He’d be safer doing his time.
Either way, it was time for Elena to learn how to handle a small caliber gun. I’d start looking into those things tomorrow morning. I knew Elena would probably be hungry when she woke, so I forced myself out of bed, tossed on a pair of gym shorts and my glasses, and went downstairs to find something for dinner, and to call my dad.
The phone only rang twice. “Ashton.”
“Dad,” I said dropping down onto the couch in the living room.
“That bastard is going to pay for all this.”
The mention of Tolley made my blood pressure rise. “Yeah, well until the cops release him, we’re not getting our hands on him.”
“You don’t think I have people watching for when that fucker gets released?”
“I’m sure you do. I want to get Elena a gun and spend some time at the range.”
He sighed. “I’ll end that son of a bitch before he gets anywhere near her.”
“You had mom take the same classes as Elena’s been taking, and she didn’t even have a crazy-ass ex. No harm in her knowing her way around a gun.”
“You have a point. With our business the way it is, it wouldn’t hurt—especially if you two are going to try and make this work. And after the display in the station today, I’m guessing that’s the case.”
“I told you she was moving in.”
“An actual relationship?”
I rolled my eyes, knowing he couldn’t see me. “Yes, I want her by my side for as long as she wants to be there.”
“Good. Just don’t do something fucking ridiculous, like not being honest about everything you do. She needs to know and be comfortable with all aspects of your life. Or you’ll regret it later when she leaves you.”
Dad knew what he’d been doing that night at his house.
“I’m taking her. She needs to know what she’s getting into, not just remembers from that first night.”
“Good.”
Leaning back against the cushions, I said, “I’ll make sure she keeps taking the self-defense lessons but I’ll start sending Brock with her when she goes somewhere, even with Lewis. Oh, and I want to increase security around the house as well.”
“I think that’s a very good idea.”
“Good. Now I gotta go. I need to make dinner for Elena. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know where we stand.”
Dad and I said our good-byes and hung up.
Walking down the stairs to the kitchen, I wondered if attacking Tolley that night pushed him even farther over the edge. Was it my fault she was in danger? Did being with me make him even crazier?
Either way, it was too late now.
CHAPTER 29
Elena
I woke up feeling deliciously sore. After my nap, Ashton had made us dinner, which we ate without bothering to dress. Despite my hunger I was barely able to finish my meal; the sight of his hard length and muscled abs almost drove me to distraction. I did my best not to make it too obvious but I wasn’t quick enough because the second Ashton noticed, he scooped me from the stool and carried me over his shoulder back to our room. After that . . . I wasn’t distracted anymore.
Our room.
It felt weird to say, but if I was moving in then that’s what it was.
Ours.
My life was finally on the right track. The man I was with treated me like a princess, like I was the only person in the world who mattered. I had a wonderful new career. And I was weeks away from being free of the proverbial ball and chain that had been weighing me down.
Life was good.
Seeing as he was always looking after me, I decided to do something special for Ashton. Sneaking out of bed, I threw on the silk robe he bought me and tiptoed downstairs to start breakfast.
Once I’d started the coffee pot, I searched the pantry until I located all the necessary ingredients for my mother’s famous Belgian waffles. They went perfectly with bacon.
I was just pouring the coffee when two strong arms slipped around my waist, and Ashton began nibbling on my neck as I poured the batter for the last waffle into the iron.
“You don’t have to make me breakfast.”
Turning, I wrapped my arms around his waist. “I know, but I wanted to. You helped me work up such an appetite last night. I was starving this morning.”
I covered the waffles with strawberries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar, then took them over to the table. They smelled divine—even if I did say so myself. Ashton dived for the coffee the minute the mug touched the table.
“Mmm. This is exactly what I needed.” He took his first bite and moaned. “That’s absolutely delicious.”
“Thank you. It’s a recipe my mom used to make.”