God, I wanted to kill the motherfucker. I’d killed terrorists and traffickers and murderers, and although I was glad to do my part in ridding the world of dangerous scum, I’d never enjoyed the idea of taking a life. Until now. I’d show him what fear feels like. Then I’d rip him apart with my bare hands. Starting with his fucking dick.
My phone burned in my pocket. I had two computer gurus on speed dial. With one message, by this time tomorrow, I could have all the info I needed to be bashing in her neighbor’s face. It was so tempting, but I couldn’t. Not without Jenna’s approval.
I ran faster, but I couldn’t outrun the image of Jenna’s face as I left her. Fuck. I should’ve chosen the punching bag tonight instead. I was an ass for leaving so abruptly, but I couldn’t breathe in there. I’d needed to get away to deal with the fury raging through me.
She was so good. Sweet and caring. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She brightened every room she entered. Like a firefly. It was fucking bullshit that such a ray of light had to exist in such a dark, shitty world.
No one deserved the shit she’d had to endure, and I couldn’t save everyone. I would save Jenna, though. I’d be the hero she should’ve had all along.
Determination settled over me as I turned toward home, my steps steadier now. Jenna was a warrior, but her fight wasn’t over. And if she let me, I’d be by her side, holding her hand every step of the way.
I called Jenna as soon as I walked through my front door.
“Hello?” she answered, her sweet voice unsure.
I’m sorry, Firefly. I’ll never give you reason to doubt me again,I vowed to myself. One day she’d know it, too.
“I’m sorry I left the way I did.”
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. I just needed a little time to process everything.”
“And did you?”
“Yeah, I went for a jog and did some thinking.”
“At midnight? And what kind of jog? I doubt your definition of a jog is the same as mine.” Her teasing tone eased the pressure in my chest. Finally able to breathe, I went to the kitchen for a glass of water.
“It may have been more of a run than a jog. I did some good thinking, though.”
“And?” she whispered, sounding nervous again.
“And I’d like to see you again soon. And I’d like to keep talking to you every day.”
“I’d like that, too.” I heard the smile in her voice, and fuck, I wished I was there to see it.
“Good. Can I see you tomorrow?”
“I’d love to, but I have plans in the afternoon with Juliette and Nicky.”
“You usually go to the gym in the mornings, right? Want to go for a jog before you see them? And can you do dinner after your plans?” I didn’t care if she knew how desperate I was to see her. I wanted her to know it. It was also a reminder that I knew she went to the gym in the mornings because I knew her. Eventhough tonight had only been our second date, we’d been friends for a long time.
Jenna agreed to both, and her light giggle was music to my ears.
“Are you going to go to sleep soon?” I asked.
“Probably not. I don’t think I could fall asleep yet.”
“Want to keep talking?”
I drank another glass of water while we talked about working out, then I locked up the house, set the alarm, and got undressed as we discussed her plans to go to the mall tomorrow, whether or not Nicky and Ryan would ever get together, and about our favorite places in San Antonio. Eventually, she started slurring her words a little.
“I’d love to talk more, but I’m getting tired,” I said, feigning a yawn. “Are you getting tired, too?”
“Yeah, I should go to sleep.”
“See you tomorrow. Goodnight, Firefly.”