Page 75 of Under His Guard

I nod. “The people you said were terrible.”

She scoffs, disgust touching her expression.

“They were more than just awful people, Luke. They were neglectful and abusive. Regina and I got out of the house any chance we could get, and when I could finally emancipate myself and take her with me, I did. They didn’t even fight me on it.”

Letting her take all the time she needs, I just stand quietly while Clara opens up.

“I got into college on grants. I’ve struggled to pay bills my entire life, even now, and poor Regina isn’t any better. Beth’s father left before she was even born, and my sister has been fighting to raise that girl alone—with all the medical issues on top of that. If I don’t work, if I’m not there for the people who need me…”

Trembling as she fights back tears, Clara closes her eyes. I’m quick to pull her into my arms.

“Okay, doc. Okay. We’ll get you where you need to be. But we have to be careful, all right? I can’t have something happen to you. And I’m sure Regina and Beth would agree with me.”

She chuckles against my chest, and I can feel the warmth of her tears bleeding through my shirt.

“All right.”

The words are muffled against me.

“Just…let me drive you, okay? It won’t affect my work. I set my own hours, and they’re not as familiar with my car. I’ll even use the backup one. And tell hospital security to be on the lookout for you, okay?”

Angling back, Clara squints up at me, shaking her head.

“The backup one? You know what. I don’t need to know. I can’t just have you chauffeur me everywhere, Luke. What if something comes up? I can’t expect you to drop everything, and you can’t expect me to do it, either.”

Meeting her eyes with all I’m feeling on display, I try to drive home my commitment with just my stare.

“I can and will drop everything for you. Please know that.”

Clara’s brows knit together, and I just keep holding those green eyes of hers.

“You’re really just going to drive me to work like I’m a little kid going to school or something.”

“If you’ll fucking let me keep you safe.”

Tension hangs in the air, and I just wait. I’ll stand there the rest of the day if I have to.

Chapter 25

Clara

I’m getting a little tired of asking myself what the hell is my life. It’s getting real damn old.

And yet, here I am.

Luke, of course, has a point about switching up the car I’m using to get to work.

I’ll be more difficult to track on the road, and if they don’t know my schedule, the Cobras will have to post someone at the hospital all the time.

That’ll increase the odds they get caught.

And I can tell security about them—about what I saw the other day.

“Fucking hell.”

I sigh, pulling back from Luke and turning toward the kitchen.

“Where are you going?”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com