“I understand,” she said easily. “I have work to do too.”
“Like the idea of you working in my space,” he murmured. “When I’m at the office, you’ll be here. I like that image. And then you here when I get home. Wearing nothing, Josie. I’ll call you when I’m on my way home each day, and when I get here, I want you naked and waiting. Unless I tell you different, that’s the way I want it.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
chapter fourteen
Jace was waiting for Ash when Ash got into his office Monday morning. Not that Ash had any doubt his friend would be chomping at the bit to pick his brain after Ash’s late-night phone call Saturday night.
Jace was sitting in Ash’s office when Ash walked in. Jace’s worried gaze found him.
“You get everything sorted out?” Jace asked, not even giving Ash time to sit down.
Ash tossed his briefcase onto his desk and then flopped down into his chair, glancing over at his friend whose eyes were dark with concern.
“I’m working on it,” Ash murmured. “Made a few calls on my way into work. Need to get a man on the asshole, monitor his movements, figure out the best time to strike.”
“Jesus,” Jace muttered. “You’re serious about this.”
Ash’s eyebrow went up. There was a stack of notes on Ash’s desk. Missed calls that needed returning. Documents that needed his signature. But he left them untouched, leaning back in his chair as he calmly surveyed Jace across his desk.
“Have I given you any reason to believe I’m anything but dead serious? He hurt her, Jace. He put bruises on her face. No way in fuck I’m letting it go. She was too scared and shocked to report it. But I’m glad she didn’t because I can make the bastard suffer far more. He would have been out of jail in two seconds, and it’s doubtful anything would have come of it. You know how this kind of shit gets brushed underneath the rug. Especially when you have the money and connections to make it go away.”
“He has all that?” Jace asked.
“Some, yeah. No match for me, though. I’m going to make damn sure he gets the message. Josie is mine and if he ever fucks with her again, he’s a dead man.”
“How is Josie taking all of this?” Jace asked quietly.
Ash paused. “Okay I think. I didn’t really give her time to process much. When I hit her apartment after bailing on dinner Friday night, I didn’t give her any options. I packed her shit up and told her she was moving in with me. It was an asshole move. She needed gentle handling, but I knew if I gave her space she might never come to me. So I pressed my advantage when she was overwhelmed and shaken and I moved in quick.”
A smile quirked the corners of Jace’s mouth. “You? Asshole moves? Aren’t you supposed to be the charming, nice guy? Thought being an asshole was mine and Gabe’s job.”
Ash grimaced. “Why the fuck does everyone think I’m such a laid-back pansy?”
Jace snorted. “Never said that, man. But you’re usually Mr. Polished when it comes to women. Never known you to be off your game.”
“The other women didn’t matter,” Ash said simply. “Josie does. Can’t afford to play it safe with her. Have to press my advantage when I have it.”
Jace took in a long breath, his gaze intently studying Ash. After a moment, Ash shifted uncomfortably underneath his friend’s scrutiny.
“Are you thinking long term here?” Jace asked. “You say she’s different and already I’ve seen just how different you are about her. You’re talking about breaking the law and doing God only knows what to the asshole who beat her up. But just how different are we talking here, Ash?”
“Think about how you felt when you met Bethany,” Ash said in an even tone.