Give Me Grace(30)

Reaching the door, I opened it letting Henry step out before locking it behind us. “It’s not everyone else I’m worried about, Casey. It’s you.”

My brows flew up. “You’re kidding, right?” I glanced sideways at him as we walked towards the limousine. It was parked by the kerb, the door open and the driver standing patiently as he waited for us to get in. “Your sister is going to be keeping company with Mac and Evie, and Quinn too, and you’re worried about me?”

Henry paused before reaching the door, and I stopped with him. He rubbed at his brow before his arm fell limply by his side. “I respect you, Casey, and consider you a good mate, but the fact is, your friends have set some kind of dangerous precedent. I don’t want her getting caught up in anything—you included. Grace and I haven’t been close for a long time and I’m trying to rectify that while she’s here, so after tonight I think it’s best if you stay away.”

My hands clenched into fists. While I couldn’t blame him for his words—big brothers were supposed to look out for their siblings—I couldn’t deny the hurt they caused. I also couldn’t deny what the ramifications would be if I allowed myself to feel more for Grace than I should.

“Of course,” I said flatly.

Henry nodded. “Good.”

I jerked my chin at the car. “Let’s go.”

We both climbed in, the door shutting swiftly behind us. Being the security for Grace tonight, the seat beside her was kept free for me to sit next to her. I didn’t look at her as I sat down. Instead, I kept my gaze on the window as the car pulled away from the kerb and headed towards the venue. I felt her yawn beside me, her bare shoulder brushing against the sleeve of my jacket as she exhaled audibly.

“Tired?” I murmured, glancing her way.

“Mmm,” she replied, her lids lowered sleepily. Damn, was that how she looked waking up in the morning? I could already see her hair mussed, the creamy skin of her body folded between the rich navy sheets on my bed. I shifted in my seat, feeling the need to adjust my cock in my pants. “It’s been a rough day.”

I grimaced, knowing I played a part in that. Leaning in so no one would hear, I asked softly, “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Grace turned her head and because I was already close, we almost bumped noses. Everything else faded as I lingered for a moment, taking in her scent and feeling it stir my blood. All I had to do was tilt my head and my lips would be on hers. I think it’s best if you stay away. Feeling Henry watching, I pulled back, reminding myself that tonight was about work.

“No,” she whispered. “But you did manage to surprise the crap out of me and piss me off at the same time. That’s quite impressive for a first day.”

I chuckled quietly and she gave a long, suffering sigh, rolling her eyes before turning her attention to the passing scenery.

“Slim?”

Her gaze returned to mine.

“Any idea why airport security might think you were carrying drugs?”

I watched her face carefully as I delivered my question. Her blue eyes turned stormy and I felt our tentative truce waver, yet her expression gave me no answers. “No, Casey. No idea.” Her voice was sharp and her brows drew together. “Why? Do you?”

“No.” It could only have come from them seeing something in her luggage or someone tipping them off. The fact that she was candid about us checking her bags led me to believe she was being honest, which meant the likelihood that someone had it in for her was high. “But I can find out.”

“You can?”

I shrugged. “I know some people.”

Her lips curved. “Oh you do, do you?”

“It’s Monday tomorrow. I’ll be in the office so I’ll look into it.” My hand started reaching for her leg, ready to slide it down her thigh in a reassuring gesture. Hell. Letting out a pent-up breath, I pulled back, resting my hand on my knee and thrumming my fingers instead.

Grace raised an eyebrow. “What does looking into it involve?”

“Just a couple of phone calls, Slim. That’s all.”

“You know, I really appreciate your offer,” she said, her words seeming heartfelt, “but then I’d owe you one, wouldn’t I?”

I couldn’t help the wicked grin at the thought of Grace owing me one. After tonight, I was supposed to be keeping my distance—meaning the likelihood of collecting was lower than zero—but the thought of teasing her anyway was too delicious to ignore. “You read my mind.” My gaze fell to her lush, glossy lips, and the sudden craving to taste them hit me hard. “I don’t even have to think about how you can repay me. I already know.”