I was floating on the edge of dreaming and consciousness. The hand lazily tracing pathways on my back had me letting out a blissful sigh and I snuggled more comfortably on what I was lying on. The hard, muscular surface was strangely pleasant. I was cozily wrapped into someone's side, half-on them and half-off. I let out a sigh of blissful-ness. A musky, masculine scent surrounded me, encompassing every breath I slowly inhaled . It clung to the body I was attached to, spreading a feeling of familiarity and safety. My hand slowly moved across the abs underneath my fingertips, dancing pleasantly the thick muscles of the stranger's body. Letting out another content-noise, I pressed my cheek tighter again the chest I was sprawled across.

Only then did it hit me.

No nightmares had tortured me that night. I hadn't woken up screaming or thrown-up the contents of my stomach. I had laid here, blissfully snuggled into this chest, sleeping peacefully, not once waking up. I paused, the realization not making any sense to me. Why would the nightmares stop?

It was the large bulge shoved against my thigh that gaze me that realization.

Letting out a gasp, I forced myself to pull away from Jace's very inviting body. It all hadn't been a dream like I had wished for. No, the strong, muscular body I had been practically feeling-up was in-fact Jace. And from the smirk on his cheeks, he had been awake the whole time my hand had been exploring.

The sheets I were still wrapped in pulled away, as I pulled myself farther from the grinning man, letting me see exactly what that bulge was.

"Jace!" I shouted, feeling a blush begin to cover my cheeks. I turned away, resisting the urge to peek at his lower-area once more. "Jace! Put some pants on!"

"It's just my boxers, Savannah." He rolled his eyes and the sound of him sliding out of the bed had me releasing a sigh of relief. "Plus, I'm a man and we all know you want another peek."

"Shut up," I hissed, pressing a hand to my heated cheeks.

The tired-haziness that had lingered in the back of my mind everyday seemed to be relatively gone. I felt more awake than I had ever. I moved to stare at Jace's back, feeling the redness in my cheek intensify. All of that was because of him.

I turned away, pushing the sheet away and straightening my clothing underneath. I suddenly felt the need to thank him for helping the nightmares stop for the night. I bit my lip to stop that urge. I didn't want to thank this Illegal-arms-dealer for something that he could only percieve as weak.

"Since I wasn't woken by your screaming-nightmares," He smirked as he tugged my arm to look up at him. "I'll assume my theory was right."

My eyes flickered downward briefly, distracted by his chiseled chest and bulging abs. I was half-disappointed and half-relieved to see that a pair of sweats hung off his hips. I cleared my throats, knowing that the sheer amount of muscle on him made sense. He was an illegal arms dealer after all. He needed to protect himself and be ready for anything.

I frowned, forcing my shoulders to rise and fall. "I guess so - uh - thank you for that." I blurted out, mentally slapping myself. I needed a new strategy to get myself out of this situation and that was to not show weakness or get distracted by a certain person standing in front of me.

He looked puzzled, but he straightened and his head nodded. "Sure," He drawled on slowly, crossing his arms so the muscles in his arms bulged. "It's no problem."

I gulped, nodding as I attempted to tame my mane of wavy hair that seemed to be trying to stand in every direction possible.

"We're leaving at two." He spoke, walking towards the closet. He returned a moment later with a pile of clothing, which he tossed in my direction. "Which is in one hour."

"I don't want to go." I shook my head, as I clasped the clothes to my chest. "I just want to stay here." The thought of going anywhere with him alone had my heartbeat quickening.

Jace sent me a dangerous look, once again crossing the room to stop in front of me. "We're going." He finalized, his icy eyes narrowing into mine. "It's not up for discussion."

Somehow, I knew he would be right.

"Where are we going then?" I pushed, looking away from his prying eyes.

"New York," He replied boringly, walking towards the bed and yanking the blankets until they laid straight. The fact that he actually made his bed warmed my heart.

"What's in New York?" I questioned curiously, still watching as he fluffed the pillows and then smoothed everything down. He stood straight once he was done, glancing briefly in my direction.

"I own a couple of buildings there that aren't related to the family business that I need to check on. We'll be staying in my penthouse." He levelled me with a look. "Kingston Enterprise's main headquarters are also located there, so my family lives just out of the city. We'll also be visiting them."

"Why?" I mumbled, starting for the bathroom. "Am I meeting your family?" I questioned, the thought turning my stomach sharply.

"Yes," He confirmed the horrifying thoughts that were suddenly playing out in my head. "You will be. But, also because I think you need to see that I have family also. I'm not some animal who kills people and sells illegal weapons."

My chin tilted upwards in defiance. "But, you are."

His eyes turned dangerous and he stalked forwards, his path aimed towards me. "My world is dangerous, Savannah, more dangerous than you could ever imagine. There are more people than you could ever imagine who want to kill me and my family, from all over the world." He paused, shaking his head as if he was editing something out of what he was meaning to say. "We have dozens of guards roaming my property here and even more roaming any businesses we have. We have spies and private weaponry's to keep us prepared. Now that you are a part of this and have been seen with us, your life is in grave danger. as well. It isn't going to be easy. You'll have many guards surrounding us at all times. You'll have to stay hidden and disguised a lot of the time so the people who want to hurt you don't know where you are at all times." He shook his head, "It's a new reality for you, but it's an important one."

He ducked down so he was eye-level with me. "This house is just the main place for the guy's to meet. They all own houses and apartments here, but after you and now Brooke, they'll all be staying here for a longer period of time. The house has top-notch security, weapons, and things that you wouldn't be able to wrap your head around in it. There will be more people killed and hurt, there will be shootings and weapons and things that you dislike. Don't argue with me because I know what I'm doing." He finally finished, shaking his head.

I pursed my lips stubbornly, refusing to let Jace's words send me back into the bed in fear. "How did I escape then?" I shot back to him. "I was able to run away. I don't feel safe knowing none of your men could stop me."

He rolled his eyes. "That was in a time where I had the majority of my men out looking for the shooter. And honestly? None of us really understand how you managed to escape. But, I can ensure that it will not ever again. - don't even try it."

"Don't bet on it," I mumbled, low enough for him not to hear. I flicked my eyes back up to his. "Brooke has school. She needs to go it. At her level, it's hard to catch up once you miss so many days."

Jace nodded, "I'll have Riley take her from now on and I'll send her with a couple of guards. They'll make themselves scarce."

Mumbling a 'thank you', I turned on my heel and slammed the door to the bathroom.

I knew, even against my will, I was going to New York.

_________________________________________________

I was sitting on the bed, staring down at my lap when Jace finally reappeared to collect me. I scraped my fingers through my wet hair, before shoving them into the pockets of Jace's sweatshirt. The only clothing he had given me so far came from his closet.

My eyes scanned over his suit and my eyebrows cocked at him.

He rolled his eyes, motioning for me to get up. "This is normal attire for me, get used to it."

I hadn't seen him in anything other than his casual wear and uniform, so I assumed he was most likely being honest.

Following him down the stairs, I wrapped my arms around my waist.

"Cameron and Jared flew down to New York this morning. They're helping me with everything. You won't have to see them so don't get all riled up."

At Jace's words, I shrugged. "I like Jared."

Jace paused on the step he was on, a strange look crossing his face. "You like Jared?"

I nodded, stepping past his frozen figure. "He's nice. And he actually wants to do something more with his life other than stupid illegal things."

Jace's eyes narrowed, his eyes growing stormy as I glanced back at him. "It's harder to rid yourself of this life than you think. Once you're in, you're in. Jared is just too ignorant to see that."

"Or maybe, he wants something more for himself." I shot back, turning away as my chest tightened. "This life doesn't exactly have many benefits."

Jace snorted and the trip to the foyer was a silent one.

I avoided the eyes of the people lounging in the living room and the kitchen. They paused what they were doing, not looking surprised that I was accompanying Jace on his business trip. My eyes scanned the room excitedly for a glimpse of Brooke, but they fell, disappointed, when I realized she wasn't in the room.

"We won't be back for awhile." Jace spoke to them and they all nodded. "Guards will have the same schedules, Xavier will work at the police department while I'm gone, and the rest will be working at Kingston Enterprise's in Seattle." He ordered. "If there is an emergency," He stressed, "You can call me on my private phone directly. Though if the problem isn't, let Sheila know and she'll direct any important information my way."

Suddenly, I wanted to know exactly who Sheila was. Forcing myself to think logically and not understanding the tinge of resentment curling in my stomach, I could only assume she was his assistant.

I didn't look at the guy's as I turned on my heel and started for the front door. I was eager for fresh-air and to get out of the suffocating house. Walking out, I nearly screamed when two men appeared in front of me.

"It's okay," Jace shushed me, nodding towards the two who had taken up positions in front of us and behind us as we talked towards the car. "This is Layton and Max, my guards."

"Savannah, right? I'm Layton." The blonde man spoke, reaching a huge hand out for me to shake. I hesitantly locked mine in his grip. "The guys have been raving about you for the past couple of weeks so it's cool to finally get to meet you." He nodded and I forced a smile.

The dark-haired man just nodded his head in my direction and I was relieved that he didn't attempt to evoke any conversation.

Max pulled the door open and I ignored the hand Jace offered me as I slid into the giant SUV. Jace stepped in next, immediately pulling his phone out of his suit pocket as the two guards slid in.

"You know where to go." Jace rudely directed the man in the drivers seat and I shot him an annoyed expression. He didn't have to be so rude.

Layton cleared his throat. "Savannah, this is Callum, Jace's personal chauffeur."

The greying man in the driver's seat sent me a polite smile through the rear-view mirror as he pulled out of the driveway. "It's lovely to meet you, Savannah. I, too, have heard much about you."

I smiled at the older man, reaching the conclusion that I liked him. I could tell from his gentle smile and the kind look in his eyes that he was a genuine person.

"Linc, Duke, and Trevor will be at the airport when we arrive. They'll take Savannah to my penthouse and you'll both stay with me." Jace commanded, still typing on his phone. He didn't look up to see my reaction.

If he had, he would have seen me silently fuming. I had crossed my arms and leaned as far away from Jace as possible. I could see the expressions on both Max's and Layton's faces. They obviously took their job very seriously and with a boss like Jace, I didn't blame them.

"I have things I need to take care of when I get there." Jace spoke shortly, his gaze briefly flickering to mine. "Your guards will take you to my penthouse and if you need anything, you just have to ask them. They'll call me if there are any issues." He bit out, sending me a look.

I didn't say anything and just stiffly sat there. It wasn't like I got a say in any of the decisions he was making, so I didn't see why he had to let me know. My fingers tapped relentlessly into my knees.

My eyes flickered to Jace, who didn't seem to care about the mood I was in. He continued to stare down at his phone. I let out a sigh, turning away and leaning my head against the window.

I knew this trip was going to be a long one.

_____________________________________________

"Hello," A plastic-looking flight attendant grinned eagerly at Jace as he walked past the woman. He ignored her, continuing further into the plane.

My eyes were wide as I took the in the massive jet. With the cream leather seats and the shiny interior, it was only a confirmation of just how much money Jace had. I swallowed thickly, feeling lightheaded as I followed the gorgeous man past seats and tables. I wasn't exactly comfortable being in a place as expensive as this one, I most likely could't even afford the air that was breathed in here.

"Sit," He commanded, motioning for me to take the seat by the window. I slowly followed his commands, reluctantly letting myself relax in the plush seat. Jace took the seat next to mine, accepting the leather briefcase that Callum had offered him. Jace pulled a silver laptop from the bag, placing it on the small table in front of him. I resisted a sigh, knowing that this flight was going to be a boring one.

Layton nodded at me as he passed by with Max, heading towards the back of the Jet with Max. A multitude of other men took their places and my eyes widened at the large guns that some carried tucked into the waistbands of their jeans and locked loosely in the palms of their hands. I sunk down in my chair, wishing I could disappear from this world I was so suddenly consumed in.

"Guards. " Jace explained lowly to me, his eyes sweeping over my nervous expression, before jerking his head toward the men still streaming into the cabin.

"Do you carry a gun too?" I whispered, unable to know whether I really wanted to know the answer to my question or not. In the back of my mind, I knew I already didn't have to ask.

He watched me carefully, as if deciding whether I could handle the truth. He finally sighed, running a hand through his luscious hair. His eyes still locked on mine, he nodded. "Yes, I do."

I was suddenly curious, which I hadn't been expecting. My eyes traced over the edges of his body, attempting to guess where he had it hidden from view. "Can I see it?" I finally questioned.

He must've been expecting a different reaction then the one I had shown because he allowed surprise to flash across his face, before he instantly put a mask over it. His eyes narrowed. "Later," He spoke, his voice low. "You also need to learn how to shoot a gun accurately." His eyes flickered to the men around him. "They're under the impression that you don't know a lot, just the basics, so keep it that way."

"Even Layton and Max?" I questioned, surprised.

He shook his head. "They know and so do Linc, Duke, and Trevor. They're my closest security team, which is why you are placed under those three protection. They know to protect you with their lives."

"Isn't that a little morbid?" My face pulled into a frown at his words. "No one should have to do that."

"It's their job, Savannah. I pay them to do it." He returned to whatever work he was doing on his computer. "I expect you to be on your best behavior. This is a serious situation and you can't be stupid about anything."

"What you mean?" I hedged, crossing my arms guardedly.

He turned to me as the plane was taking off. "You're posing as my girlfriend. No one but my closest security detail is aware of that and it needs to stay that way. As I said, everyone believes you don't know much." He lowly whispered. "In New York, we will attend several charity events and dinners to meet with clientele and I expect you to be by my side."

"I didn't say I would do that." I protested, my eyes flickering to the guns around me. "That's dangerous. I just want to lay low and be forgotten. Can't you just send me off to Tahiti for a while until people don't remember me?" I whined.

"People don't forget." He chuckled, "If only it was that easy. This is the way it's happening. I'll also be at the office for the majority of my days, so you'll either accompany me or stay at the building with your guards. I'll even let Cameron or Jared stay with for some days. I have a lot of work to do."

"So, now I get to watch you work for hours upon hours or stay at an apartment with nothing to do?" I said sourly, "Can't I explore?"

"No." Jace spoke darkly, sendng me a glare, before he grinned smugly at me. "Besides, if you accompany to work, think of how much time we'll spend together." He leaned towards me, his warm breath washing over skin as he ran his nose lightly over my cheek. "So much time to do so many things."

"I t-think staying at the penthouse would be better." I stuttered, my eyes drifting shut as I was suddenly unable to think clearly. "Wouldn't want to distract you."

"I don't mind." He murmured, his hand settling on my thigh. I jumped, swallowing thickly. "I bet you don't mind either, Kitten?"

"Stop it," I hissed, not liking the things his touch was doing to my mind. "I - keep your hands to yourself!"

Jace smirked, dropping his hands from my knees. "My mother cannot wait to meet my girlfriend." He leaned back, stretching his arms over his head.

"I'm not your girlfriend." I shot back, shifting uncomfortably when he leaned closer.

"Oh, but you are for this little trip. I was going to behave, but I decided against it." He murmured. "It's because you're just too tempting." He added under his breath and I figured he hadn't meant for me to hear that.

"Your parents are in on everything already." I desperately tried to lean away from him without drawing attention from any of the other people occupying the seats around us. "So, why can't they know?"