Page 110 of Strictly Forbidden

He laughed. “I’m sorry for catching you off guard and for not discussing this with you before but as you might imagine, the last two months had been… difficult. You have a solid reputation in the city, with my men and it would seem you have influence over various men who provide my organization with assistance. I would be honored if you would consider taking over my organization. I can assure you that you will become a very wealthy man.”

“I am a wealthy man, Saldono.”

“True. I understand you sold your grandfather’s company for a very nice profit.”

As he glanced from Noel back to me, I could tell she was becoming antsy. Did I enjoy power and money? Well, of course I did, but with her goodness and light, I wanted nothing to do with being enveloped in the dark side of crime or politics.

To say I’d turned over a new leaf might be extreme, but I was enjoying life without the pressures of staying under the radar.

“Yes, I did, Saldono. While I appreciate the offer, I honestly have no desire to continue looking over my shoulder under any circumstances. Besides, I have a new job.” I couldn’t help myself, pulling Noel’s hand to my lips.

She laughed heartedly as Saldono raised his eyebrows. “It would seem my latest book sales are through the roof. I need someone I can count on by my side, a bodyguard so to speak.”

Saldono laughed and shook his head. “Ah, the power of love. I do remember those days. And I understand. I’ve often wondered what my life would be like had I fought my father’s wishes, becoming a pediatrician instead.”

I thought for certain Noel was going to laugh in his face but when she moved closer to the man, placing her hand on his arm, the sweet smile was able to warm the man. “You would have made an amazing doctor.”

He took her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing her knuckles. “Thank you for that. A compliment I will treasure. If you should change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“Yes, I do,” I told him, “but I assure you I won’t.”

As he headed to the door, Noel and I glanced at each other, both of us amused by his offer. After opening the door, he hesitated. “I admire you, Kage. You were given a raw deal but instead of turning into a monster, you overcame every obstacle. Your children will be proud of you.”

Neither one of us said anything until he and his brigade had left. I couldn’t help turning toward her, grinning like some mischievous kid. “Does he know something I don’t know?”

“Sorry, my handsome man. I plan on enjoying success with my new bodyguard for a little while. However…” She ran her hand down my chest before walking away.

I found it fascinating how much I’d changed over the last few months, more so than I thought possible.

All because of a broken-down pup helping a broken man find the life and the woman of his dreams. Yes, life was amazing.

Noel

There was a lot to be said for hard work and diligence. As I gazed into the crowd of at least four hundred fans taking over the bookstore, I was shocked how good it felt to finally be in the limelight. I’d hated it before, doing everything I could to avoid the possibility. Now I relished it.

Maybe that was because I had one hunk of a man watching out for and over me.

He also refused to allow me to get away with anything.

Or the people waiting to see me.

I’d started calling him the enforcer because he was tough as nails, but during the last two weeks of going from state to state, city to city promoting my latest release, he’d never missed a beat. Always by my side.

Always with encouraging words.

Always reminding me that I belonged to him.

As my agent finally stood in front of the podium ready to announce my obvious presence, I scanned the crowd of eager faces before locking eyes with the man I loved.

Were we both still scarred from what we’d been through? Yes, but the truth was we were healing together.

All because of one amazing and very special dog.

Max was resting at my feet, our constant companion for every moment.

People adored our furry boy, flocking to see him almost as often as they came to have me sign a book. On this day, everything seemed even more special and I wasn’t certain why.

Other than I knew Kage had something up his sleeve. I could always figure it out. When he did, his dimples showed, which was a rarity.

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