Uncurling her legs from her chest, Jo set her bare feet to the floor, resisting the urge to recoil from the chilled marble. Glancing about the room for the first time gave away little to her host's whereabouts. Neither was there anyone else present in the room. The only thing that betrayed the idea that she had been alone was a long, silken robe, presumably for her, resting against the chair closest to the bed. Wrapping the robe around her waist, Jo set out in search of any other human being. Through every winding staircase and seemingly endless hallway, Jo feared she was going to become lost. That is, until she turned right at the next corner and was assaulted with one of the most delicious scents she had ever encountered. Her stomach grumbled unbidden, as if urging its master to investigate.
Step by step, Jo followed the hearty aroma, soon finding herself in a kitchen. She took a hesitant step forward before leaping back. A shadow crossed the floor before her and slight movement to her side caught her attention. Stealthily, Jo pressed herself closer to the hallway's wall, praying that the minimal shadows would offer cover if she needed it.
"It's no use hiding, y'know." A soft chuckle rang out above the sound of the crackling hearth's fire. "I knew you were here long before you even set foot in the room."
Jo released a breath at the familiar Southern drawl. "Tanner," his name lilted off her tongue softly. "I...I..." He motioned his head over to the empty table and chairs. "Have a seat. I'll have the stew up in a jiffy, 'kay? Then we can chit-chat." Jo mustered up a small nod before following his instructions.
"I hope you like gumbo. Geez, I really should have asked first before I started making it." The man rubbed the back of his neck nervously, his eyes sheepishly hiding behind his hair. "I can make something else if you like." She shook her head. "Gumbo is perfect...thank you..." Jo chuckled lightly, watching his fluid movements through the kitchen. Tanner grabbed a bundle of parsley, curling it gently into itself as he began to cut it into fine pieces. It was as if the knife was an extension of his own arm; never missing a beat in a dance only he could understand. After dicing the herb finely, he lifted the cutting board towards the pot, sweeping the lot into the pot with the knife. A small smile formed at the corners of his mouth as he stirred the mixture before ladling out a healthy portion into a large bowl. He set the bowl and a spoon down before Jo. "Go ahead and dig in." he said, taking a seat across from the girl. She managed another word of thanks before tucking in.
Holy crap!
Jo couldn't suppress her smile. "I'm glad you like it, little lady. It's something my ma used to cook for me when I was feeling down. So I assumed it would do the trick for you too." His smile widened as he watched Jo devour most of her meal.
"Now then, onto business. Go ahead and ask me anything you wish. Personal or not, I'm sure you have many questions." His smile faltered for a split second, as if he was reconsidering his statement, before returning to grace his features, something missed by his guest. Jo swallowed her last mouthful of gumbo before beginning her questioning.
"What...What happened last night? I mean, why were those guys after me?" A soft tremble took up residence in her fingers, which she hid beneath the table.
"Last night...those men were under orders to kidnap you." His own voice stuttered before he continued. Jo squeezed the silk material of her robe in a tight fist to keep from trembling all over. "They work for a man named Thompson...Sven Thompson...and he thought that he could use you to hurt me somehow." Jo took a stuttering breath, reigning in on her fear and rage. She lifted her eyes to watch the man across from her. Watch as his smile and his eyes dropped to the ground.
"Why? Why did he target me? What more am I to you that some random strange you met in a bar?" Tears, horrid, ugly tears, pricked at the corners of her eyes. She refused to let them fall. In a flash, Tanner was on his knees at her side, pulling her hands into one of his own. With his other hand, he cupped her cheek gently.
"Josette...sweet, precious, Josette...believe me when I tell you that I never wished for any of this. Had I known that he would stoop this low, I would have taken more precautions for your safety."
The sound of her full name from his lips sent a shiver down her spine, straight to her core. Gods, she wanted to hear it again.
Snap out of it, Jo!
She shook her head, trying to dislodge such indecent thoughts from her mind. Turning her face to his own, Tanner stroked her soft cheek with his thumb.
As their eyes met, a strong urge to kiss him overwhelmed Jo. All she could manage was shuddering breaths that sent ripples through her breasts, which were barely covered by neither the nightgown nor the robe. Reaching up to cup her remaining cheek with his other hand, Tanner raised up, planting a gentle kiss to her lips. A plethora of emotions rushed through Jo at the contact. His lips were as soft as they had looked, and he tasted of what could only be described as masculine. No one adjective would do this kiss justice. All too soon, the kiss was broken as Tanner pulled away to press his forehead to Jo's.
"You will be safe here. I swear it to you. I already have someone watching over your friend's place, just in case they go for her too. But, firstly, I need a favour. I need you to trust me for a while, can you do that for me?" Jo nodded. His smile returned as Tanner stood, extending his hands to Jo. "C'mon. Let's find you some decent clothes."
