Under Pressure(27)

Bella had to hold back a yelp as Jason’s arms tightened around her. “Never too much.”

“We must both be crazy or something.” She sighed, putting her head back against his chest. “I really don’t even know you, but I feel safe with you.”

He surrounded her with his strength, and a deep pleasure coursed through him at hearing those simple words from her. Knowing what that had cost her meant more than anything.

“We should go back in. I have to face my brothers at some point.”

Reluctantly, he let go of her and helped her stand. He kept her right hand in his, his thumb brushing softly over her scar. “By the way, how old are you?”

She stopped in surprise. “I’m turning thirty in a few months. Why, how old are you?”

“Thirty-seven. Does that bother you?” He smiled at her obvious confusion.

“No. Should it?”

He murmured no as he bent to press another soft kiss on her lips. They continued on into the kitchen when he stopped again, and she turned around to look up at him in question.

“I’m staying with you tonight.”

She paused to nibble on her bottom lip.

“If you don’t want to be with me, then tell me so and I will respect your wishes. But I am still going to make sure you’re safe. Until this bastard is dead, I am going to be camped on your couch or outside your apartment. I’ll sleep in my car if I have to.”

Seeing the determination on his face, she hesitantly nodded and whispered, “Stay with me.” Jason leaned down to kiss her once more before stroking his hand tenderly down the side of her face.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you. Not ever again.”





Chapter Ten




Bella walked into the great room holding Jason’s hand in a show of solidarity. She doubted that he knew what it had meant to her for him to come to her after what he had just learned. Holding his strong hand in her slight one, she knew she was showing her family what he meant to her.

Liz was looking at the rest of the group like she wanted to strangle all three of her brothers, and it was obvious that her brothers had been arguing amongst themselves since Bella had left the room.

She was startled as Sal rushed over to embrace her in his massive arms. Her arms wound around his waist, and she held on, letting the security of her brother’s love wash over her. This was what she needed, she thought on a sigh.

“I’ve missed you, Sal.”

Pulling back, Sal looked down at her face and wiped away the tears that she didn’t even know had fallen. “Oh, baby, I’ve missed you, too. I’m sorry I was gone, honey, but I’m here now. I love you, little sis. Anything you need, I’m here. He will never hurt you again. I swear it on my life.”

“Sal, it’s not your fault or anyone else’s but Victor. He’s crazy. It’s as simple as that. I love you, Sal, and I don’t blame you for not being here, but I’m so glad you’re home. Why don’t we all have dinner tomorrow night at Mama and Papa’s to celebrate?”

“Sounds good. I know you’re probably tired and want to get some rest. We can all meet tomorrow and discuss plans for your protection and what to do next.”

Bella wordlessly cringed while looking at Sal. Here it comes. He is going to try and lock me in a room or have me trailed by bodyguards. “Sal, I’m safe. Tony and Danny have helped me get my life back and have made me feel safe again. I don’t need any more protection. I won’t let you put me under lock and key. I just want my life back to normal.”

“We’ll see.” Sal’s harsh frown dared her to argue.

She threw her hands up in surrender and shook her head. “Whatever. I’m too tired to deal with this tonight.” She was immediately comforted as Jason ran his hands lightly over her shoulders.

Sal looked like he wanted to argue but conceded when he noticed the exhaustion on her face.

Trying to help, Liz announced she had to go and offered to give Danny a ride back to the bar.

“It’s late. I’ll drive you both back. Just leave your car here,” Sal ordered.

“Thank you, but no. I drove here, and I need my car tomorrow morning. I’ll be fine.”

“I can drive you back in the morning.” Sal frowned.

“Don’t be silly.”

“It’s not silly, it’s late, and I said I’ll drive you home,” he snapped.

Her cool blue eyes frosted over, and a delicate eyebrow rose.

“Listen up He-Man, I said I don’t need you to drive me anywhere.” Dismissing him, Liz got up to hug Bella close, saying she would call her tomorrow.

She also surprised Jason by leaning up to press a small kiss on his cheek before turning and sweeping by Sal without a second glance to go get her jacket.