Page 20 of Vengeful Guard

I narrow my eyes. “You know what I mean. You never paint your toenails.”

“What are you talking about?” She frowns, blinking. “Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not okay!”

6

PAIGE

Lara has to be able to help me, or I’m doomed. It’s life or death right now. Possibly even literally, since I still have no idea what changed that I now suddenly need to have a grumpy lapdog around.

I toss myself on her bed, head on a pillow, arm over my eyes. I don’t look at her, but I can almost feel her rolling her eyes at me because I’m dramatic. I always have been.

“Oh, that’s right. I know what this is now. You heard about the bodyguard thing.”

I pull my arm away from my eyes to frown at her. “It’s not just the bodyguard thing, Lara. It’s that the bodyguard I’m being saddled with is Kael.”

Lara just stares at me, frowning. “So?”

“So? Kael ignores me all the time! I think he even goes the extra mile to avoid me. He can’t stand me!”

“Again, so? Not like you’re marrying the guy, he’s your bodyguard.”

“My bodyguard who’s going to be staying at my house, living under my roof, contaminating my space with his grumpiness and assholery.” Why can none of them understand me?

Lara snickers.

“What the hell is so funny?” I huff out a breath.

“You’re just still the most dramatic person I’ve ever met.” She shakes her head, but I know it’s not an insult because she’s smiling. “Look, it’s just for a little while. Until this whole Murphy thing blows over.”

“Oh, you mean the rivalry that has plagued our family for decades?”

“No, just the stuff with Bree.” She shrugs. “I just know things will calm down after that.”

“It could take god knows how long.” I know it, and so does she, but since she’s not the one having to live with her nemesis, I guess she doesn’t care.

Unfortunately, I care. A lot. Because we can’t stand each other.

I can’t imagine having to deal with Kael in my house twenty-four seven, eating in my dining room, sleeping in my guestroom. I’ll end up going insane.

Lara nudges my ribs with her elbow. “Get off my bed and go out somewhere, spend time with your friends, do something fun. You’ve been cooped up too long. It’ll be good for you to get back to some semblance of normal.”

“Maybe you’re right.” I know she is, but it’s not something I think I’m ready to do just yet.

I hate that it’s time to get back and face Kael.

Being stuck with him will be hell, but I can try and ignore him as much as possible. Or maybe I can lay down some ground rules. I mean, it’s my house, right?

Hell, with as insolent and grumpy as he is, he’ll probably spend all his time cooped up in his room, and I’m stressing over nothing.

I guess there’s only one way to find out, so I stand up, sighing.

Lara stands up too and gives me a quick hug.

“It'll all be okay, Paige,” she whispers into my ear, and just like that, emotion drowns me all over again.

God, what’s wrong with me? Ever since the attempted kidnapping I’ve been close to tears at the drop of a hat. Not that I was ever any different. I feel a lot. Feel it all under my skin. Deep into my soul. I love hard. Hate harder.

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