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For now, I remain the protector. But soon, God help me, I'll be the predator too. And once that side of me emerges, there will be no going back.
She'll be mine. In every way imaginable. And I will show no mercy.
* * *
I take a deep breath, trying to clear my mind as I watch Willow from the shadows. She's radiant under the stage lights, her voice soaring through the speakers, captivating the crowd. This is where she belongs, I remind myself. In the spotlight, shining for the world to see.
Not pressed against me in the darkness, those lips parted in ecstasy, green eyes clouded with desire...
I grit my teeth, cursing inwardly at the images that invade my thoughts. This obsession is getting out of hand. I'm her protector, not her lover. No matter how fiercely my body burns for her.
The show ends and the crowd erupts in applause. Willow beams, blowing kisses. My heart constricts. Does she have any idea what she does to me? How she makes me ache?
I fight the urge to go to her as she heads backstage. To pull her into my arms and—
No. I force myself to turn away. She is not mine to take. I repeat the words like a mantra, clinging to the last frayed threads of my restraint.
Soon she will be whisked away by her entourage, and I will resume my watch from afar. For now, the battle is won. But my desire continues to grow, an obsession I can no longer control.
She will be mine, I vow silently. No matter the cost. I will find a way to make her see we belong together. And once I have her, I willneverlet her go.
CHAPTERTHREE
Willow
The roarof the crowd still rings in my ears as I make my way backstage, the adrenaline from the performance coursing through my veins. Roadies and techs rush by, coiling wires and packing up equipment in a whirlwind of controlled chaos. I'm floating, drunk on the high that only a flawless set can bring. This is my element. The stage is my home.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a shadow detaching itself from the wall. A tall, broad-shouldered figure emerges, eyes intent on my every move. I suppress a shiver as those dark eyes track me through the maze of rigging and amps. He moves with a lethal grace, his muscular frame coiled and ready for action. Predatory. Possessive. He wants to consume me whole. I quicken my pace, unnerved by the intensity of his gaze, my heels clicking sharply on the concrete floor. I can feel him drawing closer, his presence looming at my back. My heart pounds against my ribs. Who is this man that watches me like forbidden fruit, ripe for the taking? His aura drips with danger, desire, the promise of ruin. I dare not turn, refusing to meet the fire in those fathomless eyes. He would swallow me alive and I would let him.
I round a corner, lost in my own head, and collide with a solid wall of muscle. Strong hands grasp my arms, steadying me before I can fall. My breath catches as I find myself drowning in dark, smoldering eyes, those same eyes I'm running from. How did he move so quickly? Those eyes pierce my soul, laying me bare. His sensual lips curl into a knowing smile.
"We meet at last, Willow," he purrs, his voice a low caress.
I suppress a shiver at the sound of my name on his lips. He straightens, hands still gripping my arms with possessive pressure. Power radiates from his imposing frame. My mouth goes dry.
"I'm Maverick," he says. "Your new bodyguard."
The words send a jolt through me. Bodyguard? I try to pull away, but his hands tighten, keeping me caged against him. His eyes blaze with authority, demanding my obedience.
"Time to go home, little songbird."
Maverick tucks my arm in his and steers me through the chaos, our steps falling into sync. My skin tingles everywhere we touch. I chance a glance at his stern profile and wonder if I've just made a deal with the devil himself. But perhaps damnation isn't the worst fate, so long as those lethal arms remain around me.
My breath catches as Maverick's strong arm encircles my waist, guiding me through the pulsing crowd. I'm hyperaware of Maverick's muscular frame pressed against my side, his commanding presence enveloping me.
"This way, little songbird," he murmurs, his warm breath caressing my ear.
A tremor runs through my body at the intimacy of his touch. I glances up at him, taking in his chiseled jaw and intense gaze focused ahead. He exudes an aura of leashed power, of danger barely contained beneath the surface.
My earlier bravado melts away, replaced by uncertainty. I don't know this man who's been tasked with guarding my life. Can I trust him? Allow myself to be so vulnerable?
Sensing my tension, Maverick looks down, obsidian eyes boring into mine. "You have nothing to fear from me," he says softly.
I shiver at the sincerity in his voice. I don't know why, but...I trust him. Something in his eyes tells me he'd never hurt me, that he truly is here to protect me.
I relax and lean into him, the clean scent of his skin enveloping ,my senses. For now, I decide to let my doubts go. To place my faith in this enigmatic protector fate has delivered to my doorstep.
We step out into the cool night air, the din of the crowd fading behind us. Maverick's arm tightens around my waist as he guides me home, our steps falling into an easy rhythm.
