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“I know you don’t enjoy talking about her, but we might need more details. A security detail is on their way. And a driver. Don’t leave unless you absolutely have to, though, understood?”
“I’ll tell you everything I can about her later tonight if you’re here. Right now, I just need to process this.”
He pulls me close again and kisses me. “I won’t force you to tell me anything you don’t want to. If you’re right, she just spotted you on the news and this is all an unfortunate set of circumstances. Do you want me to try to get her into an apartment?”
I blink and stare at him as he steps away. “What makes you think she would take your money if she won’t take mine?”
He winks. “She won’t know me as Luke the criminal. I’m Luke, owner of a luxury transportation company.”
I laugh and shove him on the shoulder. “My family hates rich people, so I don’t know that luxury will make her see things your way. But you’re welcome to try.”
“Well, maybe Owen, head of cybersecurity for the Novak Casino Group, will be able to entice her. We both know he’s more charming than I could ever dream of being.”
“I don’t know… I think you’re pretty damn charming, Mr. Bowden.”
He moves toward me again as if he’s going to pounce when there’s a knock at the door.
“Saved by the bell. We’re going to establish some rules around when you call me that,” he says as he moves down the stairs. I stay where I am since I can see the front door from my vantage point.
When he opens it, three men in expensive black suits and a woman walk in. He shakes hands with all of them, but he stays with the woman a few seconds longer than the rest.
“Thanks for the opportunity, Mr. Bowden,” she says.
“I’ve heard good things about you. Hope you don’t mind that your first assignment is a little more personal.”
She smiled. “You know what my last job was. I don’t mind.”
He turns to look up at me and waves me down. I descend the ornate staircase and stand next to him. His arm slips around my waist, and he smiles at me.
“This is Zara. Until I say otherwise, her safety is your only priority. For now, she’s going to be staying inside, but Jeanie will be on standby to drive if there is a need to go somewhere else.”
Everyone nods, and Jeanie steps forward. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“Just call me Zara, please.”
She gives me a curt nod, and steps back.
Luke makes quick introductions for everyone else, and then the security team disperses to various parts of the house to check things out and come up with an escape plan if it’s needed.
“Skylar and Matteo are going to be here in a little while with our things from the hotel. Matteo has to come help me when he’s done, but Skylar is willing to hang out with you if you don’t feel like being alone.”
I glance around the house as two of the bodyguards walk back in and I can’t help but laugh. “I don’t think there’s a chance of me being alone.”
He smiles. “You know what I mean. These men aren’t exactly known for being brilliant conversationalists.”
I rub a hand up and down his arm. “I’m only teasing. It would be great if Skylar wants to hang out.”
He pulls me close and kisses me deeply. “I’ll be back when I can, but I’m not sure when that will be. Try not to worry, lass.”
Then he turns and walks out the door and for a little while I just stand in the lobby and stare after the door.
“You look a little shell-shocked, hon,” Jeanie says.
I turn to find her leaning against the door frame with a knowing smile on her face.
“Everything has been happening at warp speed for me the last week or two, and I don’t know how to slow things down. My brain is telling me to get my passport and get on the first plane out of the country, but my heart or maybe just my carnality is telling me to stay and see where this goes.”
Jeanie shoves a hand in the pocket of her slacks and lifts one shoulder. “I don’t know. Sometimes our brains are too cautious. They’re designed to do one thing which is to protect us. But the fact is sometimes our brains see threats that aren’t there. Your heart isn’t so anxious.”
