Page 63 of Bound to the Bodyguard

“Can’t you feel it? This thing between us.” I hesitated, searching his eyes. “It’s real, isn’t it?”

He remained silent, but his gaze never wavered, steady and true.

“Jerome, I’m scared, but not of what’s out there anymore—I’m scared of how much I want you.”

It wasn’t fear that made my heart race now—it was anticipation, desire... need.

“Raven,” Jerome finally spoke, his voice thick with an emotion he rarely showed. “You know I will always protect you, but…”

“Stop.” I cut him off, determination surging to the forefront. “I don’t want you to be my bodyguard anymore, Jerome.” I held up a hand to still his protest. “Not because I don’t think I need protecting, but because I want something different. Something more.”

“Are you sure?” The lines on his forehead deepened with his frown. “The danger may have passed, but I took an oath to keep you safe.”

“Safe,” I echoed, rolling the word around my tongue. “Yes, you’ve kept me safe, but at what cost? Our chance to see where this goes? That’s a price too steep for me now.”

“Raven, are you firing me?” The hint of a smile played at the corner of his lips, yet his eyes searched mine for the truth.

A laugh escaped me, short but genuine. “Yes. I suppose I am. Because I want to hire you for a different position entirely.”

His hand reached up, capturing mine still resting against his cheek. “And what would that be?”

“Partner. Confidant. Maybe... maybe even lover.” The words hung in the air, heavy with implications and promises.

“Is that wise?” His voice was teasing now, fingers interlacing with mine.

“Probably not,” I admitted, a wry smile tugging at my lips. “But since when have I ever played it safe?”

“Never,” he agreed, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “And that’s exactly why I—”

Whatever he was about to say was lost as I leaned forward, intention clear in my eyes. But before their lips could meet, I paused, inches away. “This is your last chance to back out, Jerome Dawson.”

“Backing out isn’t in my nature,” he said, the warmth of his breath mingling with mine. “Especially not with you, Raven Fields.”

“Good,” I breathed, closing the gap between us.

My lips met his in a tentative whisper of a kiss, testing the waters of this new frontier. Jerome’s response was anything but hesitant—firm and insistent. He coaxed my mouth open with a gentle urgency that sent a shiver down my spine. This wasn’t the protective touch of my bodyguard; this was the raw desire of a man who wanted me as fiercely as I wanted him.

“Jerome,” I murmured against his lips, the name feeling like a revelation on my tongue. It was strange how different it sounded now—not a call for help, but a plea for more.

I pulled away slightly, searching his eyes for any sign of hesitation. But all I found was the same intensity that had always marked his vigilant gaze, now lit with a different kind of fire. “We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” I offered, the words costing me more than I cared to admit.

“Ready?” he echoed, a soft chuckle resonating in his chest. “I’ve been ready since the day I vowed to keep you safe.” His fingers brushed away a lock of hair from my bruised cheek—a tender gesture that belied his strength. “But only if you’re sure, Raven. If there’s a part of you, that’s not...”

As our bodies pressed closer, the sensation of his solid frame against mine felt like an anchor in a stormy sea.

“God, Raven,” Jerome breathed out, his restraint unraveling as his hands slid down to cup my curves, pulling my hips against his own. “You feel... incredible.”

“Then don’t stop,” I breathed back, nails grazing along the nape of his neck as I arched into him. The pain of my bruises faded under the surge of adrenaline and endorphins, replaced by a hunger for connection that demanded to be satiated.

As we moved together, a symphony of soft moans and whispered affirmations filled the room. There were no guards to stand watch, no hidden threats lurking in the shadows.

Afterward, I nestled closer, the curve of my body fitting perfectly against his side. I felt the rise and fall of his chest, each breath a silent oath of protection and care.

“What we have... it’s real, isn’t it?”

“More real than anything I’ve ever known.” His thumb brushing away a stray tear that had escaped from the corner of my eye. His gaze held mine, unwavering and full of an intensity that made my heart swell.

“Good.” I let out a contented sigh, allowing myself to relax fully for the first time in what felt like forever. “Because I don’t want to go back to before—before this.”

---