ense. Why me? Why now? Chad and I broke up over a year ago.”
“That’s a good question.” He scooted in closer and placed a possessive hand on my knee. “I want you to stay with me until we find this thing. You’re not safe being by yourself.”
“What?” I asked, shock clearly in my voice. “I don’t think that’s necessary Vance.”
Leo decided to add his two cents. “I agree with Karli. She’s perfectly safe here with me.” Vance’s fists clenched tightly as the air quickly filled with testosterone.
“No, Leo. That’s not what I meant.” I said, giving both men a look that said, Don’t mess with me. “I meant I will be going back to my apartment.”
Vance had a smug look of satisfaction. “Well, if you insist on doing so, then I insist on getting a security detail.”
“Do you really think I need a bodyguard?” I asked.
“Yes.” Both men said in unison.
Vance glared at Leo before he continued. “Karli, I’m not taking any chances. I already have a team running surveillance on Chad. It wouldn’t be very hard to shift a couple of them over to you. In fact, I’ll gladly take the first watch and accompany you back to your place.” He turned to flash Leo that superior grin he was wearing. “Why don’t you gather your things now so we can leave?”
“Um….I guess I can do that.” I said hesitantly.
Leo stood to offer his hand to me, helping me off the couch. “Excuse us for a moment.” He said to Vance. He pulled me into the bedroom and asked, “My dear, you know that you are welcome to stay here. You haven’t decided to go home because of what we discussed earlier, have you?”
“No Leo.” I replied. “Of course not. I’m going home because it is just that. My home. I really appreciate your hospitality and.….um, everything else. I just need to be around my own things, in my own space. Okay?”
“If that is what you wish, then I will understand.” Christ, his disappointment was hitting me like a brick wall.
I tightened my grip on his hand, attempting to comfort him. “I swear Leo, this has nothing to do with your past. I still want to finish our conversation, but not right now. I promise we will talk soon. Okay?”
“Okay.”
**********************
Vance followed me home and made some calls. “I’ll have a guy stationed outside your door in an hour.” He said. “When he gets here, I’ll need to step out for a bit to make a few copies of your door keys.” He gave me an impish grin. “What shall we do until then?”
Decoding his innuendo quickly, I replied, “Vance, I just need to be by myself. I’m going to lie down…...alone.” I went into my bedroom, shut the door, and flopped onto my bed.
A while later he knocked. “Come in.” I called.
He opened the door and sat down on the edge of my bed. “Everything’s in place.” He said. “My guys will be working in eight hour shifts. Tom will be out in the hall until ten, when Joel will take over. You’ll see either him or Dex in the morning, depending on how late you get up. They shouldn’t bother you unless they need to use the john. Don’t go walking around naked, unless I’m here relieving one of them that is.” He set my keys on the dresser with a wink. “I made copies for each guard. They know to knock if they need access while you’re awake and to slip in silently if you’re asleep.” Okay, I didn’t really like the idea of strange men having the run of my house, but it’s better than the alternatives I guess.
“Thanks Vance.” I said.
He smiled. “No problem. I’ve got a few hours to spare. You up for some more study time?” He asked.
“Not right now, but I have the next few days off. Maybe you can come by then?”
“Just say when and I’ll make it work.” He replied.
“Thank you again, Vance.” I said, as he was walking out the door.
Chapter 26
*****************
The next couple of days went by very slowly. I hung around the house for the most part catching up on some spring cleaning. I kept telling myself that I wasn’t afraid to go out. Every time I thought about leaving, the men who could double as tanks guarding me reminded me that I was. Leo and Vance have called several times to check up on me but we didn’t talk much. I really didn’t know what to do, or what to say to either of them. My brain can’t handle the additional stress right now. Unfortunately for my brain, seeing both of them is inevitable. I work for Leo and I need Vance to help me with all the fairy stuff. Plus my stupid heart doesn’t like being without either of them for too long. Go figure.
On Wednesday afternoon, I was reading the latest Janet Evanovich novel when I heard the buzzer. I looked at the clock and saw that it was almost two, time for a shift change. Maybe Tom forgot his keys.
“Hello?” I called through the intercom.