Page 85 of The Protection Agreement

“Hello, sprinkles,” I say.

She whirls around and sprints to me. I catch her and wrap her in my arms. God, I’ve missed her. I inhale her floral scent, but it’s different.

“You changed your soap.”

“No. I found a shop that sells my usual perfume, so I bought it. Amrit made me stop wearing it.”

“Why?”

“Long story. I’ve missed you, Mr. Darcy.”

“Missed you too, sprinkles,” I say, taking her mouth.

Ice clears his throat. She pulls back, and we both turn to him.

“I’ll be across the hall with the guys. We’ll keep watch,” he says.

“Thanks, Ice,” I reply, watching him leave.

I sit on the sofa and pull her down with me.

“Tell me, how many skylines have you taken a ride to see?”

She starts counting again, mumbling, “New York, Los Angeles, London, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Toronto, Paris, Seattle, Madrid, Miami.”

“Interesting.”

“I haven’t seen Chicago. I hear it’s at the top of the list in the US.” She turns to me, smiling.

“I guess I’ll have to take you.”

“Yes, please.” She snuggles closer. I kiss her temple.

“How did you sleep the last two nights?” I ask

“It was meh. I slept on the small sofa, and Ice took the bigger one. Jonah wanted me to stay in his suite. I knew Ice wouldn’t like that, and I didn’t want Jonah to know I still struggle to sleep. He might insist I stay longer and see a doctor. Ice and I made it work.” She shrugs.

“Sorry I wasn’t here.”

“It’s okay. You’re here now. But you know Jonah can’t find out you’re here,” she reminds me.

“I know. And he won’t. I know he’s next door. We’ll be fine. My guys are everywhere. They’ll alert me.”

“What guys? I thought it was just Ice.” She pulls back, turning to me.

I chuckle. She really thinks I’d let her come this far with just Ice, when she doesn’t even move around Chicago with him alone.

“They were here before you arrived. I had them survey the hotel, inspect every exit, and monitor your room. No one gets in when you’re out.”

“Whoa. I didn’t think of all that. I had Jonah, his guards, and Ice.”

“I thought of it for you.”

“Thank you.” She rests her head on my chest.

We sit in silence. It doesn’t take long before I feel her drifting.

“Come on, sprinkles. Let’s get you to bed.”