Page 25 of Daddy's Bodyguard
“I’m sorry.”
“War is older than democracy.” I shrug. “It’ll outlive us all.”
“I thought vets were normally proud Americans.”
“Depends on the Vet. Depends on where they served, what division, what unit, what rank,” I murmur, thinking of all the proud men who never got to come home. I exhale slowly as I push down the craving for a cigarette. I left that habit overseas. “I’ve met people on all sides of the fence.”
“There are more than two?”
“Yup.” But I try to say that like the conclusion to an essay. I’m not allowed to say more. As much as I have issue with my life, I know some people choose it happily. Others like the benefits. It’s not my place to judge their choices.
And the military can do some good in the world. They can do a lot of good, in all honesty. If used for the right reason, by the right people, it can change the world. Or it can waste a lot of valuable lives that could stand to be more than they actually are.
Pushing the thoughts of war to the back of my mind, I turn and head to the couch. But then I start thinking about Sofia and my unrelenting attraction to her. Is it real or am I just drawn to the danger she represents? Is she just an itch I want to scratch, or is there substance to what I feel?
I should just let her be. Get this job done and move on. Hell, I could focus entirely on Carissa when I’m not worrying about Sofia’s safety. Sofia’s best friend is definitely more interested in me than she is. It’s a simple choice, right? I should focus on the woman who’s a better fit for me.
“Jasper?”
I glance up at Sofia standing before me, looking as close to nervous as I think she can get. Her eyes are on the floor, her back straight, her hands fidgeting at her sides. She meets my gaze when I remain quiet.
“It’s unfair for you having to deal with me and this stupid task. It’s unnecessary and a waste of your skills. So, on behalf of my father, I’m sorry.”
“I chose this job, Sofia, and I’m not wasting my skills. You may not think it’s necessary, but I have a purpose here. I’d hate to prove you wrong, so just pretend you believe I’m right.”
“Look, I know I’m not making it any easier, but I need you to see my side as well.” She sits on the table in front of me and folds her hands together. “This is your job, but it’s fucking with my life. My life is the only thing I control.”
“It’s not your life that’s being bothered, it’s your job. You should know the difference,” I grumble.
“My job helps other people. That’s my life. I want to make sure the people forgotten by society get a second chance in life. You can relate to that, can’t you?”
“Of course, I can, Sofia.” I sigh. “But you being alive will ensure you can keep helping people who need you.”
“And I don’t think anyone wants to kill me!” She stands up, obviously exasperated. “We can play nice all day long, but that doesn’t change the facts! The facts are, these bad guys want mydaddead. The dad I haven’t talked to in four years!”
“Doesn’t stop them from using you to get to him,” I growl back.
“You don’t know shit about my life, about my dad, about anything where we’re concerned.” It’s a hiss on her tongue.
“Sofia.”
“I promised you a week, and that’s all you’re getting from me. I’m not hanging out with Carissa, having dinner, hitting the club—”
“Do you normally?” I interrupt with disbelief. Sofia doesn’t strike me as the clubbing type.
“I’m not hooking up with random people,” she continues, ignoring my outburst.
“I’mkilling your weekends?”
“And I’m not trying to shake free of you. I’m keeping up my end.”
I stand up, frustrated as hell. How did I lose control over tonight? I had her where I needed her, right where I wanted her. We were getting along, bonding, talking, but just like that, she’s back at my throat, trying to bully me into getting her way.
“And so am I!” I stand closer to her.
She nearly falls back over the table, but I catch her and pull her close so she can’t ignore me. “For the last time: my priority is your life, not your comfort. You don’t have to like me. If you want this to be hard, fine. Don’t be pissy with me because you don’t like what your father does for a living or because you can’t get a pat on the back for all you do.”
Sofia’s eyes widen, and I know I’ve hit a nerve. A very tender, raw one at that. Her eyes water, but she hits me. She actually hits me. I know I deserve it, but her fury is something else. It’s sharp and venomous, a snake you only see when it’s too late.