Page 28 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

“He’s obviously older—”

“None of my business.”

“It’s a family thing—”

“You don’t have to explain.” I interrupt a second time and then tug in a breath as Stella straightens and her body brushes mine when she ducks under my arm and takes a few steps away.

What the hell am I thinking?

If she rings Josh and makes a complaint, I’ll lose my damn job. Then what? Christ, Mom would love that, and it would destroy my future career. He’s a good and fair guy, but something like this he wouldn’t overlook.

Before I can apologize, she turns, and our eyes lock once more. Beat after beat we stand there, the scent of her perfume filling my senses, her lips parting as the gap between us fills with a sexual charge that slams into me.

My fingers twitch.

She wants me to grab her and slam my mouth down on hers. A man can read a woman when she’s in this state.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Roughly, as I lower my arm, I say. “Get your things.”

As if snapping out of a dream, Stella snaps out of it and glances away. Then she gives me one last lingering glance and darts away.

Jesus.

I swipe my hand over my face. Holy hell, that cannot happen again. Not only because she is our client but because the more time I spend with her, the more the idea of this criminal taking her as his bride makes me want to raze the earth.

This isn’t good.

Last week I was a guy who was happy to enjoy a one-night stand. Now I’m burning planets for a woman I haven’t even kissed.

Tugging out my phone, I ring Ryder. “You still in town?”

“Until Friday. What do you need?” he replies.

“You. With me on Thursday when Stella Voss heads to Mr. Marino’s house.”

“Is there a problem?”

Yeah, me wanting to kill the motherfucker if he lays a hand on her.

“I don’t have enough intel on the venue or agenda for the meeting. Stella has indicated that she wants a high level of protection. I think we need to add some more manpower.”

“Sure. You let me know how many.” We’re both quiet for a long moment until Ryder finally adds. “Something’s off about this.”

“You’re telling me. Why is she marrying this guy?”

“Has she said anything?”

“No, but her father is unhappy she canceled her security and wanted to escort her there on Thursday. When she said we’d follow, he wasn’t happy with that either.”

“Controlling.”

“Very.”

“He could make things difficult,” Ryder says what we’re both thinking.

“Without a doubt. So let me know if you are around or who else we might have available,” I say, because I know the office has just opened, and Ryder is busy recruiting and training.