Page 70 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

No.

Don’t you fucking d—

“Look, I hired your company to keep me safe. You have. Before I go to bed, I’ll email your office and give a month’s notice. I will pay it immediately. However, effective immediately, your services are no longer required.”

Is she fucking kidding me?

Her voice is cool, and she refuses to look at me.

“That’s a very bad decision, Stella.” Josh’s eyes narrow.

“Let us help you,” Ryder says. “We are three of the most skilled paramilitary men in the country. Special forces. We have the ability to help you.”

“And what? Go into protective custody. Move to Ohio? Leave everyone I care about and love?” She shakes her head.

Then her gaze flicks to me, as if she can’t help it.

Fuck.

Am I on that list? Because if that’s true, then there’s no fucking way I am letting her go. Then she does the one thing I thought she couldn’t do.

She outsmarts us.

“You need to leave. Now. All of you.” Stella points toward the elevator.

What the fuck?

No.

I glance around anxiously as Josh slowly stands, and Ryder lets out a sigh and does the same.

No!

“And,” her voice begins to break. “You too, Declan.”

My face hardens as I mentally demand that she look at me again. She doesn’t.

“Stella,” I growl.

“Go.” Her eyes lift and voice softens almost in resignation as she adds. “Or I will call the police.”

I press my lips together as disappointment fills my chest. My poor, beautiful girl; she’s terrified.

Turning to Josh, he nudges his head toward the exit, and I nod my agreement.

“Okay. I’ll pack my things in the morning and leave the key with security.” I run a hand through my hair as Josh and Ryder walk out of the room.

I wait.

Stella stares at the floor.

I’m not giving up, but right now we have to do as she’s asked and leave. I need her to know how I feel, so I do the only thing I can do: I walk over, lift her face, and gently kiss her lips.

“I’m keeping my promise.”

To not let that asshole touch her.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN