Page 75 of Lord of Retribution

And the man seemed perfectly content, as if he was thoroughly used to the scene, his duties as a soldier-slash-bodyguard. I finally stopped only a few feet short, studying the large man intently. Maybe I hadn’t paid him much attention before, but he was quite good looking in a boyish kind of way, his long blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. Had it been before?

What I also noticed was how extensive the cuts and bruises were on his face. Had that been from the accident? Certainly, they must be. Or had he been in a bar fight? Or worse?

I wasn’t positive of his name even though I’d heard it at least twice and that troubled me. I was usually very good with names, which led me to believe I was still unsettled from the whirlwind week.

Well, duh. Of course you are.

My inner voice had been knocking me more than it had been before, encouraging me to tell the man I’d married the truth. But to what end? Death to either Maria, myself, or her family? I couldn’t allow that to happen.

I wasn’t certain how to broach a conversation but when I noticed he was reading Tom Clancy, I laughed involuntarily. “Executive Orders?” I asked.

When he lifted his head, I was stunned by the warmth in his bright green eyes. I hadn’t noticed them before either. What was wrong with me? Had I forgotten all my manners, acting as if he was the hired help when I should be in that position? Instead of the harsh way Kane always looked at me, as if I was destroying his buddy’s life, this man instantly broke out into a smile before jerking up as if the house was burning down all around us.

When he reached for his weapon, which was holstered on his side, I threw out my hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Is there something wrong, Mrs. Thorn? I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have been reading. I apologize. I won’t allow it to happen again.”

Why did I have the distinct feeling he was worried that I’d tell his boss he’d been caught on the job reading instead of hovering over me? His reaction brought a smile to my face and I walked closer. “Don’t be silly. I can take care of myself and I can tell you’re not going to allow anyone inside that door or anywhere else in this house for that matter.”

He smiled, nodding several times. “No one will get to you until they go through me and they won’t like that very much. I’m trained.”

“By Daniel?”

“No, ma’am. I was a Marine up until a year ago.”

“I’m sorry. I forget your name and I so apologize.” I held out my hand for a shake and he seemed confused, but grinned seconds later more easily than before as he accepted my gesture.

“Brock Mullins, Mrs. Thorn. Real pleased to meet you.” His slightly southern accent was so appealing.

“Please for the love of God call me Maria. My mother is Mrs. Thorn.” God, the lies were coming so much easier now.

He exhaled, darting a glance from one side of the room to the other. “My boss won’t like it if I disrespect you.”

“For calling me by my first name? You allow me to handle my wayward husband. Okay?”

His grin was so boyish, highlighting his dimples, that I had a feeling we might just get to be friends. “Yes, ma’am. I mean Maria.”

“So you like Tom Clancy?”

“I do. I just got started reading his books though. I went through several other authors including Clive Cussler and Mr. Thorn suggested I try Mr. Clancy.”

He said the writer’s last name as if in reverence. “He’s a wonderful author. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It just seems… out of the ordinary.”

“You mean for bad men to care about bettering themselves?”

“I didn’t mean to insult you.”

“You didn’t. I know what people might think, including my family.”

“Why are you working for Daniel? I have to ask since you served our country honorably.”

“I have a Purple Heart to prove it,” he said, obviously so proud of himself. “The truth is that my brother worked for Mr. Thorn for years and spoke highly of the man and how he handles his soldiers. When my brother was killed, it seemed natural to take his place. But the rest of my family doesn’t seem to think so.”

“How did he die?”

“Protecting Mr. Thorn and his family.”

He made the statement so easily, so naturally that I had a feeling he’d easily step into the line of fire to protect Daniel or me. I was floored and uncertain what to say. “I’m so sorry, Brock. Losing your brother must have been tough.”

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