All Good Things(27)

I focused steady eyes on him, determined to make him see I was not going to play his game...whatever it was. "I do not need a bodyguard, or a driver or anything else that you think to employ Gabe, or anyone else to be."

Jace tightened his hold on the steering wheel until the skin of his knuckles was nearly translucent, displaying the white of the bone. "Yes. You. Do."

I was so angry. I was vibrating. "Why would you think that?"

"Because, I was not thinking when I decided to spend four fucking days with you in the hospital." Jace roared. I flinched at his sudden explosion. I was sure anyone else would have backed down from him, but I couldn't.

"What does spending time with me in the hospital have to do with this?" I asked wearily. I hadn't decided if I really wanted to know, when he continued.

"A gossip magazine got wind of my staying in the hospital. They printed a story about us having a wild affair. Apparently, we are madly in love and soon to be engaged. I will be damned, Olivia, if I let a single hair on your head get hurt because of me." His tone was stern, leaving no room to argue. "Got it?"

I didn't reply. I couldn't. Holy crap! There was an entire story in print about my life and I hadn't even read it...much less lived it. I didn't know what to think, much less say. How the hell hadn't I seen this alleged story? I'd stalked him every day on Google...how hadn't I stumbled across the article?

"Okay, I get it." I said quietly. "But, I still don't understand why I would need protection, Jace."

He sighed. "I am a powerful man, Olivia."

"I'm aware." Seriously? He chose now, of all moments, to stroke his ego?

Jace growled at my interruption. "I have made many enemies over the years and I'm afraid some of them wouldn't think twice about hurting you to get to me."

I stilled as I took in his words. I hadn't even eaten the cake to gain the weight. Jeez, I was being threatened because I allegedly held Jace Rush's heart in the palm of my hand.

"Olivia, are you all right? You look pale." Worry fringed his tone and my heart jumped, causing frustration to spread throughout my veins. It burned like fire.

"I'm thinking." I snapped, unable to help myself. I was, admittedly, angry with him.

"About?"

I turned to glare at him in my seat. "I'm being prosecuted for a crime I didn't even have the enjoyment of committing. What do you think I'm thinking about?"

Jace's mouth dropped. Score another point for Olivia! I'd just shocked the untouchable, unshakable, Jace Rush. Damn, I'm good!

"You would have rather...commit the crime, so to speak?"

Was he delusional? "Of course. If I have to take the heat for it."

"We can rectify that immediately." Jace said, without humor and I blushed. Was he being serious, because I couldn't tell? Our private conversation was all about sex. But, was I really ready for that...and, with Jace Rush, of all people? Well, at least he turned me on. I had never been affected by anyone else, so why not take it while I had the chance?

"I think that's the best idea you've had yet." I said soberly. I held my breath as I watched for Jace's reaction. It was instantaneous. His blue eyes blazed and he hissed in a breath before looking at me suspiciously. I smiled with as much confidence as I could muster and he shook his head in exasperation.

"You should not tease me about such things, Olivia."

Why did his words sound like a warning? And, better yet, why did I want to challenge them?

I decided on asking another question, while I had him talking so openly. "If you know why I may, possibly, be in danger," I accentuated the word 'possibly' because, as of yet, the only person I feared I was in danger of, was Jace himself. "Why are you still coming to see me? Why wouldn't you make it obvious the rumor is just that, and leave me alone?"

Jace stiffened as he turned down an unfamiliar street bordered by tall buildings with curved glass. "I can't stay away from you, Olivia." I gasped, feeling a rush of heat between my legs at the meaning and intensity of his words. My stomach dipped. "Believe me, I tried."

I felt myself free falling into oblivion. Jace Rush had just committed the impossible. He affected me with only words. No one had ever succeeded in such a feat before this moment and I knew I had to have him. If only for a few short months, I had to make him mine. I knew it would hurt when it was over, but, at least, I would have the memories to last me a lifetime. I decided then I would take whatever moments I was offered with Jace, because I was sure they would not last. I glanced sadly at Jace. The brightest stars are always the ones that lose their shimmer first.

Jace didn't add anything to the comment and I did not reply as he continued to drive through the streets of the big city. When he signaled to drive into an underground garage of a very large, very tall building, I found myself in incapable of maintaining my silence.