Page 1 of When He Protects

Chapter One

“Sometimes,you meet someone…and you know right away that the person is trouble.”

Tyler Barrett stiffened when he heard the low, sultry voice. He’d been doing a security sweep at the overpriced party. No one should have been able to sneak up behind him because he knew to keep his guard up but…

He turned slowly and found a gorgeous brunette beaming up at him. Matching dimples flashed in her cheeks, and her lush lips—painted a deep, tempting and slick red—had curved into a smile. Her dark eyes reflected the smile even as she extended her hand toward him. A sparkling emerald flashed around her index finger and a blood-red ruby gleamed on her ring finger.

“What makes you think I’m trouble?” Tyler heard himself ask even as he automatically took her hand. His much bigger fingers swallowed hers. But he was careful not to use too much strength.

He was playing a role that night. Wearing the expensive tux. Acting like he was drinking the fizzing champagne.And attempting to fit into the land of the wealthy and privileged as he hunted his prey.

“You have this wonderfully intense vibe happening,” the woman told him. When she tilted her head, her hair slid over her shoulder. A body-hugging black dress poured over her curves. A dress with a daring slit that crept up ever-so-high on her right thigh.

Sexy.

Laughter came from her. Teasing and husky. “See something you like?”

And, shit, he’d just been caught staring at her legs. Gorgeous legs. She wore two-inch black heels that made her appear a bit taller, but he figured his mystery lady was probably around five-foot-six without them.

His gaze came back to her face. What a face it was. High cheekbones. Wide, intelligent eyes that somehow seemed extra mysterious. Maybe it was the dark shadow around them. Maybe it was her insanely long lashes. Whatever.

Women like her don’t usually approach men like me.

And, if it had been a typical situation, she wouldn’t be coming to his side that night. She’d probably be running from him. Despite his current appearance, he did not belong in this world. But this night was different. He was working undercover.

“I’m sure men tell you all the time that theylikeeverything about you,” Tyler murmured.

Her laughter trickled out again. It was as sexy as the rest of her. Dammit.

Tyler released her hand. He needed to get back to studying the?—

“I don’t think I’ve seen you before at the usual round of parties. How do you know Jorlan?”

Their host. Jorlan Rodgers. Explorer extraordinaire. The billionaire spent plenty of time traipsing across the world. And when he came back from those traipses? He always had special trinkets with him. Expensive treasures that he liked to showcase at his private events. And sometimes offer in auctions to the highest bidder.

“We went to boarding school together,” Tyler said.

She blinked. “Really?” The woman edged closer to him. “You’re really going to tell me that you’re some country club, boarding school boy?” A shake of her head. “I would have pegged you for something else entirely.”

“And just what would that be?”

Her dark stare swept over him. “Muscles for days,” she sighed. “So impressive.”

He frowned.

She cleared her throat. “Well, if I had to guess—and this is, of course, purely a guess—because I have no personal knowledge of you. I just walked in, saw your sexy self and thought I’d say hello. Introducing yourself is such a nice, courteous thing to do.”

His frown deepened. She hadn’tactuallyintroduced herself to him. He didn’t know the mystery lady’s name.

“But guessing, I wouldn’t say you were a kid who’d grown up with a trust fund. You don’t have that money-to-burn-and-no-shits-to-give vibe about you.”

Tyler let his brows rise. “And what vibe do I have?”

Her stare was considering. “A dangerous one. A take-no-prisoners vibe. Like you can’t stand for bullshit. Like the people here are boring you out of your mind and you cannot wait to escape them.”

He made sure to lock down his expression.

She began to twirl a lock of hair. All casual-like. “You look like you’re on the job. Studying everyone you see alittle too intently. Marking each person the way you would a suspect.”

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