Page 11 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

It’s a long, smooth ride to the top.

Ping.

During the split seconds before the doors open, I revisit everything I was told about her.

Stella Voss.

Twenty-five. Daughter of notorious businessman Victor Voss.

She’s hired Black Hawke Security to act as personal independent security for her while she transitions to married life with Tony Marino. A marriage arranged by her family.

As the photos flashed up on my tablet when Josh shared them, I found myself flinching.

Not once, but twice.

First, she’s hot, and I had to acknowledge that. Second, the man she’s marrying has to be twice her age. He’s also on the FBI's radar due to links with several crime families.

If I had a sister, I wouldn’t let her near him.

“Jesus,” I’d said out loud, unable to keep my thoughts to myself. “Why do I get the feeling she didn’t swipe right?”

Aidan and Josh shared a look.

“Not my business, obviously,” I’d added.

“He’s rich and powerful. I don’t understand the decisions some women make.” Josh shook his head. “This recommendation came via Barrett Security. Connor Barrett’s company. You may remember he married Mia Mancini from the Mancini crime family, who were wiped out.”

“The wedding massacre?”

“That’s the one.” Aidan nodded.

“To protect his wife and family, he doesn’t take on any clientele where there’s even a hint of a link to the mob,” Josh shared.

I don’t blame him.

“So what? I’m going to be dealing with the mafia?”

“Marino has links. He’s not a Don. There’s been no evidence as far as law enforcement can prove, but safe to say he socializes with some dangerous people.”

“Hence Ms. Voss wanting her own security.” I slowly shook my head.

What is she thinking?

Josh nodded and leaned back in his chair. “We have offered her a three-month contract instead of our standard twelve months, as she wasn’t sure how her future husband would feel about her having her own independent security.”

My brows lifted in response as I stared down at the two photos. “Here I was thinking this job would be a walk in the park.”

Josh snorted. “Be prepared for anything. Now you’re on board, Ryder can share a few stories from our cases back in LA.”

“Oh, you mean like that rock star's daughter who—” Ryder began.

“Funny guy,” Josh interrupted and shot him a warning glance while Ryder laughed. “He’s referring to Cassy, my wife.”

I was familiar with their story. Cassy’s stalker from her teenage years escaped from prison and traveled across multiple states to kidnap her. Because of her celebrity father, the media followed the story closely.

I glanced around the table.

“Shit, guess this gig could be a lot more action packed than I expected.”