Page 17 of Under His Guard

“Right, right.” She nods, tucking a strand of that messy black bob of hers behind her ear.

I want to touch the locks, thread my fingers through them, and pull her close. I want her here, where I know I can keep her safe.

The reality of that hits a little harder, and I lower my eyes to the ground before looking back up at her with more focus.

“How was work?” I raise my brows at her. “Any more incidents with the Cobras?”

Shock ripples over Clara’s expression, making her blink several times. “Cobras? Why would I see them?”

Taking a step closer, I lean against the tall island that separates us. “Because one of their higher-ups threatened to kill you.”

Clara scoffs, turning away to wash her hands in the sink and calling over her shoulder. “Mr. Shaw, I assure you, that’s something you get used to when you’re working the ER. I’ve treated dozens of criminals, many of whom haven’t made it, and their crew always threatens me afterward. It’s part of the job.”

I’m not sure what possesses me to walk up to her; something in my being makes me go over there and turn her around to look at me.

But I do it anyway.

“You really have to stop calling me that. I hate feeling like I’m at the office, especially in my own home.” I stare down at her, my hands still on her arms. “And you need to take their threat more seriously. Need I remind you they managed to stab me? A trained ex-military operative.”

Clara’s eyes are wide as her breaths are hurried and shallow. I reach past her, turning off the water.

My chest brushes against hers, and my cock twitches again. This close, I can smell Clara’s shampoo—floral and soft.

Sliding back to stand in front of her, I have to force myself to breathe slow and deep through my nose. The smooth plane of her body right next to mine is giving me too many ideas.

“They’re bad news, Clara. I’m just concerned for your safety.”

Her eyes flicker to the space between us for a moment. Then she looks up at me with a fiery determination behind her eyes.

“I assure you. I can take care of myself.”

Scoffing, I shake my head, leaning closer to her and boxing her between my arms at the sink.

“You really think it’s about that? I know you’re capable, Clara. I’m guessing you’re a surgical resident? So, don’t think I’m trying to dismiss your skills. I’ve dealt with these guys before, and they nearly killed my brother. His girl, too.”

Her eyes flare before it turns into a glare that levels into me hard.

“I am a surgical resident. And I’m sorry you’ve had issues with them. It’s terrible, truly.” Her rich voice is confident, bordering on angry. “But I’m not living my life in fear because of what some assholes may or may not do. I’ve done that before, and I’m not doing it again.”

The offhand confession strikes me, and I sink back ever so slightly.

I cock a brow at her. “Before?”

“We’ve all had our crosses to bear. But it’s done. And you know, thank you.” She ducks under my arm, walking back to the living room. “For offering to pay me so well, but really, you’ll be fine after today. Truly.”

Hurrying behind her, I snag Clara’s arm as she goes for the medical bag by the couch, halting her.

“Why can’t you just listen to me? I’ve got experience here that you don’t.”

She spins toward me, thanks to the momentum, and we’re inches apart. “I believe you. I do. I’m sure they’re the type of people to steer clear of. So, I will. But I’m not changing my life, my work, just because some thug threatened me.”

Clara’s brows are down over her eyes, and the way she has to crane her head back to look up at me does something to me.

All I can see is her smooth olive skin, and her green eyes burn with fire even in the dimming light of sunset. Her lips are full and look pillowy soft, and I know I’m staring at them too long.

My hand is still around her arm, and Clara isn’t pulling it away.

What’s happening right now?

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