Page 8 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Two

Simon pulled out another chair and sat opposite her, thenturned his attention to Ryan. She’d really rather haveLeah than him? Leah was a solid agent, no doubt. But she was a small woman.Hardly the forbidding presence that could deter a hostile attack.

Still, if he was off the case, that would be a good thing.And this Hollywood princess would no longer be his problem.

“It makes sense,” she continued, making her case to Ryan andDamien. “I know you think having a guy is better, but I know her socially. Wecan say she’s staying at my place because she’s remodeling. That she’sshadowing me because she’s writing a screenplay. Anything.”

Ryan glanced at Damien and shrugged.

“I’m not sure I like that idea,” Holt said. “I’m sure Leahis excellent at her job—and don’t lay into me about being sexist—but Simon’s abig man, and if Frannie’s going to have a bodyguard…”

“Leah can handle herself,” Ryan said. “We were playing theboyfriend card, but the best friend ploy works, too.”

They all looked to Aaron, as if hehad the final say, and Simon wondered about his relationship with Francesca.Just business, or did those two have a history?

He winced, realizing the direction of his thoughts. Why thehell did he care if they slept together?

“All right, Barré,” Ryan said, the words getting Simon’sthoughts back where they should be. “You’re off the case. We’ll get Leah, and—”

“No.” It took a moment for Simon torealize he was the one who’d uttered that one strong syllable. “No,” herepeated, not quite able to believe what he was saying. Clearly Francescacouldn’t believe it, either, if the way she was gaping at him was any indication.

“But you just said—”

“I know,” he told her. “But Matthew’s right. It’s better tohave a guy with you. It’s better to have me with you,” headded, not sure if he was saying it because the words were true or because heresented that look of pure relief he’d seen on her face when Ryan had agreedabout Leah. “The assignment is mine.”

Francesca’s eyes were wide. “Then why did you suggest—”

“I’m sorry. I changed my mind. The boyfriend ploy is better.And, honestly, there’s no one you should trust more than me to keep you safe.”

Her brows rose. “I’m betting Damien and Ryan disagree withyou about that. Not to mention all the other agents at Stark Security.”

He shrugged. “Probably, but this is the way it’s going tobe.” He turned to face Ryan and Damien. “Maybe it’s just a hoax and there’s noreal danger, but if there is, then Ms. Muratti wantsme.”

“No, I—”

“Yes,” he insisted, turning his attention back to her. “I’vegot my issues with Hollywood, but they aren’t personal. I’m sorry if I’ve beenan ass,” he said sincerely. “I’m usually more professional, and I will be goingforward. Because you need to keep me on,” he continued, his mouth continuing toblather on even while all of his common sense told himto take the opening and run, run, run away from this Hollywood ice queen.

Apparently, his listening skills were forshit, because he didn’t run. Instead, he just kepttalking. “And, sure, Leah’s got skills. But I’ve been doing this longer, andI’m a better option. I’ve done this before. Protected celebrities and powerplayers from threats from unknown sources. Plus a lot of other jobs I can’ttell you about, but that I promise will help me to keep you safe.”

He paused to study her face, satisfied when he saw that shewas listening. Really listening. As for Damien and Ryan, hopefully he’d stillhave a job when he shut up because otherwise, he’d beworking freelance. Damn him for letting his personalfeelings get in the way of client safety.

He knew better. It was this Hollywood bullshit.That whole goddamn business. But he was bigger thanthe industry. Bigger than his past. And he wasdetermined to protect this woman.

“Mr. Barré,” she began, but he cut her off.

“No. Let me finish. If this somehow went south and I wasn’ton it, I’d never forgive myself. And neither would you,because you’d be dead. This threat is bigger than we first realized, andI’m staying on it,” he said firmly and was surprised to see respect inFrancesca’s eyes where he’d expected irritation. “I’m the man for this job. AndI’m not taking no for an answer.”

“Frannie?” Ryan asked from behind him.

“Yes,” she said. “He’ll do.” She drew in a breath and sat upstraighter, her shoulders going back in a way that made her look both regal andpowerful. “But why do you say the threat’s bigger?” She looked at him, thenglanced over his shoulder at Ryan and Damien, neither of whom answered herquestion.

“Because you know something,” he told her. Then hurried onwhen she opened her mouth to respond. “I’m not saying you can pull it out ofthe sky right now, but you do know something. You saw something or overheadsomething—or you were in a position to.However it went down, someone is convinced that you have knowledge. Somethingthey want to know as well, and they want it enough to threaten you.”

“But I don’t know wha—”

“I believe you. But here’s the thing. Someone is threateningto kill you if you don’t tell. That also means theremust be someone who wants that secret held close. Someone your antagonist istrying to intimidate or blackmail or ruin. And once that person learns thattheir secret may come out—”

“I’ll have someone who wants me to stay silent just as muchas our Mr. X wants me to talk.”

“Bingo,” he said, flashing her a smile. Not because of thedanger, but because right then—for just a few heartbeats—they were actually working together. “There are two threats againstyou, even if one isn’t viable yet. Two very serious threats.”