Page 34 of Protective Heroes

Alone but for all twenty pairs of eyes on us, Gabriel leaned in so close I could see his face beyond his mirrored sunglasses. And the way his eyes slid over my body in a wicked glide. Apparently, he thought the scowl would work on me too.

I sipped my cherry sangria, savoring the mixture of tang and sweet, hoping to God he couldn’t see the way my body shivered and my nipples puckered under his intense stare.

With all the calm I didn’t feel, I placed my drink on the little table next to me. I rested my head against the lounge chair, rolling my eyes, ready for the fight to come.

Hindsight told me I should have taken my best friend up on her offer for a seat on her private plane to Ireland. But no, stubborn me wanted the amenities of a hideaway five-star hotel instead of a small cottage on a hillside overlooking the sea. At least no one would have found me there.

Unknown to my father, I worked hard tutoring classmates and this trip was the first I personally saved up for and earned. Nothing came out of daddy's money. Merry Christmas to me.

I don’t know what all the fuss was about. My father spent the holidays off closing one deal or another. He wouldn’t be home for the holidays so I don’t see why I had to be.

Same thing every year. Well, not this year.

This was my Christmas vacation, and I wasn’t having it ruined by my controlling father or his fucking lackey.

“Ms. Davidson. Don’t make me repeat myself. Now, please.” Gabriel’s husky tone stroked against my senses. Hearing his gravelly voice say my name like he wanted to kiss me made my nipples turn hard as ice. I ignored my body’s reaction, pretending it was just the dropping temperature.

I opened my eyes to find my image reflected in his sunglasses. I worked hard to fight my addiction to carbs and pies but who am I kidding. I never turned one or the other down. And my running shoes paid hell for my additions. But still, I wasn’t as thin as the wannabe models around me. I carried a little extra weight around my stomach and hips. My boobs were ample and most people would say I belonged in one-piece at best.

Well, fuck ‘em.

This Christmas I picked a two-piece the color of Santa’s hat and I’m working it.

From what I could see outside his mirrored sunglasses, the front side of my father’s friend/gopher and now my bodyguard was still hot. With that voice and the fierce expression, I’m sure he was used to everyone obeying his orders, too.

Good luck with that, Captain.

My eyes slid up his perfect body, and I fought a blush to no avail. “You’re not my dad, you know. Go boss someone else around. Me? I’m. Not. Going. Anywhere,” I stated, trying for more cool and calm when a blizzard of lust whirled inside me. Damn man. And why the hell did I pull the not my dad card?

I knew why. To see that wild look cross his face and to see what he did next.

He doesn’t even blink, and I fight against a shiver but it’s a losing battle.

After a couple of seconds I’m sure he used to rework his mental plan, the arrogant bastard just smirked seconds before a dark look crossed his face.

I shivered and of course, that sent a false news flash to my nipples. Again.

His eyes darted over them, and I knew the second he noticed the hard tips pressing against the thin, red fabric.

He growled, “What is it, Ice Princess? Getting cold?”

“What do you care?” I flung at him, yanking on my pullover which isn’t much more than a frilly lacy shawl. If he thought he was intimidating me like he did the rest of the people here, he was in for a big surprise.

I took a long sip, puckering my glossy lips around the straw into a pout as I peered at him over the top of my sunglasses.

Goosebumps pebbled my skin and I honestly don’t know if it was the chill coming in from the fading light or his heated glare.

His lips tightened and a muscle in his jaw flexed.

My confused brain spun with all sorts of fantasies. Of what it would be like to sit up, run my fingers through his hair, and take his mouth in a hot kiss. What I would do if he kissed me back.

It would probably shock that scowl off his face.

“Is there alcohol in that?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “Gee, I don’t know. Care to smell my breath?” I set the drink down but helped myself to the fruit garnish. “Look, Gabe.” He hated my nickname for him so I drew it out. “Take your three-piece and your scowl and get off this mountain while you can. A storm is rolling in. I hear there’s a quaint town nearby. Maybe you can catch their tree lighting or something. I’ll tell Daddy you did your best.”

“The party’s over, Ms. Davidson. Your stuff is packed and the only thing I need to get in my truck is you. Can we leave without a scene?” he growled, his nostrils flaring.

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