So, finally it's time to pick her up. I've layered on the cologne, and I feel and look my best; nothing less for my special girl. I drive through the city streets on my way to pick up Elena. I'm so glad she took me up on my offer of giving her a ride. If she hadn't, I’d be so worried. I want to help her in any way I can and if that means being at her beck and call then so be it. No woman's ever had me wrapped around her finger like this before. I just want to be around her, to smell her hair, her perfume . . . everything. Elena turns me on so much, and I'm happy to have this time alone with her. Hopefully she thinks of me as her knight in shining armor... or something along those lines. Besides, this isn't purely sexual. I don't feel comfortable having her out of my sight for even one second.

She's waiting for me outside her office building. Man, doesn't she know I would've climbed a thousand stairs to see her? Of course, I could've come inside to get her. Oh well, the view of her standing at the curb is amazing. She always looks amazing, but in her office suit she looks like a hot boss.

"Hop in," I say, reaching over to open the passenger side door.

"Hey, hi. I'm glad you're here." She smiles, and it makes me melt.

"No problem. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. In fact, I've been waiting for it all day."

"You have?"

"Of course. I don't want to be away from you while this whole stalker thing is happening."

"Oh." She looks bummed, like she thinks the only reason I want to be around her is because of the stalker. It's not true. I've been waiting to just be with her, but now I don't know how to bring that up.

"You know, I also wanted to check in with you. You've been through a lot. Especially having that creep scare you again today. How are you holding up?" I'm genuinely concerned about her emotions. I don't want her to break down over this thing or to feel like she's alone. Not ever.

"I'm okay. I've been a little on edge and creeped out, but I've been trying to ignore that and to resume my normal life. I don't want this psycho to get the best of me."

"That's good. That's a really healthy attitude."

"Thanks," she chews on her lip nervously, a hint of sadness in her eyes, "but Leo, I have to admit this thing is starting to get the better of me. When I think about whoever's doing this to me, I get cold shivers down my arms. It's terrifying that someone would want to intimidate me like this. I feel alone."

This breaks my heart wide open. She shouldn’t feel alone.  I've done my best to try and prove to her that I’ll be here for anything she may need, but apparently, it’s not enough. I wish I could tell her the depth of my feelings, but it's too soon.

I reach over the console and link my fingers through hers, softly tracing circles with my thumb over the back of her hand. I want her to feel comfort by my presence, safe. "Elena, I'm always here. You’re never alone in this. I feel protective of you, and I will not quit until this asshole's behind bars. Promise." I bring her hand to my mouth and press a small kiss on her knuckles. "I need you to trust me, this is my job." I don't admit that she's all I think about and that I would go to the ends of the earth to protect her.

"Oh, Leo, I'm so glad to hear you say that. When I'm with you the fear disappears. But how can I be with you every second? At some point I have to live my life."

"Yes, I know, but it's only until we catch the guy. Trust me when I say he's going to be behind bars for a very long time for doing this to you."

I pull the car to a stop in her driveway, then climb out and walk around the front to open the door for her. She takes my hand and the zing of energy in that simple touch feels like I'm connected to her. We walk hand in hand up the sidewalk then stop on the little pathway that leads to her door.

"I've assigned a patrol car to stop here every hour, so you will always be looked after, okay?"

"Thanks, Leo."

“I'd like to just check a few things inside if that's okay?"

"Yes, for sure. Please come in."

"Alright, I'm coming inside."

"Hmmmm, coming inside huh?" She laughs. At least she's making jokes. That's a good sign even if they are at my expense. I love her witty sense of humor.

"I'd like to come inside, if you'll allow me."

A dark gaze flickers in her eyes, and my cock hardens at the sight. This isn’t just banter, we both mean it. God, what I wouldn't do to rip off all her clothes the moment we get indoors. But it'll have to wait. For now I have work to do.

We go inside and I immediately check the locks on her door, then I go into each room of the house and look for opportunities to update her security.

"You know you could deadbolt the doors in two places. And make sure to keep lights on all the time."

"I will, that's a good idea."

"Also, do you have mace or a weapon of some sort to keep on hand?"

"No, I never even thought of it."

"Well, I'll bring some by."

"Okay." She seems charmed by my suggestion that we'll see each other again.

"Hey, I'm making dinner tonight, and I'd love if you could stay…you know, to thank you." She bats those long eyelashes at me. Who could resist?