Page 22 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

He’s swapped the formal blazer for a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up his arms. Even from here I can see the sexy ropes of his muscles, which sends little butterflies spiraling inside my tummy.

My eyes dip inappropriately to his black pants, then snap back up.

“Gotta go, Dad.”

“The car will pick you up on Thursday to head to the Marino Estate. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately and not late.”

“I will follow you out there.” I grumble.

“Stella. Do not argue with me,” he growls.

Declan straightens, crossing his arms as his brows bunch. He watches me curiously.

So very protective.

I feel my nipples harden inappropriately. But his presence also gives me confidence I didn’t have when I was alone.

“Dad, we’ll follow you or meet you there.” I dig my heels in. “I’m not going alone or without my bodyguard. You know why, so I’m not spelling it out.”

I hang up.

Sighing, I take a sip of my coffee and watch Declan walk over to the counter.

“Is there going to be an issue on Thursday?” he asks, taking a seat.

Yes, probably.

“No.” I pour him a mug. “Cream? Sugar?”

“Black.” He lifts it to his lips and sips.

When his eyes close partway in pleasure, I shudder and wonder what lucky woman gets to spend her nights with him.

Snap out of it, for goodness’ sake.

I bet he can tell I’m attracted to him. Under the circumstances, I need to get a handle on this and focus on the very reason I’ve hired him.

Protecting myself, not getting laid.

“Sorry you had to hear that.” I press my lips together. “My father can be controlling.”

Declan doesn’t comment on that. Instead, he focuses on the logistics. “Let’s discuss the visit to the Marino’s house. I need to know what to expect and if we need any other backup. What do you know?”

I swallow.

“Nothing. We are meeting for the first time. I don’t know the address, or...I don’t know much about the man. I guess it will be...a nice surprise.” My cheeks heat as the lie slips from my lips.

If I can’t tell him how dangerous this is for me and my father, then I’ll have to convince him I’m just nervous to meet the man I’ve been arranged to marry.

He doesn’t buy it.

Declan’s gray eyes roam my face, acknowledging my bullshit silently, and while he’s trained to show little emotional reaction, I can’t help but notice the flicker of concern in his eyes.

I wish he’d signed the damn NDA.

I can’t risk him sharing anything with the authorities and putting me or my family in danger.

Acting happy and naïve is my only option.