Under Pressure [IAD Agency] (Siren Publishing Classic)

of the job, but he knew, deep in his soul that he would never rest until he had taken this Victor Dane off the face of the earth.
    He rose soundlessly to follow after Bella.
    Tony half rose off his seat in protest, but even he was unsettled at the suppressed rage burning in Jason’s usually cold gray eyes. Those eyes that now swirled like liquid hellfire. Jason’s determined voice declared with absolute conviction that he was going to Bella.
    “She needs me.”
    “No, she doesn’t.”
    “She chose me. Respect that.”
    Tony’s jaw clenched, but he made no move to stop Jason. Sal stepped in his way, and the two men stared each other down. Sal’s red eyes burned like a demon’s and met Jason’s silver ones dead-on. “You’re thirty-seven, Mac. She’s not even thirty yet. You’re too old for her.”
    Jason’s expression didn’t change.
    Sal glared at him then in a low voice whispered, “By God, man, if you fuck with her—”
    “I won’t. She’s important to me. She’s safe, and she’ll stay that way. That’s a promise.” Sal took a minute, and then he sighed and stepped aside to let him pass.
    Going to the kitchen on silent feet, Jason saw she wasn’t there. Seeing an opened door, he looked out to see Bella sitting on an enclosed porch with Liz, silently weeping into her hands.
    The ice surrounding his heart shattered into a million pieces as he watched her. Jason quietly opened the door and went to her, barely making a sound. Before she could react, he had lifted her up and sat down, cradling her in his lap as he pulled her head to his chest.
    “Go on, lass. Cry, darlin’. I’ll hold you, just let go and hold on to me. I’ll keep you safe.” She didn’t want to, but she sobbed, burrowing into his chest and wept the pain away.
    Liz watched him silently and Jason met her stare unblinking. She watched as the large man holding her friend whispered words of love against her temple as he stroked his hand over her hair soothingly. Liz finally gave him a small sad smile and reached out to squeeze his shoulder as she got up and left.
    Long minutes passed before Bella took a deep shuddering breath and tried to regain control as her sobs receded. She inhaled Jason’s scent, breathing him in deeply, knowing that this was probably the last time. Trying to sit up, she pushed back, only to have his strong arms pull her closer to him, settling her once again against his warmth. “I’m sorry. Thank you. Jason…I’m sorry, for the other night, for everything. I panicked. I—”
    “You don’t have to explain. Sweet lass, I’m sorry I pushed you, too fast…too soon.” His voice was quiet as he kissed her forehead gently while his hands rubbed her back in soothing strokes. It was as if he held something precious, and it made the tears shimmer in her eyes once more.
    “I…appreciate what you said to my brothers earlier. But you must realize that can’t happen. I…I’m not the person you thought I was. I’m not…I can’t have a normal relationship with you.”
    Jason looked down at her, a fierce frown creasing his strong face, jaw clenched, making him look like a warrior of old. “Sweetheart, I see you. Do you think what you just told me changes how I feel? Yes, it does change something.” Bella tried to move off his lap again, but he held fast. “Quiet now. It did change us. Normal? Do you think I’m normal? People say I’m a cold, unfeeling bastard. A machine with no emotions. I usually am, but with you I’m different.” His voice was rough with emotion.
    “You make me feel. I was angry when you left the other night. Hell, I was livid…maybe even hurt. That’s a first for me. I dinna want to admit what you made me feel. But now, now I understand, and I’m not mad anymore. Not at you. Now I’m furious, but at the bloody fucking bastard that dared to hurt you. Not at you. Never at you.”
    He pushed her head back down on his chest. His hands stroked over her back, pulling her closer as if he could pull her into him, into the shelter of his own body. With a heavy sigh, he forced himself to continue.
    “I tried to forget you, but I couldn’t. I made the decision to find you. This past week I wanted you, wanted to see you, touch you, taste you, just you, no other. That was before I knew. Now, I want all those things and more. I want to hold you close, keep you safe with me. I want to be the one you turn to when you cry, calm you when the nightmares come. I can’t explain it. I