Page 54 of Ruthless Protector

I sucked in a sharp breath. “Did you now?”

“I was also hoping you might carve out some time for me when I got back, but Tilly told me you’re working tonight?”

My heart pumped hard against my breastbone. “Yeah.”

That voice in the background started talking again and the phone crackled; Jude’s voice was muffled now, and I knew he’d covered the phone so he could reply.

“Sorry, you still there?” he said, after a few seconds.

“I’m here.”

“Looks like something’s come up, so maybe I’ll catch you tomorrow night?” he said.

“I’m working tomorrow as well,” I said, and the regret I heard in my own voice was real. I wanted to see him. After messaging him this week, after everything he’d done for us, I wanted to repay him. But I wanted it for me was well. I wanted to give him that time. There was something between us; a spark, chemistry. And I was sick of fighting it. What would one night hurt? One night to have something good for myself.

“What about earlier?” he asked.

“I’m doing a double tomorrow.”

He cursed. “Damn, Willa, don’t know how much longer I can wait.”

My back straightened at that, at those words. Evan used to say shit like that to me all the time. Micro threats to get his way. “Is that right?”

A pause. “You’re pissed all of a sudden, why?”

Jude was a good guy, but he was a guy, and in my experience, that meant if they didn’t get what they wanted, they turned into assholes. “Are you threatening to back off if I don’t make myself available to you? ’Cause if that’s the case, I have to tell you, it’s an asshole move. Maybe if I was some pining, desperate idiot, I’d be worried that you’d disappear, but I can take it or leave it, remember that.”

“Take or leave what?” he said, his voice so full of gravel, goosebumps lifted all over me.

“You,” I said, with more venom than I’d intended.

He cursed again. “Christ, Willa, that wasn’t what I was doing. I want you, I’ve made no secret about that. I’m not threatening a damn thing. I was just telling you that waiting is fucking hard. I liked talking to you this week. I wanted to see you. That’s it. No ulterior motive. No secret agenda.” A pause. “You know what? Fuck it. Whatever. I don’t need this shit, I need to go.”

I swallowed the bolder that had formed in my throat.

There was no missing the sincerity in his voice…or the anger. I winced.

I’d gotten it wrong again.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I’d reacted like I always did; assumed the worst, lashed out, went on the attack. His words stung, his disappointment and frustration with me coming through loud and clear. And yeah, hitting a little too close to the bone.

“Jude…’

“I’ll text you when I pick up Tilly tomorrow.” There was a pause. “And for fuck’s sake, keep yourself safe. I know you’re out of this psycho’s target zone, but don’t, not for any reason, leave the club without security.”

There he went, being all thoughtful again. I still struggled with the idea that Jude really was just a nice guy. I’d never believed they actually existed, and now I was pretty sure I’d ruined everything. How many times could I push him away before he gave up on me? “Jude…”

“Gotta go.”

He disconnected.

I think I just got my answer.

* * *

I heard his bike later that night, while I lay in bed, heard the engine cut off. The exterior stairs to my apartment were wrought iron and could make plenty of noise. I could admit that I was listening to that familiar sound, waiting to see if he’d come up, if he’d knock on my door.