Page 27 of Redemption

She lifted a shoulder. “You make time for what matters.”

“Sage advice.”

“What about you?” she asked. “You’re no longer protecting the Crawfords?” She gave me a meaningful look, as if to say, “What’s up with that?”

“Reassigned for the time being.”

“I’m sure it was difficult to say goodbye. They’re such a sweet family, especially Brooklyn.”

I smiled. I adored that kid. “That they are. But alas,” I sighed, teasing, “I go where I’m told.”

She nodded, a grim set to her expression. “As do I.”

I returned to my seat, feeling Sloan’s eyes on me the entire time. When I looked at her, she quickly turned her attention to her laptop, and I wondered if I’d imagined it.

I took my seat and resumed my arrangements for the trip. Today, we were flying to Miami, where the boat was docked. While Sloan met with the staff of the Huxley Grand Miami, I’d use the rest of the day to finish preparations so we could cast off in the morning—assuming the weather stayed fair. Levi, a teammate from Hudson who was already stationed in Miami, would keep an eye on Sloan while we were apart.

I reviewed the schematics of the boat, as well as the safety specs. Every so often, I’d chance a glance at Sloan. She was absorbed in her task, and I wondered if this was what I could expect for the next two months—the silent treatment.

Though when we were on the boat, she wouldn’t be able to avoid me or bury herself in work. We’d have to communicate and work together.

I checked the weather again. Wind was favorable. No expected storms, though there was a front we were going to have to keep our eye on.

Sloan finally closed her laptop and peered out the window as we began our descent. We might only be separated by the aisle of the private jet, but it felt more like an ocean. I wanted to address her, but I had to remind myself she was just like any other client. She had to be—for my sake anyway.

So instead, I focused on the view. Clear blue waters. A bright sunny day. I ached to be on the water just as much as I dreaded it.

It was still so strange to think that I’d be spending the next two months with Sloan. We’d barely spoken two words to each other the entire flight. Years ago, we would’ve filled the time with conversation. With touch.

Years ago, I’d been her everything. Now, I was just the bodyguard.

But seeing her again made me yearn for what we’d once shared. Yearn for easy conversation and the peace that came from being completely yourself with someone, and knowing that they loved and accepted all of you.

And yet…she’d lied to me.

She’d omitted crucial information about herself. About her family. It had made me question what else she’d lied about.

But I was a professional, and I would protect Sloan, regardless of our past. Or perhaps all the better because of it.

After we landed at the private airstrip, my counterpart from Hudson was waiting on the tarmac with a black Escalade. Levi was a younger guy, newer. Eager. He’d been here a week, preparing for our arrival.

I scanned the area from behind my sunglasses. It was warm and fucking humid, the breeze doing little to dispel the moisture that clung to my skin. My shirt was sticking to me, but I knew a shower wouldn’t make a damn bit of difference.

Meanwhile, Sloan looked immaculate. Put together and composed. Not a hair out of place.

Levi opened the door to the Escalade for Sloan, and she climbed in the back seat with a thanks.

“Hey.” We shook hands. “Thanks for doing the prep work and keeping an eye on the boat.”

“No problem.” He glanced toward the car. “You sure you don’t want to swap assignments?” He gave a meaningful lift of his brow while the airport crew loaded the luggage into the back.

I clenched my teeth, annoyed by his implication. “No. I do not.” She was the fucking principal. He had no business ogling her. “Now, let’s get going.”

He lowered his sunglasses, a sour expression on his face. “Jeez. Lighten up a little. It was a joke.”

I crowded him, hardening my jaw. “I don’t joke when it comes to the principal. Not about their safety or their person. You got it?”

He gulped. “Got it.”

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