Read Not Until You: Part VI for Free Online Page A

smiling face shining back. Alive. Home with their families now. “My God, Foster, that’s amazing. I had no idea . . .”
    His thumb stroked the base of my spine. “We put up the pictures to remind us why we’re doing this. And to get through the tough days. Because for every happy ending, there’s another child that doesn’t come home at night or another woman who disappears while jogging. People are victimized every day.”
    I turned toward him, my heart feeling like it had doubled in weight in my chest. “Which is why you freaked out about me opening my door.”
    He released a breath, his shoulders dipping. “Knowing what’s out there and seeing it on a daily basis makes me want to wrap you up in my arms and keep you next to me so that nothing evil ever touches you. That’s why seeing you exposed to any of it, like that asshole Gerald or that guy taking a photo of you, makes me a little crazy.”
    I reached for his hand, saddened by what he’d been through and wanting to hug him, but knowing that probably wouldn’t be good to do at his job. I was truly awed at what he did for a living. I’d known he was still actively looking for his sister but had no idea that he’d dedicated his life’s work to it. No wonder he was so paranoid. If I had to face those horrible stories every day at work, I’d want to lock everyone down, too.
    “I’m sorry you’ve seen so many ugly things,” I said, squeezing his hand.
    “How about you come to my office so I can stare at a beautiful one instead?” He leaned over and gave me a peck on the lips.
    I smiled, enjoying how easily he showed his affection, even in a public situation like this. On the way to his office, he introduced me to a few people and explained what they did. Everyone was very friendly, but I didn’t miss the curious glances, raised eyebrows, and the faint hint of whispering after we walked away. Apparently Foster didn’t bring women he was dating on tours very often. Good.
    When we reached his office, he made quick introductions between me and his assistant, Lindy, who burst into grin when he called me his girlfriend. Foster gave her a quelling look and Lindy tucked her lips inward, her eyes still smiling.
    Foster ushered me past her desk and opened the door to his expansive office. Before closing the door, he called back over his shoulder, “Lindy, hold my calls for a while.”
    “Yes, sir,” she chirped. “I’m on it!”
    I crossed my arms, cocking my head. “So
she
gets to call you sir, too. I see how it is.”
    He laughed and pulled me into his embrace. “They all do. Even Herb in accounts payable. Jealous?”
    “Wildly,” I said, tipping my head back and looking to the heavens.
    “Well, your patients get to bite and lick you. So I have my own jealousy to deal with.”
    I leaned back in his hold, eyeing him. “Oh, you bite, do you?”
    “On occasion.” He snapped his teeth together with a growl, then chuckled when I yelped in surprise. “But I’ve had my shots, I promise.”
    “Good to know.”
    “Now come on, I have something I want to give you.” He released me and pulled out the chair in front of his desk for me. I sat down, as he went around his desk and grabbed a small box from his drawer. He came back around to my side and perched on the edge of the desk.
    “Now, Foster,” I teased. “I think it’s a little too early for a proposal. I mean, I know I’m spectacular in bed, but . . .”
    “Hush, smartass,” he said, bumping my leg with his foot.
    “Yes, sir.”
    “So I know you heard about the symbol of a collar in your class and how serious being collared is. It’s like getting married.”
    I nodded, my gaze darting down to the box with a small pinch of panic. He wasn’t going to collar me, right?
    “We’re not ready for that step yet, but I wanted to give you something to mark our commitment to being together like this.” He opened the box. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with a small Celtic knot