Page 60 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

During our video conference the other day, Ryder, Josh, and I had laid out a plan.

It’s obvious some form of coercion is taking place, but by who and what kind, Stella won’t say.

We still don’t know whether, with no solid evidence, our ‘more than a hunch’ is right. The team searched to see if anyone in Stella’s world was missing, kidnapped, or dead, and they’ve come up with nothing.

Something is forcing her hand.

But what the fuck is it?

Proactively, we’ve put eyes on both Charlotte and her mother, although the latter could be complicit. Victor Voss is clearly involved, and while I’d like to think he was a loving father, there was nothing in his demeanor the other day that said he was concerned for his daughter.

“The fact that her father was a conduit in introducing them is not lost on me,” I’d told Josh during that call. “And he didn’t use the word ‘introduce.’ He presented her to him.”

“Like a box of chocolates.” Ryder shook his head.

“Yes. Like a gift.” I gritted my teeth.

“We need solid evidence. Some money changing hands, or purchase of property or goods. Legal or otherwise. Travis and the boys are digging but can’t find anything digitally. It may have taken place in cold, hard cash.” Josh had said before we hung up.

“Has she said anything?” Ryder asked.

I shook my head and rubbed the back of my head.

“No. She’s scared, understandably. What pisses me off is that she doesn’t have anyone on her side to protect her. She’s keeping this to herself completely.”

“Jesus.”

“No wonder she hired us.”

The panic when she saw Charlotte getting close to the truth—whatever it is—was palpable. Stella was scared for her friend.

Fortunately, we’re on to it, and she has protection.

It was interesting that Stella never asked me any questions. She simply accepted it and let me take her to bed.

She’s in survival mode, preparing to leave her world. I’ve seen soldiers do this. Hell, I’ve felt myself do it when preparing to leave on a dangerous off-book foreign assignment.

“This plan could be the only way she gets to return to her life and keep her identity.” Ryder stood and walked into the kitchen to rinse his coffee mug.

Or it could go really fucking wrong.

We both didn’t voice it, but it’s true.

The stakes have changed.

He’s instructed me to cancel my security service.

Instructing you? Can you hear yourself?

This is what marriage is—

I won’t be at that wedding, but neither will she. We need her to talk, and the only way that’s going to happen is with a little intervention and understanding her fear.

I sent a message to Ryder and Josh when Stella was in the shower.

Marino has men watching her.

I noticed them a couple of days ago. I never acknowledged them, but if they’ve done their job and know I’m a SEAL, they’ll know I’m fully aware of their every move.