Defenseless (Salvation, #5)(35)

I have a feeling the news Jackson is about to deliver won’t be good. So, I decide to get the one thing I’ve been debating for a while out in the open. “Before we get into it—” I pause.

“Yes?”

“I want to make you a deal.”

Jackson stops walking and then crosses his arms. “This oughta be good.”

He has no clue where this is going. “If we figure out who’s behind all this—if there even is a real this—I’ll buy into Cole Security Forces. We’ll go half and half and I’ll become your partner.”

Jackson extends his hand, and I take it. “Deal.”

“Now, tell me what’s in that file that you didn’t want Charlie to see.”

“Just how much do you care about her?” Jackson rebuts, and his tone tells me all I need to know.

This is bad. This is going to f*ck everything up.





Charlie

“You boys were gone awhile.” My suspicions are ringing loudly. They went for a walk two hours ago. Two hours is a very long time to stare at the waves. It’s also a very long time to hear about a wedding.

Don’t get me wrong—I like Catherine. She’s really nice and was more than accommodating. But I know they weren’t just checking out the surfing. I’d have much rather gone with them and gotten some answers.

“There was a competition,” Mark explains with a smile. “Did you miss me?”

“I won’t next time.” And I don’t mean longing-wise. His ass is grass.

“Oh,” Catherine says. “That’s right, we were planning to watch it today and tomorrow, but I completely forgot.”

“That’s what happens when you become an old married couple,” Mark jokes.

“Whatever, ass.” Catherine throws her jab at Mark before turning her attention to Jackson. “Charlie and I were getting hungry and were going to order dinner, but I figured we could take them somewhere by the water.”

Jackson smiles, wraps his arms around her waist, and then places his lips on her forehead. It’s so intimate I have to look away. “Sounds great, baby,” he says as if she’s the only woman in the world.

I look back over at them as Catherine rests her head on his chest. “Mark, are you still surfing?”

Mark slowly nods his head. “Yeah, when I’m home. I went not too long ago.”

“I didn’t know you surf,” I say, drawing his attention.

Mark comes so close I have to tip my head back to meet his intense eyes. I draw in a deep breath, inhaling the salt air that clings to him. He always smells like fresh air. “I’ll take you out tomorrow.”

“Umm . . .” I step back. “No thanks.”

“It’s fun.”

“Have you seen the news? People get eaten. They lose limbs. I like my limbs.”

His grin grows and his eyes glimmer. “They only eat the tasty ones. So maybe you shouldn’t go.”

My jaw drops at his innuendo.

“Idiot. I don’t do the ocean. I like the beach but not the water.”

Mark smirks. “I’ll protect you.”

I laugh. “Not a chance in hell.”

Jackson and Catherine stand off to the side, watching us argue—as usual. Mark can take me from perfectly calm to ready to shoot someone in no time. Infuriatingly stubborn and maddening man. I want to hate him so much, but he makes that damn near impossible.

“Oh, come on. Sharks are just misunderstood. They want to be friends, cuddle a little, or maybe it just wants a hug.” Mark is enjoying this a little too much.

“And maybe it wants an appetizer.”

Mark chuckles. “There are far more meaty options for them. You’ll be with me.”

“I’m not going.” I stand my ground.

“This is like dinner and a show.” Jackson speaks up.

“Right!” Catherine laughs. “They’re worse than us.”

Jackson replies, “I know, but my money’s on Charlie.”

“Mine too,” Catherine says.

Mark and I both burst out laughing then he pulls me close. I try to shove my way from his grasp, but his strength doesn’t allow it. I need to work out more. Or go back to Jiu Jitsu so I can take his ass down. Jackson and Catherine head out the door and Mark leans in so only I can hear. “I would never let anything hurt you on land or at sea. Trust me.” He kisses the side of my head and releases me.

I stand there for a second, unable to move. What do I say to that? Because the truth is . . . I don’t think he’d hesitate. He’d protect me with his own life if that’s what I need. It’s who he is, and I need to realize how special he is before he decides I’m not worth the chance.

The evening goes off seamlessly. I enjoy spending time with Jackson and Catherine. The more time passes, the more I understand that Jackson could never be behind any of the issues at his company. His loyalty and dedication to his men comes first and foremost. You can see the emotional strain he’s under. However, I catch the look that passes between him and Mark. Their walk wasn’t just a stumble upon a surfing contest. I let Mark think he threw me off, but he didn’t.

“We’re heading back tonight,” Mark informs Jackson, which is news to me. I guess he doesn’t feel like sharing his plans.