Steve was relieved when Jade came out of the bedroom with Karen. He"d seen the Emine go through the door. He"d wondered if he should check on Jade again but he"d waited, watching. Jade"s appearance in the doorway, smiling and happy as she headed for the kitchen, was a relief. She smiled at something Karen said and some of the worry lifted.
He caught her as she passed him, heading toward the kitchen. "Hey, baby, you alright?"
She looked up at him and smiled. The light in her eyes thrilled him. "Yeah," she said. "I"m good."
He kissed the end of her nose. "Good thing. I might have to hurt someone if you weren"t."
"That"s sweet, but not necessary. I can take care of myself."
"I know you can, but I want you to know you don"t have to. I wanna take care of you."
"Thank you." She placed a br
