Page 34 of Defending Love
“It’s better than hotel rooms and easier to secure. It’s also large enough for when your brother and sister-in-law want to come down with their son.”
Her eyes opened wide. “You didn’t only rent it for two nights?”
“No. Continually finding new secure locations is a logistical nightmare. This villa will give us a home base close to your mother.”
“For how long?”
“Currently a month.”
Dani’s cheeks rose. “That was thoughtful. Or is it just part of the job?”
I shrugged. “Maybe both. You want to be here for Marsha. I want you protected as much as possible. Jack and I spoke. This seemed like a good compromise. There’s also the added benefit that there’s a garage to keep the SUV less visible and more secure.”
“Thank you, Eli.” She looked around. “Where are our things?”
“They’re still out in the vehicle. I’ll bring them in.”
“The food too.”
A grin came to my lips. “The food too.”
As I started walking toward the garage, Dani called, “Eli?” When I turned, she asked, “Are there cameras, like Guardian put in Mom and Dad’s villa?”
“There shouldn’t be. I can double check.”
She came closer and lowered her voice. “Audible bugs?”
I shook my head.
Lowering the bag to the tile floor, she reached her arms over my shoulders. “Double check. I don’t want to get you in trouble for breaking the rules.”
She was so fucking close.
I leaned my nose behind her ear and whispered. “Fuck the rules.”
Dani took a step away, her pouty lips pursed together. “Make sure we’re not being watched. Then we can discuss more about fucking.”
Chapter
Thirteen
Dani
* * *
The way Eli’s green gaze shimmered reminded me that there was life beyond my current prison, stuck within the bubble of despair and fear. That shimmer was a flicker of light in a dark world, and I intended to hold on with both hands.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I offered honestly. “I was upset when I first saw you at the cemetery, but…” I wasn’t certain how to end that sentence.
“But…?”
“I feel safe with you.” I looked around the first floor. “I want to be involved in this investigation, not just protected, if there’s any chance I can help find who killed my father…”
He came closer. “From the first time I met you, you impressed me with your knowledge. The few days I spent with you at Sinclair in R&D, I was blown away.” He gave me half a smile. “A lot of my assignments lean toward the self-absorbed. They don’t spend their days working on ways to make the population healthier.”
“Dad cared about the people. He wasn’t only in the business for the money.”
Eli reached for my face, his warm palm cupping my cheek. “I didn’t really know your father. I’m sorry about that.”
