Page 2 of Billionaire Bodyguard Summer

I had a vision of guarding her, protecting her through the testimony, and then sailing away with her into the sunset.

Even though that’s technically impossible. On this coast.

Then again, I’m rarely realistic when it comes to Mia.

“We have a few reservations about hiring you.” Rafi sets his phone down and gives me a long stare. I meet his gaze.

“I understand.” I’m bluffing. I don’t understand. I don’t know what they know.

Sloane raises an eyebrow. “Harvey Blagas is the target of a multi-state investigation, and Ms. Saule is a key informant. This deserves a team, not an individual.”

Now I get it. They think I don’t measure up.

And they’re right. I was a sheriff in a small town, and now I’m a crapshoot of a bodyguard. If I was smart, I’d have SunbreakSecurity hire arealprofessional, a whole slew of them, and be done with it. Keep my distance.

I can’t. I need to be around her.

I’m a grown-ass man, with no history of addiction except her.

Mia’s my drug.

She doesn’t feel the same about me. Mia tolerates me for a little while, and then she cuts and runs at the first opportunity, with my heart in her hands. It’s hell. And yet, she’s my heaven. I can’t quit trying. Not after Halo City. Not after she was nearly killed. If nothing else, I need to see her through to safety, out of this life that she refuses to leave.

“But for some reason, the funders requested one person. You.” Sloane and Rafi aren’t stupid. This doesn’t add up and they know it.

Sloane hands the clipboard to Rafi, and he takes his time reading whatever’s on it.

I’ll protect Mia no matter what. I’ll find a way. Though it’s a hell of a lot easier with an arsenal at my disposal and a group of professionals backing me up. She’s slippery. Last time I guarded her, she drugged me and escaped.

Then she got kidnapped.

And that wasn’t the worst of it.

I thought her days with Harvey were over. It’s always the same: first in East Greenwich, then Halo City. I save her life. I work like hell to earn her trust. We seem to be on the same page. Eventually. Or I’m deluding myself, thanks to the all-consuming lust. I begin to think she almost, maybe, might actually love me.

And then she disappears. Leaves me flat. Gone to trail her prick of a crime boss wherever he goes.

The ocean’s calm and flat outside, over Sloane’s shoulder. I clear my head of the entanglement of Mia and I mimic the placid water so I don’t blow this interview completely. But I can’t stopimagining being in the water with her, her hands on my body, her legs wrapped around my waist…

Rafi pulls a sheet of paper from the stack and sets it in front of me, hands me a silver pen with Sunbreak Security embossed on its side.

“Welcome to the team,” Sloane says. “If you agree with the terms of the contract, go ahead and sign.”

I pick up the pen and sign on the line. I don’t read the contract. I’m here to protect Mia. Nothing binds me except that.

“We recommend you buy a pair of flip-flops so you can blend in a little better around here.” Rafi eyes my cowboy boots, a holdover from my time as a small-town sheriff.

“Not a chance in hell,” I say, and Sloane smirks, though his eyes are still intent and scowling, studying me.

“Welcome to Sunbreak Harbor, Agent Menesiena.” But Rafi’s eyes aren’t a welcome. Not at all. I’m sure he’d be just as happy to chuck me off the top of this renovated lighthouse.

And if Mia wasn’t in danger here, I’d willingly go.

two

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Ms. Saule