Page 41 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

I wasn’t.

I was probably going to kill him.

I step back, swallowing down all the words I want to say.

“He’s just my bodyguard,” Stella replies, her speech fast and her blue eyes wide with fear, while a raft of curses goes off inside my head.

I’m putting her in danger and should know better, but my reaction wasn’t voluntary. When it comes to her, it seems to come from deep down on a predatory level. A need to protect her and keep her safe.

Which she fucking isn’t right now.

“These men will end their contract before the nuptials.” Victor Voss glares at me and turns to Marino. “I will sort this.”

The fuck we will.

“My men are employed by me,” Stella reminds her father, attempting to move an inch away from Marino as he studies her like she’s a new toy. “Their contract is ongoing. I will make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

I can’t do this.

I’m going to lose my fucking mind if I have to watch her throw her life away.

Marino slides his hands into his pockets, looking uninterested in her promise. He takes in the entire room, briefly acknowledging me as if I’m unimportant, in a show of power.

“You told me she was more compliant.” Marino lifts a brow at Victor. “I’m disappointed.”

“Excuse—”

“She is. She will be.” Victor nods, speaking over his daughter.

“Listen, I agreed—” Stella argues.

“Clear the room!” Marino booms, cutting Stella off, and Marshall steps in front of me proactively, nodding and dragging me out.

Bad move.

When we’re out in the hall, I smash him into the wall and lift my gun to his throat.

“Never do that again,” I growl deeply.

“I just saved your life.” He shoves me. “You are welcome.”

I grunt and stand three inches from the door, waiting for it to open. Unless I shoot it down.

Stella is in there.

Unprotected.

CHAPTER TEN

STELLA

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Declan!

I can’t stop my body from trembling. With every second that ticks by, my life is disappearing before my eyes.

The life I thought I’d be living at least. I wonder if I’ll ever see Charlotte again, have wine and nibbles at Bemelmans with her. Or will I be forced to live in Tony’s world, only allowed to do what he approves.