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

40. Carter

FORTY

Carter

When I pick Jenna up from medical, she’s curled up in a chair, a book forgotten in her lap. Her face lights up, and she jumps up, racing into my arms. She wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me into a tight embrace, her body warm and soft against mine.

Without hesitation, she presses her lips to mine in a big, fat kiss, pouring all her relief and love into it. Her fingers tangle in my hair, and I hold her close, the weight of the world momentarily lifting. When we finally pull back, she rests her forehead against mine, her eyes searching mine.

When we arrive at her apartment, it feels different. The weight of Guardian HRS’s offer is heavy on my mind.

“It’s good to be home,” she whispers, her voice filled with emotion.

“Agreed,” I reply, my heart swelling with gratitude for this incredible woman in my arms. I guide her to the couch. “I’ve got some things to tell you.”

“What?”

“We uncovered a lot of information, but there’s something you need to know.”

“What?” Jenna pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine .

“They offered me a position as a Protector.” I take a deep breath.

“Protector? What’s that?”

“The official title is Personal Protection Specialist. It’s like a bodyguard for people who need to disappear.”

“Disappear?”

“Yeah, people with active threats against them.”

Jenna frowns, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Who would you be protecting?”

“I would be your Protector.”

She looks at me, shocked. “Me? Why would I need protection? The threat against me is gone. Isn’t it? I thought it was gone.”

I sigh, taking her hands in mine. “Greaves is still out there. Malfor and his network don’t tolerate failure. He’s a loose end they won’t ignore. Even though we rescued you, the danger hasn’t passed. They might come after you again.”

Her eyes widen, and she takes a step back, her hand covering her mouth. “What does that mean?”

I struggle to find the right words. “It means you’d have to change your entire life. New identity, new location… Everything. And I’d be your Protector, ensuring your safety.”

She looks at me, shocked. “Change my life? Again? But what about my café? What about everything I’ve built?”

“It’s a huge change, and it’s not fair. But I promise we’ll find a way to make it work. Your safety is the most important thing.”

“And if I don’t do this?” She’s silent for a moment, processing the weight of my words.

I take a deep breath, my heart aching at the thought of what I have to say next. “If you don’t, you’ll always be at risk. You’ll always have to look over your shoulder, never feeling safe. You could never be alone, never relax. They’d find you eventually. But if you do this, I’ll be right there by your side. We’ll figure out a new life together. You won’t be alone in this. I promise.”

“I thought it was over. That I was finally free.” She buries her face in my chest, her body trembling. “I don’t want to live in fear, but it’s a lot to give up. ”

“I know.” I hold her tighter.

She’s quiet for a long moment, her fingers absently tracing patterns on my back. “What do you think about it?”

“There’s more work to be done. This is a chance to make a real difference, to be part of something bigger. But it’s not about me.”

“You’ve always been my protector.” She cups my face in her hands, her gaze steady. “This would just make it official.” Her words wash over me, easing some of the tension I’ve been carrying.

“I love you,” I murmur, pulling her in for a kiss.

“I love you more.” She breathes out a sigh, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

Our lips meet, and the world fades away.

The kiss starts slow and tender, a gentle exploration that deepens with every passing second. Her hands slide from my face to my shoulders, pulling me closer. I feel her warmth, her heartbeat echoing in time with mine.

Her taste is intoxicating, a blend of sweetness and desire that makes my pulse race. I lose myself in her, in the sensation of her lips moving against mine, her breath mingling with mine.

The kiss is long and languid, unhurried, a dance of tongues and whispers that leaves us both breathless.

When we finally part, our foreheads rest together.

“We’ll build a new life where you can both be safe and happy.”

“As long as we’re together, I can face anything.” Her fingers gently brush my hair.

My phone rings. “It’s the vet.”

“What is it?” Jenna leans close. “Is something wrong with Max?”

“No.” I brush a strand of hair from her face, my heart swelling with love for this incredible woman. “He’s ready to come home.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Jenna jumps with excitement. “Let’s bring him home.”

When we arrive, the vet clinic is bustling. The receptionist greets us with a warm smile.

“He’s ready.” She leads us to the back.

Max sits in his kennel, his tail thumping hard against the floor the moment he sees us. Despite the shaved patches and healing wounds, his eyes are bright and alert.

“Hey, buddy.” I kneel down to his level. “Are you ready to go home?”

His answer is an enthusiastic lick to my face, drawing laughs from both Jenna and me.

After a final check and care instructions from the vet, we help Max into the car. He settles in the backseat, his head resting on Jenna’s lap as she sits beside him.

The drive home is quiet, but it’s a comfortable silence. I help Max out of the car, supporting him as we make our way inside. Once in the apartment, he makes a beeline for his favorite spot by the window, settling down with a contented sigh.

Jenna and I stand there for a moment, arms around each other, watching him. Despite everything we’ve been through, despite the looming threat of Sentinel, this moment feels perfect.

“We’re going to be okay, aren’t we?” Jenna asks softly.

I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Yeah, we’re going to be just fine.”

Max lets out a soft woof as if in agreement. Jenna laughs, the sound music to my ears, and moves to sit beside him. I join them, completing our little family circle.

Tomorrow, I’ll give Guardian HRS my official answer.

Tomorrow, we’ll continue the fight against Sentinel.

But for now—in this moment—the three of us are home.

We’re safe.

We’re together.

And really, that’s all that matters.

With one last lingering kiss, we hold each other tightly, savoring the moment. This is our beginning, a fresh start filled with love.