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The hairs on the back of my neck prickle. Someone’s watching. I sweep the room again but don’t spot the threat in the sea of glittery dresses and monkey suits.
A waiter heads out a side door with a full trash bag. I may be acting paranoid, but I casually follow and watch him dump the contents. I circle back to Gemma watching from a distance. She's chatting with a small circle of partygoers. Anthony hovers nearby, playing the doting father.
The two exchange words and she turns away, pissed about something. Daddy looks ready to grab her when his phone rings. He scowls but takes the call.
My gut screams to protect her, but that's not my mission. I'm here to shield her from physical threats, not play family counselor.
I move closer, keeping my eyes on Gemma as she disappears into the crowd. I trail her, staying back. Tactically better to stalk the perimeter.
I weave my way closer, keeping her in my peripheral vision as she’s swallowed up in the crowd. Being near the perimeter of the room gives me a tactical advantage should trouble arise. I trail at a distance after Gemma.
Gemma heads outside and wanders the shadowy parking lot. She talks to a valet and then keeps walking toward the garden. Reckless move, but gutsy.
Takes some stones to potentially walk into danger just to prove a point. Boldness without backup is just reckless, though.
Gemma's got guts—I'll give her that. It takes a certain kind of bravery to stride into potential danger just to make a point. But bravery without backup is another word for recklessness.
I hang back, out of sight. Even in the dim lighting, Gemma is a knockout. Curvy in all the right places, her dress showing off plenty of creamy skin. Hair pinned up, begging for me to set it free.
I shut that crap down quick—she's the principal, off limits.I force myself to look away. She's my client, under my protection. I can't think of her that way.
Gemma is aware of me despite my trying to hide. She doesn't show any fear or intimidation. Instead, she taps her foot impatiently and calls out confidently, “You may as well show yourself. I know you're there.”
Her accusation is sharp and laced with defiance as she stares directly at my hiding spot. I step out, defaulting to stone-cold professional. “Have you been watching me all evening?”
I nod once, maintaining my professional demeanor. “That's my job, Miss Caldwell.”
Gemma bristles. “Well, I won't make your job easy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to?—”
She attempts to step around me, but I mirror her movement, blocking her path. An indignant huff escapes her rosy lips.
I meet Gemma's glare and choose my words carefully. “Miss Caldwell, I insist you come inside.”
Gemma folds her arms across her chest. “I don’t need a babysitter.” She steps back and sizes me up. “I didn't ask for any of this.”
“I know you value your freedom. But intel says you’re in danger. My job is to take that seriously.”
A smirk plays on her lips. Eyes sparking, she challenges, “And if I refuse?”
One corner of my mouth ticks up. I pitch my voice lower. “I'll accomplish my mission one way or another. But I'd prefer not to throw you over my shoulder.”
Even in the low light, I catch her blush. Calling her bluff was the right move.
“Do I get any say here?” The defiance is gone, she genuinely wants to understand.
“You have input unless it compromises security.” I add, “But I have the final call regarding your safety.”
She eyes me sharply. “I don't blindly follow orders.”
“I don't expect blind obedience. But I may have intel you don't.”
Rebellion flickers in her eyes before acceptance takes over. “Understood.” Something tells me she's not done challenging me yet.
“Let's move,” I say firmly but gently, guiding her with a light touch on her back.
We walk in comfortable silence. Guarding Gemma will be tough if our first meeting is any indicator. She bristles at any loss of control over her life. I admire her independent spirit, but unfortunately, in my line of work, it puts her at risk.
Although it goes against my nature to restrict her freedom, it’s the only way to keep her secure. I need to coax, not command, if I want to gain her trust.
