Not even a little.
“She won’t be a problem to the senator or to you. She’ll be my problem. I promise. So if you do learn anything, let me know. I’ll take care of it, and you can finally get on with your life.”
“All right,” Webb agreed slowly, even while wondering: Would Tesh protect her, enslave her or would he cut her throat?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
LEESE RETURNED HER gun to her.
That simple act of faith still astounded her.
While she’d been putting away her clothes in the guest bedroom, he’d walked in and given it to her. It was hers, so that made sense. But by handing it over without a fuss, he showed that he trusted her. At least, that’s how she chose to take it.
The only thing he’d said was, “You know how to shoot it?”
She’d replied, “I took a class, and then I spent a few weeks at the shooting range practicing. I wouldn’t say I’m a great shot, but I know how to load it, shoot it and clean it.”
“Good enough.” He’d also given her the ammunition that went with it, then left her to decide where to keep the gun.
It went back in the nightstand drawer next to where she slept, which was beside him. Every night.
The lockbox was safely hidden where neither Leese nor anyone else would easily see it.
Every time she thought about it, it mortified her all over again. Like he’d said, she was hardly the only woman with a battery-operated-boyfriend, but that didn’t make it any easier. Her romantic involvements had been few and far between, never serious, and she’d definitely never discussed anything so incredibly private with a man.
Not that Leese was anything like other men. Not in any way.
Everything about him was wonderful: his incredible good looks, his intelligence, his sense of humor and his patience. But it was his trust that she appreciated the most.
The thought of ever betraying that trust made her stomach churn with regret, but if she needed to run to protect him, at least now she’d be armed.
She’d also have some of her own clothes—another bonus.
Not that she anticipated taking off. So far, the setup worked perfectly for her. In fact, other than missing her job and knowing her life could end at any moment if she was found, she was happier than she’d ever been.
She felt a connection to Leese unlike anything she’d ever experienced. And that had led her to another decision.
It was a big “if,” but if they found a way to resolve her problems, could she and Leese possibly have a real relationship? Once he no longer had to protect her, would he consider dating? Without the threats surrounding them, without her secrets as a wall, with no barriers at all between them.
She hoped so.
Multiple times she thought about asking him. But for some reason, she held back. He’d taken on enough responsibility without her possibly making it awkward. Out of necessity, they were insulated together in the penthouse, shielded from the outside world and the usual day-to-day interactions with work, family, friends. If she screwed up—and with her record, that wasn’t exactly a long shot—their remaining time together could be miserable. She didn’t want that.
So instead of speaking her mind, as was her norm, she reined in the emotions and just enjoyed the next three days. Since Leese didn’t leave her, it was easy to do.
While counting down their time to the end of the weeklong agreement, Cat lived in a deceptive cocoon of happiness. Leese taught her some fight moves, making them more exciting by occasionally kissing her once he had her pinned down. She never knew which type of kiss to expect—a soft smooch, a quick peck, a teasing nuzzle or a full-blown eating kiss that left her wanting so much more.
Whenever he allowed her the upper hand, she kissed him and her choice always involved heat and tongues and lots of body contact.
As promised, he’d also run her through multiple drills, going over every possible scenario.
If intruders got into the building, what to do.
If anyone made his way into the suite, what to do.
If Leese got taken—a scenario she hated—what to do.
“I don’t expect any of that to happen,” he’d told her, “but on the off chance it does, I don’t want to leave you unprepared.” Then he’d taken her through the numerous drills again.
Whenever he worked out in the gym she joined him, but she went by a workout plan he’d drawn up for her. Already she felt a bit stronger, definitely faster, and there was something very satisfying, very calming about exercise. Funny she’d never realized that before.
At least twice a day, Leese cooked while she sat at the bar and talked with him about anything and everything. She ate each meal with appreciation, then helped with cleanup.
While he did research online or spoke privately with Sahara, she sketched.
And each night he held her close.
When it all ended, she’d miss that the most, the warmth and comfort of sleeping in his arms, knowing she was safe, feeling his heartbeat against her cheek.
Somehow she had to convince him that they could continue a relationship outside this tragic circumstance.
It was late afternoon when they returned from a workout, and Cat was thinking of how to broach the topic. It was never easy to think after an hour or more of seeing Leese in only shorts.
If he didn’t give in to her soon, she was likely to go nuts.
“Leese...”
He paused on his way to the kitchen with their refillable water bottles. His gaze moved over her and he asked, “You okay? Muscles sore again?”
Ever since she’d overdone it, he checked on her often. She regretted that he felt the need. “No, I’m fine.” She’d be better if he gave up abstinence, but still... “I was just thinking, maybe we could—”
The intercom buzzed, interrupting her.
“Hold that thought.” With his T-shirt sticking to his back, the ends of his hair damp with sweat, Leese went to the door and pushed the button.
Sahara came through loud and clear, saying, “I’m heading up to see you in five minutes. I didn’t want to take you by surprise.”
“Anything wrong?” he immediately asked.
“Not at all. I have a few party dresses I want Cat to take a look at...and a few other things to discuss.”
It was the last part that had Leese going into bodyguard mode. “Make it ten.” He locked his gaze on Cat. “We just left the gym and we both need to shower.”
“I’ll see you in ten.”
The second he disconnected, Cat squawked. “I can’t be ready in ten minutes!” She forgot all about her proposed conversation, and so did Leese.
He strode past her. “I can. Go ahead and take whatever time you need. I’ll let Sahara in.”
Suspicious, Cat wondered if he’d done that on purpose, ensuring he’d have time to talk privately with Sahara. It appeared so. Well, she’d thwart that plan. Whatever news Sahara had, Cat deserved to hear it too.