Jenna’s Protector (Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists: CHARLIE Team #4)

18. Carter

EIGHTEEN

Carter

The thought of Jenna waking up in a cold sweat, haunted by the nightmares of her past, with no one there to comfort her… It’s enough to make my blood boil. My heart breaks in equal measure.

We climb out of the vehicle. Max trots ahead, making a quick stop at a tree, as we make our way up to her apartment. The air between us is charged with something new, fragile, and precious.

As we step into her apartment, Jenna flicks on the light. It is small but cozy, with worn furniture and soft lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with framed photos and artwork, adding a personal touch that speaks of warmth and creativity. Bookshelves line one wall, filled with an eclectic mix of novels and knickknacks. A faint scent of vanilla lingers in the air, making the space feel even more comforting.

Jenna moves through the space like a ghost, her footsteps barely making a sound on the hardwood floors.

“I’ll take the couch.” I set my keys on the counter. “You should get some rest.”

“Actually, I was hoping…” Jenna hesitates, her fingers twisting together in front of her. She takes a deep breath as if steeling he rself for rejection. “Could you maybe stay with me? Just until I fall asleep?”

The request hangs between us, a fragile thread of trust and need. I swallow hard, my heart pounding against my ribs. The thought of holding her, of being the one to chase away her demons—feels right.

I hesitate, the war within me raging fiercely. My need to protect and hold her battles against my body’s natural responses, the raw attraction I feel for her. The last thing I want is to make her uncomfortable or to cross any boundaries.

“Of course,” I manage, my voice rough with emotion. I step closer, every muscle in my body tensed with the effort to stay composed. “I’ll stay with you.”

I hesitate momentarily, unsure how to navigate this new intimacy between us. She turns to me, her eyes searching mine. A soft smile curves her lips as if she’s reading the conflict written all over my face.

“Make yourself at home. I have a spare toothbrush in the bathroom if you need it.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

She leads me into the kitchen, the soft glow of the overhead light casting warm shadows across her face.

“Can I get you anything to drink? Water? Tea?”

“I’m good, thanks.” I shake my head, my throat suddenly dry.

Max trots over to Jenna, his tail wagging expectantly. She laughs, reaching down to ruffle his fur.

“Okay, okay. I guess it’s treat time for you, huh buddy?”

The sound of her laughter and the easy way she interacts with Max puts me at ease. For a moment, the weight of the case fades into the background.

“I’m going to go change in the bathroom really quick. You can use it after me.” Jenna turns to me with a hint of shyness in her voice.

I nod, not trusting my voice. She disappears down the hallway, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the steady thump of my heart .

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing pulse, and wander into the bedroom, taking in the simple but cozy decor. The bed looks inviting, piled high with pillows and a soft, worn quilt. I hesitate for a moment before sitting on the edge, wondering what I’m going to sleep in.

My go-bag is back at the station, leaving me with limited options. I finally settle on stripping down to my undershirt and boxers, folding my slacks and button-down neatly on the chair in the corner.

The sound of the bathroom door opening pulls me from my thoughts. Jenna stands in the doorway, dressed in loose-fitting pajamas that still highlight her gorgeous figure.

She’s always hiding away under baggy clothes and messy buns, but now, with her hair falling softly around her face and the silk of her pajamas skimming her curves, I’m struck by just how beautiful she really is.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my eyes from lingering too long.

“All yours,” she says softly, gesturing to the bathroom. Suddenly, Jenna lets out a huge, jaw-cracking yawn. Her hand flies up to cover her mouth. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.” Her cheeks flush pink.

I can’t help but chuckle, the tension between us easing slightly. “No worries. It’s been a long day.”

“The longest.”

I’m about to respond when Max, not one to be left out, lets out a massive yawn, his pink tongue curling as he stretches. A soft whine escapes his throat, and Jenna and I both burst out laughing.

“Looks like we’re not the only ones ready for bed.” I shake my head at Max’s timing.

“I think that’s our cue, buddy.” Jenna giggles, reaching down to scratch Max behind the ears.

Her easy affection with Max strikes me, and I’m caught by how normal this all feels. For a moment, I forget about the case. It’s just me, Jenna, and Max getting ready for bed like any other night.

The thought sends warmth spreading through my chest, a sense of rightness that I can’t quite explain .

I clear my throat, reluctantly pulling myself back to the present. “I’ll be right out.” I gesture to the bathroom.

“Take your time. We’ll be here.” The corners of her lips curl into a soft, sleepy smile.

As I close the bathroom door, I glimpse my reflection in the mirror. For the first time in days, I feel relaxed, the lines of tension around my eyes and mouth smoothed away.

Jenna’s presence affects me in more ways than one. The sight of her in those soft, silky pajamas, the domesticity of getting ready for bed together—it’s left me with a rather insistent problem straining against my briefs.

“Damn it, Carter, get it together.” The last thing I want is to make Jenna uncomfortable, especially when she’s vulnerable.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to will my body into submission, but the more I try not to think about the gentle curves of Jenna’s body, the way the silk clung to her in all the right places, the worse it gets.

With a groan of frustration, I turn the shower tap to cold, twisting it as far as it will go. I strip off my clothes and step under the icy spray, gritting my teeth as the frigid water hits my overheated skin.

Wincing at the shock of the chilly water, I grip the shower wall for support and let out a shuddering breath. The intense chill seems to help momentarily, but my arousal doesn’t abate. As I wash my hair, I try to focus on anything but Jenna—the feel of her body against mine, her familiar scent, her soft whispers in the darkness.

But it’s no use; my mind keeps drifting back to her.

I close my eyes tightly and try to picture something else, anything else—a waterfall cascading down a rockface, a babbling brook in a lush forest—but all it does is remind me that I’m about to spend the night in her bed.

My cock twitches and throbs in response. Damn this stubborn hard-on.

With a growl of exasperation, I give in and reach down. Needy and insistent, my cock twitches, eager for release even as I struggle against it. Gritting my teeth, I stroke myself, determined not to rush this. The water drips onto my skin, tickling and cooling the sensitive skin beneath my fingers as they glide over my shaft.

I lean against the tiled wall of the shower, trying to find some semblance of pleasure amidst the swirling chaos of desire and discomfort. Moaning softly under my breath, I stroke myself harder, imagining Jenna’s fingers wrapped around me instead of my own.

Suddenly, it’s as if she’s with me, whispering dirty secrets in my ear that drive me wild with need.

The icy water streams down my body, sending tingles up and down my spine that only heighten the sensations coursing through me. Each slide of my hand along my shaft feels like her velvety tongue caressing every inch.

Despite myself, I groan low in my throat at the intensity of feelings flooding into me.

My movements become more urgent. With each stroke upward pushing into my palm, parts of me that hadn’t hardened before now begin to throb in time with each downward pull back down again—like she’s pulling me deeper inside her than ever before…

Even though she isn’t here.

I close my eyes and let myself get lost in the fantasy, feeling her lips on mine, her hot breath against my skin as she whispers my name.

The pleasure builds within me until I can no longer hold back. With a low growl, I come undone, my release spilling over my hand and mingling with the cold water cascading down my body.

Panting heavily, I lean against the shower wall, trying to catch my breath and steady myself as the last waves of pleasure wash over me. But even as my heartbeat slows and the fog of lust clears from my mind, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of emptiness.

It’s because Jenna isn’t with me.

With the edge taken off, I turn off the water and get out of the shower. I brush my teeth quickly, splashing some cold water on my face for good measure. I catch my reflection in the mirror, giving myself a stern look .

“She needs you to be her friend tonight, Carter. Nothing more. Get your head on straight.”

Quickly drying off, I return to Jenna, where she’s already waiting for me in bed. She looks up at me, her eyes heavy with exhaustion and something else, something tender and trusting that makes my heart clench.

Max is curled up at the foot of the bed in doggy heaven. Jenna took all the pillows from her bed and made him a decadent doggy bed. As always, his presence is a comfort.

I slip into bed beside her, careful to leave a respectful distance between us.

Jenna rolls onto her side, facing me. In the dim light, her features are soft and vulnerable, the mask of strength she wears during the day stripped away.

“Thank you.” Her hand finds mine under the covers. “Thank you for staying.” Her fingers thread through mine, and my heart stutters at the contact. “I don’t think I could face the night alone.”

“I’ll always be here when you need me.” I squeeze her fingers, my thumb brushing over her knuckles.

She smiles, a real smile that reaches her eyes, and my heart stumbles in my chest. I want to kiss her, to taste that smile and make it mine. Unfortunately, tonight is about comfort and safety. It’s about being the rock she can cling to in the storm.

And that’s enough for me.

We settle into bed. To my delight, Jenna curls against my side, her head on my chest. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close, marveling at how perfectly she fits against me. The scent of her shampoo, something floral and sweet, fills my senses, making my head spin.

We lie there in the darkness, the silence broken only by the sound of our breathing. Jenna’s body slowly relaxes, the tension draining out of her as sleep claims her. I press a soft kiss to the top of her head, my heart aching with the need to protect her, to keep her safe from the horrors of the world.

I marvel at the peace that settles over her features. She looks younger and softer, the weight of the world temporarily lifted from her shoulders.

Then, with a whispered goodnight, I close my eyes, letting her steady breathing lull me into slumber. It’s going to be a long night, but there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.