He swallowed a groan and sat on the edge of the bed. He reached out and stroked her thigh.

She made a cute sound and rolled over. Then she peered at him out of sleepy eyes.

“Hi,” she murmured.

“Hi. You got some sleep?” Damn. He looked at the bandage on her arm and his gut went tight. Last night could’ve been much worse.

He could have lost her.

She rose up on an elbow, her blonde hair in a tangle. “I did. You didn’t.”

“There’s a pot of coffee with my name on it somewhere.”

She sat up, and stroked his stubbled jaw. “Any luck finding creepy Hugo?”

Easton shook his head. “He can’t run forever.” Easton slid a hand under her tank top, and cupped her breast. He thumbed her nipple. “Time to shower and get ready for work.”

She licked her lips, her nipple beading. “Right. You have some important meetings today. And your charity director wants to talk to you today about the Veterans Picnic, and she wants a big masquerade charity ball this year. So brace.”

“Harlow, you aren’t coming into the office today.”

She blinked, her sleepiness gone. “What?”

“It’s too dangerous. I want you protected—”

“I’m not staying here doing nothing. I’ll go crazy.”

He cupped her shoulders. “I know. I’m taking you to the Norcross Security office. You’ll be safe there. I’m sure Vander can find something for you to do.”

She sighed. “When will this end?”

He slid his thumb along her cheekbone. “Soon, baby. Hang in there.”

He hugged her and she held on tight.

They showered together, and ate breakfast. Exhaustion was an old companion that Easton had learned to deal with in the Rangers. But he was a little out of practice. He sucked back a second cup of coffee, then locked the fatigue down.

Harlow rushed in wearing jeans. Dark ones that hugged her body. She’d tucked them into knee-high, brown boots and she was wearing a gray sweater with a draping neckline. She looked gorgeous.

“I have something for you,” he told her.

She raised a brow. “What?”

He held open a small box and saw her go still.

Harlow stared at the sapphire-and-diamond earrings. “No.”

“Yes. It’s just a little gift.”

“I can tell that they’re expensive.”

Shit, he wasn’t going to tell her about the matching necklace yet.

“I want you to wear something of mine.”

“Easton—”

“Please. Seeing you get shot last night—”

“Nicked!”

He cupped her cheek. “Please?”

She sighed. “Oh, fine.” She snatched the box.

“You are so fucking hard to give things to.”

Her face softened and she lifted one earring. “They’re beautiful, Easton. Thank you.”

They drove to the Norcross Security office in the X6. He pulled into the garage beside a row of other SUVs.

“Will you borrow this SUV until you get a new Aston?” she asked.