordan was enjoying the foreplay, whether it was going anywhere or not.

  Part of him cautioned against taking it any further, but his raw, animal desire to claim her, to take her and make her his, was stronger.

  Senna paused. “I can think of one or two things,” she said.

  Hot damn.

  * * *

  Senna was out of her mind. She could tell what she was about to do was insane. But she just couldn’t help it. Every part of her wanted Jordan Vale. She could deny it no longer.

  Just having him in the connecting room got her wet. Hearing him in the shower, imaging those chiseled muscles and perfect face, those nearly crimson eyes burning with lust for her, his hands all over her. She hadn’t been able to read a single page since he went in.

  And reading sure as hell wasn’t the first thing on her mind right now.

  Jordan appeared torn between taking her invitation to do awesome things to her and walking away.

  “I don’t know,” he said, running a hand through his dark, gorgeous hair. “I don’t want to rush you. Especially when things are still… complicated.”

  “Then just a kiss,” she said. “For that night you teased me at the dojo.”

  “Sounds fair,” he said, as if negotiating.

  Senna knew she was baiting him, and she knew he knew. But it was clear that right now, there was only one thing on both of their minds.

  And Senna wanted him as badly as he wanted her. Damn the consequences.

  He came close, his tall, wet body reaching over her on the bed, the corner of his lips curled on one side in a wry smile, his gaze roving over her unabashedly, and her eyes unable to keep from enjoying every inch of his body exposed to her view.

  Jordan was as close to her now as he was those nights ago. But this time her head was filled with all of the incredible things she was imagining him doing to her. All the things he could be doing right now.

  He came forward and k
issed her on the lips. First softly, barely brushing hers with his, the feel sensual and arousing. Then it deepened as his mouth covered hers entirely, enveloping her and filling her with fire and desire and want beyond anything she’d experienced before. But before he could do more, Jordan ended the kiss, backing an inch away from her.

  “We should probably stop before we go any further,” he said, his voice raw.

  “Don’t you dare stop, Jordan Vale, or I’ll never forgive you,” she growled, her blue eyes burning with passion. She appreciated he was trying to be sensitive to her feelings, but she could wait no longer.

  “Spoken like a true wolf,” he said with a low growl in his voice.

  Jordan came down and kissed her again but wasted no time in moving from her mouth to her ear, going straight for the one tiny spot behind her earlobe that drove her crazy with desire as he kissed it, the touch of his lips sending sparks flying through her body.

  Senna didn’t wait for him to take her clothes off this time, and she threw them off as quickly as possible, leaving herself bare to him, and his eyes heated as he resumed where he left off.

  The air was warming rapidly with each kiss. Each stroke of his hands as he ran them up and down her body while he kissed and lightly bit the sensitive areas on her neck tantalized her. And she could pick out his scent perfectly mingled with the clean, post-shower smell of soap and shampoo.

  He worked his way up the other side of her neck while he held her breasts, feeling and massaging them and playing with them. The sensation was magnificent. His hands were powerful and deft. Everywhere he touched came alive and filled her with heat that was building faster and faster.