Page 24 of Vengeful Guard

It’s nothing like my neighborhood, which has been called colorful at the very least. There even seems to be less smog in this area, and I breathe the clean air as I run.

I make a round trip at about five miles, and I’m sweating profusely, my thigh muscles aching. As much as I’m trying to bulk up, I also want to keep my agility and stamina, and running is the best way to do that.

When I unlock Paige’s door, I’m quiet. She said she was going to sleep in, and it’s only about seven-thirty.

As I walk into the kitchen, a scream pierces my eardrums.

I wince as I immediately reach for the weapon on my thigh and pull it out, pointing it to where the scream came from.

Paige’s wide eyes are on me as she holds a hand to her heart, standing at the refrigerator. “Jesus Christ, you scared the shit out of me!”

I chuckle as I release the breath I was holding, pulling the gun away again.

“You knew I was here.” I roll my eyes and move past her to grab a bottle of water from her fridge.

“What are you doing? That’s mine.” She makes to grabs it, but I hold it over her head, smirking.

The growl that comes with her foot stomping near has me on the floor laughing. Does she think that will scare me?

Finally, she gives up, just glaring at me like she hopes looks can kill.

“I’m sure you can spare a bit of water, your highness.”

“Oh, fuck off.”

“Thought you were going to sleep in.”

She rolls her eyes. “So did I.”

I tilt my head. “Why didn’t you?”

She sighs. “None of your business.”

I look at her a moment longer. There are circles under her eyes. “You’re not sleeping well.”

“I’m sleeping fine.”

I let a long breath out of my nostrils.

She’s lying, but that’s not my business. I was hired to watch out for her, not to baby her like her siblings do. If she’s sleeping or not, it’s no skin off my back.

I shrug. “Whatever you say.”

I take a few gulps of water and look at the fruit on the counter before grabbing an apple and biting into it.

She slams the refrigerator door after grabbing herself a yogurt.

“Fine. I’m having trouble sleeping. Any tips?” She flips open the coffee maker.

“No caffeine after three p.m.,” I tell her. “Lots of water. Exercise.”

She huffs, throwing her hair over her shoulder. “I don’t exercise.”

I look over at her.

Tight little body. Curve of her hips, plenty of ass. Thick thighs and calves, the little pouch of her belly.

She doesn’t look like she never works out, but she’s not crazy athletic, either. Not that I’ve ever been attracted to those gym rat chicks. They’re too skinny, not enough to hold on to. Unlike Paige, who has curves for days. Lots to hold on to.

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