Page 21 of Stealth Mission

“God, you can’t sneak up on a girl! You’re always doing that!”

“You knew I was going to follow you.”

I did. But still…

Clutching my chest, I hurry through the door, onto the back walkway. “I kind of figured you’d follow. You don’t seem like the kind of person that just… I don’t know what you are. Anway, I didn’t realize you were that close. You’re like a panther or something.”

“Or something, I guess…” He watches me from those dark gray eyes. “Are you okay?”

I could lie. But I don’t, it does not seem right to when he clearly saw what happened. “No. I’m shaken.”

There’s a solemn expression on his face when he nods. “I’m angry that I left you to deal with him. I knew better.”

“You did what I asked.”

“It still makes me angry that I let him treat you like that.”

He cares.

This stranger cares enough to follow me to make sure I’m not…

Crying my eyes out?

I pinch my lips between my teeth.

His hard expression softens. “Where are we going?”

I wince a little as I wrap my arms around my middle, still shaking from the sparring match with Sylvester. “Sorry to bail on my promise to talk more with you, but I think I should go home. I can come to your hotel in the morning.”

He just looks at me for a beat. Then, eyes softening until they are warm gray pools, he steps closer. “I’m sorry he upset you. I’ll go back in there and shove his face in the punchbowl if it makes you happy.”

“God, am I crazy for wishing you really would?”

He grips my arm, his warm fingers wrapping around the bare skin just above my elbow. “No. And I will.”

Short circuiting begins immediately. Why does his touch affect me so much?

Think, girl.I shake my head. “No, he’s not worth getting fruit punch on your nice suit.”

Walt smiles quickly then turns serious. “Where’s your car?”

I tip my head toward a cluster of guards that are staring at us. “One of them will drive me. They brought me here.”

Walt raises a hand, making some kind of quick swirling motion. It’s efficient and practiced, making me wonder if he’s in situations like this a lot.

Magically, one guard nods and heads toward one of the mayor’s cars.

Nervous still, I look around.

In all likelihood Sylvester’s drinking off his bruised ego. I’m sure one of the wealthy single women will take mercy on him and shove her boobs against him as she idolizes him.

Sensing my unease, Walt rests his hand on my lower back. “You’re nervous about him coming after you?”

I nod and moisten my lips. “Sylvester might see me out here. I should stand under the terrace while I wait for the car to come.”

Walt stands taller, adjusting his tie. “Fuck Sylvester. He comes down here, he deals with me and it won’t be a conversation this time.”

Something fluttery takes flight inside my stomach. “I kind of like having my own bodyguard.”

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