Page 95 of Vengeful Guard

As much as I hate to admit it, Kael is right. The way we look at each other makes things seem obvious. As much as I tried not to glance at him, make eye contact with him, I kept doing it anyway. I kept dreaming about impossible, unspeakable things.

I kept wanting what will never be mine. Kept craving the forbidden fruit.

And then I let him kiss me, right there where Da and his men could see us. I’m playing with fire and expecting not to get burned.

I stay inside long enough to get my head on my shoulders, but it’s been long enough that Da might start wondering if something is wrong.

With a large exhale, I close my eyes and let my head fall forward. Time to face the world again.

I lift my head, my chin up high, and I breathe deep.

Here we go.

My hand reaches for the doorknob and turns it. As soon as I pull the door toward me, I take a step outside and almost bump into a very large chest.

“There you are, princess. I was just about to get in there and see if something had happened.”

My breath rushes out of me. I hold up a hand to my chest, trying to stop my heart from bursting out. “Jesus! You’re everywhere.”

“I’m like your shadow, little princess. And I will be until your family calls me off.”

I take a deep breath through my nostrils. “Still don’t see why you have to be up my ass all the time.”

Kael growls and opens his mouth to retort, probably intending to make a dirty joke, but I elbow him in the ribs.

“Don’t you dare.”

He shuts his mouth, but he’s smiling.

I walk around him and head out to join my da at the table.

Kael stays behind me. I have no idea if he’s coming or staying, but his eyes on me as I walk away sear my skin, yet I refuse to look back at him.

Da looks up from the cheesecake on the table and smiles.

I smile back as the mirror behind my da explodes before he crashes to the ground.

For a few seconds, I’m frozen, just staying there, unable to understand what’s happening as the world around me seems to move in slow motion.

Three men with guns drawn come in the front door, and two men from the back door.

I open my mouth to scream, but nothing comes out.

Is this another nightmare?

My feet are glued to the spot, and I can’t move.

My arm is yanked, and I look up, frowning at the strange man grabbing me.

My heart throbs, and my blood rushes through my ears, and I’m back in that day again, helpless, defenseless. A liability.

Kael. He should be here.

Remembering his name awakens something in me.

I close my eyes, thinking about what Kael taught me.

Use your body weight. Fight to escape, not to win.

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