Savor the Danger by Lori Foster Page B

it’s all good to go, then he can head there tomorrow or the next day.”
    Jackson studied her. As soon as possible, they’d settle a few things—like how the relationship would work…if they had a relationship. He still wasn’t sure about that. “She can be reasonable.”
    Alani lifted her chin. “Certainly, I can. But that doesn’t mean—”
    â€œYeah, it does.” He would not give on this point.
    Dare continued as if the interruption hadn’t happened. “As to that, if folks see the two of you together and know that Alani isn’t alone, it might discourage anyone from targeting her.”
    â€œOr make her a target,” Jackson said, grim at the prospect.
    Trace shook his head. “No one can get past you—”
    Jackson appreciated the confidence, since Alani didn’t seem to share it.
    â€œâ€”and since we don’t want to alert anyone that we’re on to them, the ruse of a relationship between the two of you will work as well as anything else.”
    Alani licked her lips. “Anyone paying attention will think Jackson is sticking close because we’re involved, not because he’s a protector.”
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œWhen we go back to his place, you’ll make sure he’s kept safe?” Alani wanted to know. Jackson said, “Woman…”
    His tone didn’t faze her. “You’ll be the one under attack if any of this backfires.”
    â€œWe’ll be vigilant babysitters,” Trace promised her, cutting short Jackson’s retort.
    Jackson knew they’d be needling him for a year over Alani’s misplaced concern. “I can take care of myself, damn it.”
    Dare grinned. “I think she’s more worried about a woman getting to you than anything else.”
    Alani looked like she might strangle Dare, but he just laughed at her.
    Well now, that was different.
    â€œâ€™S that right, sugar?” Jackson took in the telltale jealousy in her bright eyes. “You feeling possessive?”
    This time he was ready for her when she shoved past him on her way to the door. He didn’t stumble a single inch.
    â€œNow that that’s settled.” Alani grasped the doorknob and looked back in expectation for Dare and Trace to follow. “Well?”
    Trace turned to Dare, who let out a long sigh. “Yeah, sure, why not? I’ll be a distraction.” Dare went to Alani while Trace went to Jackson.
    Alani tried to protest, but Dare still managed to catch her slapping hands. “Let’s take a breath of fresh air. You look like you could use it.”
    Jackson watched as Dare practically carried her outside. She must’ve been used to the high-handed treatment, given that she allowed it to happen.
    For some reason she glanced back at Jackson as if he was somehow responsible.
    Expression hard, Trace leaned in close to Jackson. “No private visitors.”
    â€œI know.” Already his heart thumped with anticipation. Very soon now he’d have her alone. “I’ll play doorman in case anyone does come calling on her.”
    â€œNo unmonitored phone calls, either.”
    â€œI know.” It seemed he’d suffered a combustible cocktail of emotions all day—lust, need, curiosity and tenderness… “I’ll vet any and all calls.”
    â€œIf you two decide to go out for anything, make sure—”
    â€œDamn, man.” Jackson shifted his stance. “You think this is my first rodeo?”
    â€œWith my sister, it is.” Trace’s expression hardened. “And even you know that you’re distracted.”
    True enough, not that it mattered. “I’d die for her, if it came to that.”
    â€œAnd then she’d be left unprotected.” Trace put a finger to Jackson’s chest. “So no dying.”
    Jackson laughed at that somber, direct order. “Right. Got it. Wouldn’t be my first