Page 20 of A Bride for the Bodyguard

“That was my bad, Jack,” Diego admits sheepishly. “I asked him to check on that clinking noise from the roof.”

George nods, eager to explain himself further. He rambles about how this last-minute rental hadn’t given them enough time for necessary repairs and that was what caused the clinking sound.

As he speaks, I feel my jaw ticking in annoyance over Diego’s casual disregard for security protocols.

“By the way,” George says, turning back to me as if he’s just remembered something important, “Patricia wanted me to extend our congratulations on your wedding.” Then he nudges me with his elbow. “Heard your wife is a real looker, too.”

My gaze drops to where George’s arm meets mine. The desire to break this guy’s skull for commenting on my wife’s looks roars within me. But I rein it in, reminding myself that there are bigger battles ahead.

“She is,” I respond coolly “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Seems this town loves a good wedding, huh?” George chuckles obliviously. “You know how people talk—everyone’s expecting an invite soon.”

“Anything else you need, George? We need to get back to work.”

I know I’m coming off as a jerk, but it’s the only way I know how to handle situations like these. The older man’s expression crumples slightly.

“Nope, I’ll let you get back to it. You know where to find me if you need anything.” George tips his hat and turns to leave.

Sometimes I wish I could be as open, as trusting as George. But in my line of work, trust is a luxury I can’t afford. Even good men like him can unwittingly give away too much.

As I watch him go, I make a mental note to recheck everything he touches—just to be safe. Because in this game of cat and mouse, the slightest slip-up could cost us everything.

By the time I leave Diego’s place, it’s nearly seven a.m. the next morning.

I’ve been up all night, my mind a whirlwind of surveillance footage and unanswered questions. And now, all I can think about is hopping in the shower and letting the hot water wash away this grueling night.

But as I cross the threshold into our living room, any thoughts of shower or sleep evaporate.

Marlie is sprawled on the couch in a tangle of brunette waves and soft snores. She’s bundled up in an oversized sweatshirt that drowns her curvy frame, and I’m struck by the urge to reach out, to run my fingers through a loose curl that’s fallen across her face.

Suddenly, she stirs awake with a yawn. “Hey,” she mumbles sleepily as her eyes meet mine, “what time is it?”

“Just after seven,” I reply, leaning down to press a gentle kiss against her lips. “Baby, what are you doing out here?”

“I was waiting for you,” she replies. “I got worried when you didn’t come home at your normal time. I decided to sit out here, but I guess I fell asleep.”

I curse under my breath.

Over these past few weeks, we’ve fallen into a routine. Marlie leaves my bedside lamp on before she goes to bed. When I get home at around one or two in the morning, I wake her up with a quick kiss and turn it off. Then we both go to sleep.

Tonight though—or rather this morning—I’d broken that pact.

“Fuck, I’m sorry, Marlie. I got so caught up with work I didn’t think about how late it was,” I tell her.

“It’s okay,” she replies. “I know you’re busy.”

“Still. I should have called you.”

Unable to resist any longer, I capture her lips with mine in a passionate kiss that ignites every nerve ending in my body. In seconds flat, sleepiness gives way to desire burning fiercely within me.

“I need you,” I whisper hoarsely against her skin as I pull off her sleep shorts. Even from here, I can already see she’s dripping for me.

“Such a good little wife,” I groan as I nip at the side of her neck. “Always so wet and ready for me. Bet you can’t wait to get this cock inside that needy little pussy. Tell me how much you want it, baby.”

“I want it so bad,” Marlie pants as she spreads her legs wider to give me better access.

With urgency overtaking us both now, I quickly drop my pants and slide into my wife’s sweet, tight heat. The sensation is intoxicating.

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