“No.” I felt fairly confident he wouldn’t.
She narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”
“Nothing yet. But I made him a promise that if the law didn’t act swiftly and adequately, we’d take care of it. And I made him promise in return that he wouldn’t do it without me.”
Jenna put her hand over her heart, as though that was some grand gesture. She had no idea I’d do anything for her. The hardest part was doing nothing. “Thank you.”
I kissed the tip of her nose. “You went through enough to protect Tyler. It’s my honor to do it now. And it’ll be my greatest honor to give that piece of shit everything he deserves.”
“Thank you, Liam.” She hugged me, and with her arms wrapped around me, she said, “Now tell me what’s wrong. I know something must be wrong for me to be able to sneak up on you.”
“I’m good,” I said sincerely. “Great. I’m glad you talked to my mom.” I traced her jaw and tilted her face up to look into her tropical blue eyes, clear and bright and so beautiful it took my breath away. “I’m glad I could give you that.”
Jenna and Thor both tilted their heads, making me chuckle.
“Remember when I said I’ve had too good of luck, I’ve gotten off too easy, and it wasn’t fair while others suffered?”
“Uh huh. And I told you that was bullshit.”
I kissed her, hard and quick. “You’re cute when you cuss. And you’re right. I’m glad my family is awesome, so I can share them with you. I’m glad I wasn’t with my team, so I could be here with you. The guys would agree, too, if they could. They’d love you, Firefly. And instead of feeling guilty, I’m grateful my path brought me to you.”
Jenna smiled, her expression radiant. “I’m proud of you, and I’m really, really happy you’re here with me, too.”
“Move in with me,” I blurted.
Her jaw dropped, her eyes going comically wide. Honestly, I was almost as surprised. I didn’t plan on asking that. The words just popped out. But I meant it, with every cell of my being.
Her lips parted, then pressed together, hope flickering across her face before she tamped it down. “I want to say yes...”
“So say yes.”
“Are you asking just because you’re scared to let me out of your sight?”
My chest squeezed. “No, Firefly. Not gonna lie, the thought of anything happening to you terrifies me, but that’s not the only reason I don’t want to let you out of my sight. It’s because I’m happier when I’m with you. I want your brightness in my life all the time.”
“How do you know I’m not going to agree just because I’m scared, and I don’t want to go home?”
“Because you’re tougher than that. And we’re more than that. I know we’ve only been together a short time, and it’s been complete chaos for most of it, but I know how I feel about you. I love you, Jenna. And I know you love me too.”
“I do. I love you so much, Liam.”
“So move in with me. I want to sleep with you in my arms, and cook for you, and enjoy every day with you. We’ll have my family and Tyler and our friends over. We’ll plant flowers in the yard and make this our home, you, me, and Thor.”
She still looked hesitant, and I felt like an ass for putting her on the spot. “It’s okay if you don’t feel ready,” I added. “Whatever you decide, you can still stay here as long as you want, and I’ll support whatever you want to do, whether you want to go home after a while or find a new apartment. It’s your choice. Always.” I didn’t like it, but I did mean it. It would always be her choice.
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
A jolt of happiness shot through me. “Yes? You’ll move in?”
“Yes! I’d love to live with you!”
I picked Jenna up and spun her around, both of us laughing, and Thor jumped up to join us. “You too, buddy. I’m excited to have you here.”
“He loves it here.”
“I know. Can we kick everyone out so we can celebrate?”
“No, we didn’t even eat yet.” She laughed again, bright and happy and carefree, and everything settled within me. I might not be able to keep her safe from every danger, no matter how much I wanted to or how hard I tried, but I could keep her happy and loved. I would protect her heart and her inner light; that was a guarantee.