Damon (The Protectors #1)(48)
Closing her eyes, she dropped her head. “How could he do that to me?”
“He was trying to keep you safe.” Jared shook his head. “Is your job more important than your own life?”
“My job is my life.” She brought her eyes back to his, not answering his question directly. “It wasn't his decision to make.”
“I disagree.” Jared replied, his gaze softening a bit. “As your protector he had every right. You can't save the world Nicole.”
“I'm not trying to save the world.” Nicole lashed back turning and heading toward the door. “Just the ones that can't save themselves.”
“I will see what I can do to get you back on.” Mitch told her as she passed. “If they pull out, then they pull out.”
“You bet your ass you will Mitch or I swear I will go to a different county.” Nicole pushed open the door walking into the night. She really didn't know what in the hell she wanted anymore. This whole thing had turned her world upside down and she didn't know what to do, what to think or who to trust. Pam followed her out.
“Nicole...wait.” Pam ran up beside her.
Nicole stopped in front of Pam's car. “I don't know what to think anymore Pam. I mean I don't want some pity party, I just want my life back. It wasn't the greatest, but it was mine. I know I'm anal about that, but I can't help it.”
“I understand.” Pam nodded and she truly did because she knew Nicole better than anyone. “I also understand their need to protect. I have learned a lot since working with Jared and I really think you need to talk to Damon.”
Shaking her head, Nicole snorted. “No.” She headed toward the passenger side of the car, but before she could open the door she heard the door lock click. Looking up she saw Pam holding the key lock.
“Do you realize since that night you have not said his name?” Pam crossed her arms. “Jared said he is not doing any better than you are since that night. And do you know that he sits outside your apartment every night watching to make sure you're safe and if he can't, he makes sure someone else does?”
Nicole glanced up, eyes wide in shock.
“Come on Nicole. Do you really think that after all they have done Damon would just say, 'Oh, okay, well see ya around' and leave you without protection.” Pam rolled her eyes.
“I didn't think....” Nicole shook her head. God what a freakin mess. “I told him that I didn't need their protection....that I didn't want their protection.”
“Why? Because he didn't want your blood.” Pam shook her head. “You know Nicole I love you like a sister, but I really think you're wrong. I told you your heart was going to be in this for the long haul and dammit, I was right. You love him and to protect yourself, you pushed him away without even finding out why he refused your blood.”
“I don't love him....” The lie stuck in her throat. “anymore.”
“And once again I call bullshit.” Pam pointed at her. “You know I never figured you for a coward. You were probably the bravest person I have ever met, but now I don't see that in you at all. All I see is a woman who is letting others dictate her life and all you can do is yell and be pissed. Why don't you help yourself like you have a hundred times in the past and talk to him?”
Okay, that was harsh, but Nicole figured well deserved. “Yeah, well guess that won't happen since Jared won't tell me where he is.”
“He's right behind you leaning on his bike. He must have been on watch detail and followed us here.” Pam giggled at the horrid look that crossed Nicole's face.
“Are you serious?” Nicole paled.
“As a heart attack.” Pam grinned. “And he is looking at you like he could gobble you up.”
“I'm gonna kick your ass.” Nicole grunted then turned around.
“Yeah, get in line chick.” Pam unlocked her car and got in to wait, a wicked grin stretched across her face.
Nicole charged across the parking lot ready to let loose on the vamp, but slowed when she caught site of Damon. “You look like hell.”
That half grin that she loved so much curved his lips. “You look beautiful as always.”
Okay, that was a new one. He'd never complimented her like that before and it turned her brain to mush sending all kinds of girly feelings through her body. A small sigh escaped her lips before she straightened her spine. Dammit....get a grip girl. You don't need what's left of your heart stomped on. “Why did you do it Damon?”
He didn't even hesitate before answering. “To keep you safe.”
“I'm not the only person doing this job.” She countered, trying her best not to step toward him, wanting so badly to touch him and have him hold her. It had been such a hard month trying to get over this man and now seeing him so close brought it all back like a punch to the stomach.
“You're the only one targeted.”
His voice was strong and sure while hers was shaking and crackly....the jerk. Didn't anything about her affect him. “Not true. Mitch was targeted.” Then added. “What about Chad missing. That could be related.”
“He went after Mitch because he wanted to get to you. As for Chad, we don't know yet.” Damon sighed. “Listen Nicole, we have been through this again and again. I did what I had to do for you and nothing more. You have not been fired and will be back to doing what you love as soon as we catch this bastard.”