Page 44 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

CHAPTER ELEVEN

DECLAN

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“We’re flying out tomorrow. New guy starts on Monday. Ryder will be back by then.” Cole slaps me on the shoulder as I walk them to the elevator.

The wedding has been set for next week.

I can barely think straight.

“Jayden is staying at the hotel, so if you need anything local, reach out to him,” Marshall adds. “Or Raven...honestly, if we gave her a weapon, I reckon she might be a little terrifying.”

I snort despite my mood.

I can just imagine her being there today and putting a bullet in Marino’s head. Under different circumstances, I’d compete with the opportunity.

“Let’s not. Although I’m totally on board with her being on my paintball team at the Christmas party,” I say lightly, wanting to give my colleagues confidence I’m fine to do my job.

“Hell, yeah,” Cole laughs.

I say goodbye as the elevator doors close and plant my hands on my hips, letting out a deep sigh. My head dips.

What the hell am I going to do?

I knew the meeting was going to be tense, but Marino is an A-class sociopath. If Stella marries him, her life will be in danger. Surely she can see that? And her father is a piece of shit, letting this happen.

Scrubbing my hand over my short hair, I consider my options here. There really aren’t any. I can’t let her do this.

I also can’t stop her.

I endangered my team by reacting the way I did today. I put Stella in a tenuous situation. That’s not how I conduct my operations.

Jesus.

The chemistry between us seems to have morphed into something more, but that makes no sense. It’s not like either of us acted on anything. We haven’t been intimate, which could go some way to explaining my reaction.

I haven’t even fucking kissed her.

Opening up about my father’s death was new for me. Usually, I don’t talk about him. God knows the world always mentions him to me, but talking to Stella about Mom and Dad has made us grow closer.

Imagine what Mom would think if she learned I’d died at the hands of a criminal. I can’t do that to her. I want her to move on and live her life. Like Stella’s heroine.

I want Stella to live her life...with me.

God, is that what this is? Do I have real feelings for her?

Have you ever been in love?

Everyone saw me carrying her out of the Marino mansion into her waiting vehicle. I could claim it's my job, but I suspect Cole and Marshall know what’s going on.

So does her father.

So does Marino.

If the boys mention it to Josh and he thinks I’m incapable of doing my job, I’d really let Mom down. Or prove her right.

Your dad would want you to stay. Look at other roles in the Navy, Declan.