The image of how John held her to protect her from the bullet, and how safe she felt in his arms, replayed in her mind. She swallowed.
Nothing stirred from the living room.
Sirens echoed in the air as the police arrived. Her stomach had rocks in it still, but she managed to breathe. A moment later, the house was flooded with lights. She rubbed her arms as John walked them toward the front door. The tingling in her chest stirred, but then he let in security to check every dark corner.
Her thoughts were scrambled. She crossed her hands until she saw Officer Rafe Soliz and John together, near the front door. Rafe said, "You two didn't let me finish my dinner."
A nervous laugh escaped her lips, but then she swallowed. "We're sorry, Rafe."
Her vision blurred, and the truth was she wasn't focused on anything other than her heartbeat.
Officer Soliz said, "At least you're safe, Alice, and we'll keep you that way."
Without another word, she scooted closer to John. Closeness helped rally her spirits, and she could see sharply again.
A security guard came out of the garage and announced, "The window was broken, but it's not large enough for a man to get through."
She shook her head. No, the goosebumps over her body weren't for nothing. There had been danger. Alice called out, "What about a woman?"
Without thinking, she reached out and took John's hand. Heat traveled up her body as he asked, "What?"
Alice turned back to the officer—her suggestion wasn't out of left field. "Women can be assassins or trained killers."
Officer Rafe nodded his head. "We'll search the house to be sure."
Like the royal son, John lifted his head and the security guard reported, "I've called in a team to fix the window. They should be arriving soon."
Her breathing returned to normal, and her body temperature regulated. "The House of Morgan has everyone on speed dial?"
He pressed his palm toward hers, and the skin to skin contract sent her an electric pulse. "Yeah. Alice, I need you to be safe."
Another round of adrenaline hit her, but for an entirely new reason. Her body trembled. "Why?"
Her knees knocked together as he said, "You talk about homes and families like everyone should have one. I like it and hope to hear more about these things."
Talk about the perfect answer. She sighed. If they were alone, she'd throw herself at him.
Officer Soliz interrupted her thoughts as he said to her, "That's a big admission coming from this guy, Alice. Between the Morgans and the Gonzales family, everyone else at school seemed to have normal lives."
A bark of a laugh escaped her lips. Jennifer's home life never crossed Alice's mind. She had never tried to spend time with her or think about her. "We all have difficulties in our families. My mom and I disagree, but despite her parting words, I know she cares about me."
John shook his head. "At least you have a relationship where you can fight with her. She knows you're there, right in front of her."
Rafe turned red, clearly thinking about his own affairs, and then stepped away from the two of them. "I'm investigating a break-in."
He walked toward the garage.
Now they were alone. Her heart raced. Alice reached up and placed her hand on John's chin. He gazed into her eyes. With everyone around, she'd not beg for a kiss though she'd like one. She sighed instead. "I don't know how you're so together despite everything."
He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. Every cell in her woke up and begged for his attention. "I can't let anything happen to you."
"That's all you have to say?"
His eyes narrowed. "What else did you expect?"
Perhaps that he cared about her and might love her. Not that she'd say that. Small pieces of ice went back into her veins. She stepped out of his arms. "Nothing, I guess."
John, stiff, stood next to her as the house swarmed with people.
