Page 39 of Untamed Protector

“That, too. Peter meant I don’t take on women as clients for my services. My personal protection services.”

Well, well… What the heck do these personal protection services include? I need to ask him straight up.

“Why? Do they sneak out on you easily? You can’t manage them?”

“There’s more to it.”

“No kidding. And here I am. The exception to your rule. Should I know why?”

“Rich women have a way of turning a bodyguard into a fantasy hero in their heads. I learned the hard way that, for some of them, having a handsome bodyguard is a perk, not a security measure. So, I prefer to deal with men only. They might have their moments, but at least they keep their expectations professional. The last thing I need is a scene. I’m in the business of saving lives, not dodging unwanted advances.”

“Wow. That did not sound arrogant at all. Not one bit.”

“What’s arrogant? Reserving my right to say no to some potential clients?”

“No. Assuming that any woman could fall in love with you if you gave her a little attention. Do you hear yourself?”

The audacity of this guy! Whatever. He’ll be safe with me. But the second this is over, I’m out of here like a bat out of hell.

“I didn’t say that. You’re twisting my words. You need to live a little more before you disagree with me.”

“Oh, I see. You have a problem with women.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Then why doesn’t anyone live with you? No women? Never?” The question hangs heavy in the air.

“I’m single, like I said. It’s a choice.”

“A choice?” I continue with an unexpected need to push him into a corner. “Or is it because you can’t find anyone who wants a life like this? A life with no room for love?”

“Love? In this business? It’s a liability. A distraction. It gets people killed.”

“Maybe. But maybe it’s also what makes life worth living for. Even with the risks.”

He scoffs, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. “I’m single, I told you. It’s a lifestyle choice, that’s all. Why are you making such a big deal about it?”

His jaw clenches, the forced nonchalance slipping away. “Love is overrated,” he mutters, the words hollow even to his ears. “Love is a luxury I can’t afford. It clouds judgment and creates vulnerabilities. This job…?” he gestures around, showing an invisible space, “…needs focus.” The weight of his words hangs heavy, a chilling truth that makes me wonder what darkness he’s seen to hold love in such low regard.

“And sex? Is sex overrated, too?” I don’t know where I got that line. It just slipped out.

The silence feels like a suffocating weight in the car’s confined space. Not a word escapes his lips, but the tension radiating off him is palpable. He doesn’t even turn his head to look at me. Finally, he starts the engine.

“It’s late. We’re both tired. We’ll be there soon, and you’ll be able to rest. Tomorrow, we’ll talk, make decisions, and move on. But tonight,” his voice drops to a near whisper, his eyes meeting mine for a fleeting moment, “tonight, all that matters is your safety. Yours, Lena’s, and your father’s. Everything else can wait. Focus on that, Lexi, and don’t get hung up on the details. I will keep you safe. It’s all that counts right now.”

11

Gabriel

“So, this is me,” I say as we arrive in front of my house.

Lexi peeks out the car’s window. “This little house? This is where you live?”

“Sorry to disappoint you. But I promise there’s a comfy bed, hot water, and food. Since you keep saying you’re a prisoner…”

Lexi seems a little calmer after our chat in the car. Fingers crossed. That means she might be more willing to hear my ideas now. Spilling my life story to clients isn’t exactly my style. But Dominic’s right; she’s become much more than just a client.

“You mean a bed as in… one bed? Aren’t there more?” she says, shooting me a glare, her lips pressed together in a thin line, a splash of bold red lipstick, like a poppy against the soft canvas of her naturally beautiful face.

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