Ryder - Caveman Insticts Book Three(22)

I thought about all she’d said and glanced at the ring, then back to her face. She was right. She deserved romance. She deserved to be asked. “How about this. The ring is yours. Keep it on. I’ll give you what you want. I’ll ask you too. Not right now, but when I know you’ll be ready.” Getting off the stool, I went and gathered her to me, hugging her tight and pressing a kiss on the top of her head. “Let’s get to know one another. Give us together the chance I know you want to give it. We have the spark and this now proves we can get along without arguing.”

Her sigh was loud but she wrapped her arms around me returning the hug. “Fine. Let’s do this, but I want to date. Just because I came over last night and jumped your bones doesn’t mean I intend to do that all the time.”

I was glad she couldn’t see my face right now because I was grinning like a loon. I’d gotten what I wanted. Well, I was on my way to getting it. And from watching my cousins and uncle I knew Divinity would be jumping my bones, as she so well put it, again very soon. “Okay. Dates. I can do that. Tomorrow I’ll pick you up at seven?” If I didn’t have to work tonight I would have taken her out, but tomorrow would do.

She raised her brow and pushed me away making her way across the room and placed her hands on her hips. “Why do you assume I’m free tomorrow night? Maybe I already have plans.”

There was no way she had plans with anyone but me. Going to her, I circled her waist and brought her to me, tilting her chin so she looked me in the eyes. “You’re mine. There is no one else you will go on dates with but me.”

She rolled her eyes, but I didn’t miss the twitch of her lips into a quick smile before concealing it. “Okay, tomorrow at seven thirty.”

I wasn’t stupid. I knew she made the time change so she had some control back. Choose your battles, I told myself as I thought about arguing about the time. I knew I’d chosen right when after a moment she snuggled against me and relaxed her stance.

Now for the next battle. Protection. Security.

Taking a step back I slipped my hand down and twined my fingers with hers. I guided her to the lounge room and sat on the sofa, placing her on my lap. She twisted and pushed to get off but I held firm, holding her tight until she gave up on a sigh and snuggled against me. Her delicate frame fit perfectly.

“So I know you know that I have someone watching you.” I held my hand up as she started to speak. “I actually have a couple. They alternate. It’s to keep you safe. I always thought my cousins overreacted with all the security they have around them, but now I have you, I understand why.”

“I don’t need any security. I’ve never be—”

“I hope you don’t need it, but dating a Silverman, we’ve found out, can be dangerous. We have enemies. Not everyone is always happy about our family’s success.”

“I can look after myself. And really, we’ve only just started this thing. I mean who would want to harm me?” She shook her head, her hair whipping my chest.

“I have learned firsthand that you are capable of looking out for yourself, but you’re not bullet proof.”

“Ha, guns are banned in Australia.”

“Yes, they are. That doesn’t stop people from obtaining black-market weapons, as much as we police try. It also doesn’t stop a knife or other weapons. You wouldn’t believe some of things I’ve been assaulted with as a cop, so for those reasons alone, I’ve made sure you have someone watching over you. Now we’re going to be dating and being together out in public. I want you to make sure you always have guards with you. I called Chad, my new head of security, before you came down and he and the others are going to introduce themselves.

“Oh, and I don’t want guards.” Divinity eased around to straddle my lap and stared up at me. “I’m flattered that you want to protect me, but I don’t need bodyguards.”

This was a battle I wasn’t willing to lose. Her safety came first, especially with what the Devil’s Queens had told me. “Divinity, I don’t think you understand how dangerous things can be. My cousins’ wives have been attacked and shot at. Guns may be illegal, but they’re around for people to get their hands on. Chad and his team have stayed back because they haven’t seen any threat to you and we haven’t been seen together. Things have changed now and I need to know you’ll be safe. I can’t be out or working and worrying about you.” Brushing a strand of hair form her face I gently tucked it behind her ear.

Her sigh was loud as she puffed out a breath. “I’m probably one of the safest people. I spend most of my time, when I’m not at work, at home on the base. As you have learned it’s not easy to get into. I highly doubt your security could, especially when you couldn’t.”