Dangerous Lies(46)

“But I didn’t-”

Jake shook his head rapidly, stopping me from speaking. “Cora, if you want him to stay away from you, you have to do this. They won’t ask you ever again. I promise.”

My eyes were wide, and I only nodded. He stroked my cheek with one strong hand, and all of the adrenaline in my body turned into mush, and tears welled in my eyes. I wrapped my arms around his waist, letting out wails into his chest. Jake only stroked my hair, keeping me close to him. I was a wreck, but I was safe in his arms, knowing Martin was about to be brought to justice.

“I’m still mad at you,” I grunted into his chest, squeezing him tight while the cops came flooding into my home. They circled around Ben and Martin, two of them yanking on Martin’s arms for him to stand, while Ben began to read him his Miranda Rights.

Jake kissed the top of my head. “I know, but I had to follow you. I knew he was up to no good.”

I trembled in his arms, putting the pieces together on who he really worked for. “And you lied again.”

He gently grabbed my jaw, meeting my frightened eyes. “I know, but I couldn’t tell you I worked undercover. It would have made everything worse.”

I understood, but still felt betrayed. Taking a deep breath, I nuzzled back into his chest, thankful he had rescued me even though I had pushed him away.





Chapter TwentySeven





After I gave my statement and Martin was taken away, my house turned back into the dark, silent place I had originally came home to. Jake made a pot of coffee, pouring me a mug while I sat at the kitchen counter.

“Will you be alright?” He asked, watching the last police car drive down the road.

I shrugged. “Hopefully.”

He took a seat next to me, watching me intently. “I’m sure you have a few questions.”

I only stared into my mug, the hot steam rising against my cool skin. “I’m not sure I want the answers to how you stalked me and ended up following me across the world.”

He was holding in his laugh, but soon became serious. “I had to follow and protect you.”

“Because of your job?”

“No, I did it because I care about you, and I didn’t want that monster to hurt you.”

I nodded and closed my eyes. “I’m thankful you did, even after I was a bitch to you.”

“I deserved it for leaving you in the dark. I only hope that you can forgive me,” he whispered. “I never meant to hurt you, Cora.”

“I know,” I croaked. Meeting his eyes, I asked, “Is it over?”

“It better be. I would have finished him for good if Ben weren’t here. He came up with the solution. Not the original one I wanted, but it’ll keep me out of trouble I guess.”

I cleared my throat. “Have you killed before?”

He paused before he answered. “Yes.”

“In the military? Or for this job?”

“Both.”

“A lot of men?”

He nodded. “The first handful of them took out my father on a mission. I was in charge of the drone that dropped a bomb. Unfortunately, they got to my father before I could get to them.”

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. No wonder he was afraid to open up to me. He was full of trauma, and his charismatic humor was how he dealt with it.

“I was sorry for a lot of years, I still am. I blame myself for the men that died that day, not just my father. I can’t look my mother in the eye because of it.”

“She doesn’t blame you, does she?”

He shrugged. “She’s never said it, but I haven’t really given her the chance to say it either.”

I understood his fear. I was afraid to talk to my parents, too, but for an entirely different reason. They resented my decision to be with Martin, and I wished I would have listened to them.

“I regret my father dying, but I don’t regret killing the men who took his life.”

Cautiously, I took my hand from my mug and covered his. His hands were warmer than mine, and the dry skin of his knuckles tickled my palms. I met his gaze. “Are you trying to tell me you would have killed Martin for me?”

He hesitated, then quietly spoke. “Yes.”

We stared at each other, no doubt he was worried with what my reaction would be. I squeezed his hand, a tear falling from my eye. “Thank you,” I murmured, biting my lip to keep it from trembling.

He took my hand in both of his, bringing it to his lips. “Are you afraid of me?”

I should have been mortified of him. He was bred from the military, a lethal, killing machine who would take out anyone who did the same to an innocent, but I felt the opposite. He would keep me safe to no ends.

“Not for the reason’s you might think,” I admitted.

He furrowed his brows.

“I’m more afraid you’ll shatter my heart, not shoot it.”

He shook his head drastically. “I love you, Cora. I’d never hurt you. If you were mine, I’d treat you like my queen. Can’t you picture it?”

“I can imagine the picture perfect life, but that’s not reality.”

“Let me tell you how I envision my perfect reality.” He squeezed my hand and looked me dead in the eye. “We’d live on a little lake in the middle of nowhere, I don’t care what country it’s in, as long as there are four seasons. The house only needs two bedrooms, one for us, and one for Shepley. A porch with a grill, because I love meat, and I know you love watching me cook.”