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Red winced. “I know, Viv. But what I feel is new, and I need help navigating it.”
Viv sighed, a look of understanding crossing her face. “I get it, but you need to be prepared for my brother’s reaction. He’s extremely protective. I gather he’s seen you at some of your worst, and he would never want me to compromise my own standards, professional or personal.”
“Protecting was his line of work. That seems natural.”
“Speaking of protection, I can’t be your around-the-clock detail. So, I want you to meet Jackson.” Viv stuck her head out the door and called for Jackson to come in.
In walked a tall, burly man with a serious expression. Red’s eyes widened as he recognized him. “Aren’t you the new bartender at Bishop’s?”
Viv smiled, clearly pleased with herself. “And he’s your new night security detail.”
Red understood the implication of that all too well. He wouldn’t get any more goodnight kisses unless he got them from Jackson—and Jackson was not his type. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought, trying to picture himself leaning in for a peck on the cheek from the stoic, muscular man standing before him.
He turned to Viv with a playful grin. “Well, I hope Jackson here has a gentle touch. After all, I’ve grown quite accustomed to a certain level of tenderness in my nighttime routine.”
Viv rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched with a suppressed smile. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure Jackson can provide all the tenderness you need.”
Seemingly unamused by their banter, Jackson crossed his arms and nodded solemnly. “I’ll make sure you’re well-protected, sir.”
The lighthearted moment dissipated, but Red couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get more interesting—not just because of the new security arrangements. She could remove herself from his presence, but that wouldn’t stop him from kissing her; it just made it more challenging, and he liked a challenge.
“Happy to have you on board as part of my security detail.”
As if on cue, the door to the recording studio slammed open, revealing a furious Val. His eyes narrowed as he glared at Red and Viv, his voice shaking with barely contained anger. “Viv, I told you Red would be a problem. You’re here to protect him, not get drawn into his fake charm so he can devalue and try to control you.”
Viv’s eyes flashed with defiance as she positioned herself between Red and her brother. “You need to trust me to do my job and live my own life.”
Val scoffed, his expression turning disdainful. “Trust you? I trusted you to keep your distance, to remember that you’re a professional. But instead, you let yourself get involved with him. How can I trust you now?”
Red’s heart ached at the hurt in Viv’s eyes, and he couldn’t stand by without defending her. He stepped forward, meeting Val’s gaze with determination. “Val, your sister is an amazing bodyguard. She’s shown only dedication and professionalism since we started working together. I’ve been blown away by everything she knows. She’s amazing.”
Val’s anger shifted toward Red, and he took a menacing step toward him. “Stay out of this, Red. This is a family matter.”
Before the situation could escalate further, Jackson stepped forward, placing a hand on Val’s shoulder. “Let’s take a step back and talk about this calmly. There’s no need for things to get out of hand.”
Val looked as though he wanted to argue, but the commanding presence of Jackson seemed to give him pause. He finally relented. His gaze turned to Viv. “Who is this guy?”
Viv’s voice was steady and confident as she replied, “This is Jackson. He’s the newest employee of Vortex Security.”
Val’s eyes widened, and he shook his head in disbelief. “Vortex is a family business, Viv. You don’t just bring in outsiders.”
Viv met her brother’s gaze, her voice firm but filled with a hint of sadness. “It was a family business, Val, until you left. We need help, and Jackson is more than qualified. He’s here to ensure Red stays safe and give me some time off. I can’t be effective if I’m on duty 24/7.”
The tension in the room seemed to lessen, though the underlying issues remained unresolved. Val’s expression softened, and he looked at his sister with concern and regret. “I know you’re capable, Viv, but he’s not good for you.”
“This isn’t the time or the place. We’ll talk when I come back to your place tonight.”
“You’re coming home?”
“Now that we have Jackson for the night shift, I’ll be staying at your home if that’s alright. I haven’t found mine yet.” She turned to look over her shoulder at Red. “But I’m close.”
Red felt joy at her words, though he tried his best to keep his expression neutral.
With the situation resolved for now, Val left, and Jackson promised to be at his house by nine. Red leaned in and whispered to Viv, “If you think leaving my home at night means you won’t make it to my arms, you’re wrong. I’m not giving up that easily. We will explore this thing between us, Viv. Don’t fight it. It’s inevitable.”
“I’m not fighting.” She reached up on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “You already know I’m not cheap, and I’m making sure you know I’m not easy either. We’ve got work to do. Lots, and it doesn’t start in your bed.”
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
