Protecting What's His Novels & Stories

He didn’t look away. “I know,” he said after a moment. “And I hate myself for it more than you think.” That surprised her. Her fingers stilled. “You don’t act like it,” she whispered. His hand flexed against his leg. Slowly, deliberately, he lifted it and rested it between them on the bed—open, palm up. An invitation. Not a demand. “I was taught that protecting something meant keeping it out of reach,” he said quietly. “Out of sight. Out of fire.”

He had looked at her from across the room and said: you too. She had frowned at that, not understanding. He had not explained it. He sat in the blue light and was still, and thought about what it meant to protect something that didn't belong to you yet—and might not, after tonight—and decided that he would protect it anyway, because that was what you did with things that mattered. You protected them whether or not they were yours. Outside, the sun was going down

"What is the meaning of this?" He turned to me and said, "I am protecting you!"

Or irritation. “I bought silence,” he corrected. “And presence. You exist here so others know you do.” “Others?” I asked. He leaned in, his voice dropping. “Enemies. Partners. People who think I can be touched.” “And what do I get?” I asked quietly. For the first time since I’d met him, Adrian paused. “You get protection,” he said. “From the world you underestimate.” I held his gaze. “And from you?” His lips brushed my ear not a kiss, not quite a threat. “I’m the reason you’re safe.”

“He did not touch me.” He, in fact, was protecting her.

“Ask yourself, Cade. Why did she block you?” I couldn’t answer. “Because she's safer with me,” Lucan continued. “Protected and Understood.” “This isn’t over.” I breathed hard. “No,” he agreed. “It’s just beginning

“But that’s not why I’m asking.” Her eyes searched his face. “This wouldn’t be public,” he said. “No press. No headlines. No ceremony. Just the law—and us.” Her chest tightened. “A secret.” “A shield,” he corrected. “One that gives you legal protection. My name. My assets. My security. No one can touch you without touching me.” She stared at the document again. “And what do you get?” she asked quietly. He didn’t hesitate. “You.” The simplicity of it shook her.

Like, come on, man, it's not that deep. “Why are you even trying to protect me? The last time I remember I was just some hooker you claimed because I was bought with your money.” His head tilted as his grey eyes bore into mine. “Once I own something, I make sure that I protect it at all costs because I hate losing stuff. And I also hate getting my stuff taken by someone else.” “Even if it's not important?” “Everything of mine is important. Once I'm keeping it. I don't keep trash.”

He didn't say any words, but his message was clear: Protect Ada.