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My attention raced.

Taking in the area like we were driving into enemy territory rather than the apartment that was supposed to be her safe space.

But that’s what I was.

Her safe space.

No matter where she went, I would be her sanctuary.

A shield of flesh-bound armor that would allow her the semblance of peace that she deserved.

Twilight saturated the air.

Deep hues of purple and blue kissed with pink glitter that was strewn across the deepening sky. A breeze rustled through the leaves on the trees, and the single mom who lived on the other side of the complex was leading her daughter upstairs.

The rest of the place was still and quiet in the approaching night.

I relaxed a fraction, but never, ever completely.

Elena put the truck into park and turned off the engine. Then she slanted me an enticing grin. “Here we are. Home sweet home.”

“Tell me you weren’t teasing me, because this home had better have steaks.” I pushed out the ribbing, something that was never too hard to do when it came to her.

This woman my own peace in the middle of the mayhem.

She let go of a delicious chuckle. “Of course there are steaks, silly boy. You act like I don’t know you. And my teasing is never cruel.”

With a hike of her shoulder, she yanked out the key.

I couldn’t stop my gaze from wandering. Down that lush, tempting body and to her bare thighs.

It was cruel, alright.

“Good. You weren’t wrong when you claimed I was starving.”

“That’s because I do know you.” Her tone was full of a taunt as she swung open her door to slide out.

I was out and around to that side in a flash, holding the door open, eyes dragging in every direction as I did.

She gave me a knowing glance, then started up the stairs, Docs lightly thudding as she jogged upward, her big bag flopping around at her side.

I was right behind her.

Two steps behind.

Doing my best not to ogle her ass that swayed back and forth right in front of my face.

No, her teasing wasn’t just cruel.

It was torture.

Then my stomach swooped toward the ground when I saw the package sitting next to the door.

This one was large, tall but thin, and propped up against the wall.

My heart rate spiked.

A violent pounding of fear and aggression.