Page 131 of Under Her Protection

Bodyguard work had been built into her identity for so long that stepping away from it had felt, at first, like abandoning part of herself. She was good at protecting people. Good at putting herself between danger and whoever she had been tasked to keep safe.

But being good at something did not mean she needed to do it forever.

Eventually, Leo had sat down with her boss and said what she wanted.

Progression.

Responsibility.

A role that used everything she knew without sending her constantly into the field.

A life in which she could come home.

Now she was Head of Corporate Risk at Blackthorn Security.

There were meetings. Strategy. Assessments. Clients. Occasional requirements that took her back into Paris or away for work.

But most nights, she slept here.

Beside Vivienne.

That had been the point.

Leo had not given up her career for love.

She had built a career that made room for it.

Vivienne understood the difference.

And loved her for it.

“I’m an excellent executive,” Leo said.

“Your shirt is only buttoned halfway.”

“You keep looking at my body.”

“That is hardly evidence of professional competence.”

Leo’s grin widened.

“Want me to button it?”

“No.”

The answer came far too quickly.

Leo laughed.

Then she kissed her.

Vivienne melted against her with a quiet sound she would once have despised herself for making.

Leo’s hands tightened around her hips.

The kiss deepened.

There were still moments when Leo remembered the first time she had touched Vivienne and how impossible it had seemed.