He ground his teeth. "I just want you safe."
"I know that." Moving to him, she deftly fastened his tie and smiled sweetly. "But, really, what safer place is there for me to be than at your side?"
///
His little sphinx always knew what buttons to push to get what she wanted, Knox thought with an exasperated sigh. His demon wanted to take her with it; wanted her where it could keep an eye on her. If the entity had its way, she would never leave its side.
The demon became very easily bored and had little patience for people. Harper was really the only thing that gave it a sense of contentment. It was totally charmed by her, found her company … fulfilling. She never failed to amuse and entertain it. When she was around, the demon was more passive and well-behaved.
Knox traced the tattoo-like collar of thorns on her neck with the tip of his finger. It was one of three brands of possession that his demon had left on her skin. He had to agree with Harper that, yes, putting a brand on her throat where it was so highly visible was the equivalent of an "All Rights Reserved" sign, but his demon wanted it to be clear that she was taken. Any demon who saw the brands on her flesh would know what they were; would understand that she was his and his alone.
Just as possessive, her demon had left two brands on him – one on his nape, and one across the back of his shoulders, making each seem more like an extension of the other. Both were tribal and masculine with thick, pointed curves and solid, black lines. Knox wouldn't lie; it was a total turn-on for both him and his demon that they'd been branded by hers.
"Come on, Knox, you know nobody can keep me safe better than you can."
She was right on that. "You're very good at getting your way."
Harper grinned. "I learned from the best." Her mate was damn good at making things go his way. He could certainly talk her in circles at times. She'd had to learn fast how to keep up or he'd walk all over her – it was simply in his nature to forge ahead when he wanted something.
"I'll help you get dressed."
"I don't need -"
"Just let me take care of you."
Sensing that he needed that, she relented. "Okay."
Harper's demon rather liked how carefully and reverently he touched her as he stripped her naked and then dressed her in the blue jeans and black, long-sleeved shirt she chose. He even insisted on brushing her hair – something he did often, as if it soothed him somehow.
When they were both finally ready to leave, he took her hand and guided her down the curved staircase, along the wide hallway, and over to the marble foyer. There, he helped her slip into her jacket before guiding her outside and down the wide steps with a hand on her lower back.
Levi opened the rear door of the Bentley – one of several luxurious cars that Knox kept stored in the garage. Once Harper and Knox slid inside, Levi drove along the long, curved drive; passing the extensive, beautifully landscaped lawn and the security gatehouse.
The estate was bordered by high, brick walls that would have been plain had it not been for the ivy that trailed along them. At first, Harper had felt a little intimidated by the size of the estate. It was a far cry from the many homes she'd grown up in with her nomadic father. But now … well, now it felt like home.
The mansion was an expansive, lavish, beautiful piece of modern architecture, but it wasn't excessively extravagant. Wasn't showy or ostentatious. Instead, it possessed a warm elegance and the same undeniable charm as its owner.
It also had blue-tinted, bulletproof windows that Harper found totally awesome.
As the black, heavy, metal gates swung open, Knox spoke. "How do you feel about going somewhere for a few days? Maybe spend some time on the yacht?"
Considering she was used to his overprotective ways, Harper figured she really should have seen this coming. Crossing one leg over the other, she gave him a sideways glance. "Really, Knox, I'm not traumatized by what happened. I don't need to get away from Vegas."
Knox stroked her thigh. "No one would blame you if you did. It hasn't exactly been a relaxing place for you over the past year. Plenty of people would want a break from it in your position."
"I'm not plenty of people. Knox, seriously, I really am fine."
Knox could sense that she truly believed that, but he wasn't convinced – not given that her body was screaming, "stressed!" He knew she was far from fragile, but it was difficult to remember that when she looked so drained and weary. "I need you to promise that if you do feel overwhelmed -" he gently tapped her temple "- you'll call me."