Page 17 of Ruthless Guardian

“Well, good luck convincing this guy.” I jerk my thumb over my shoulder.

“Convincing me of what?”

“Don’t worry about it,” I grumble. No point in poking the bear until I’ve had my latte.

As we walk the short block to the café, I can practically feel the tension radiating from the hulking beast beside me. His eyes never stop moving, a constant scrutiny of every sound, every soul that walks by. It must be exhausting.

Once we make it insideThink Coffee, the savory scent of roasted coffee beans fills my nostrils, and the rage begins to dwindle. Maybe Serena was right about my caffeine fix. As we wait in line, Serena chatters on about her big move, and I can’t help the twinge of jealousy and sadness from sneaking in. I’m going to miss my best friend like crazy, and I am so envious that she’s going to have this amazing experience without me.

As I sink into a pity party for one, I feel my guard twitch beside me. A hand lands on my shoulder, the touch lasting only an instant before it’s ripped off and a scream ricochets across the café.

I whirl around to find my bodyguard’s massive frame trapping a guy beneath him. Again. A wave of gasps echoes around us, and embarrassment steamrolls over me as I make out the wriggling form beneath. “What the hell, Raf? That’s my Genetics professor!”

Pools of pure black stare up at me as he twists Professor Dykeman’s arm behind his back. “He touched you.”

“As normal people often do.” I crouch down on the floor, muttering apologies as I haul the overprotective asshole off the ground.

Thankfully the crowd begins to disburse, more interested in their morning coffee than my family drama. Serena watches the whole scene like it’s the funniest thing in the world that my bodyguard just assaulted one of my instructors.

“I’m so sorry, professor.” I throw Raf a scathing glare as my teacher from last semester rubs his wrist. “Are you okay?”

“Barely. Your boyfriend over here almost snapped my wrist.”

I choke on a laugh. “He isnotmy boyfriend. This is my new bodyguard,” I offer sheepishly. “He’s a little overzealous. Again, I’m so sorry.” Most of the staff are well aware of my situation. Though most think I have men in suits trailing me because of my father’s legitimate business, few know the dark truth.

“Clearly,” he mumbles. “I saw you as I walked in and wanted to share an exciting opportunity that I thought you would be perfect for.” His light eyes bounce between Raf and me. “But perhaps, I was mistaken.”

“No, please, what is it?”

“A colleague of mine fromPoliclinico Gemellijust informed me of a summer internship available to pre-med students with outstanding potential. One of the students dropped out last minute, leaving a spot open. The position is in Rome, and I figured with your Italian background, you’d be the perfect candidate.”

CHAPTER 9

AN OUNCE OF FREEDOM

Isabella

“Oh my God, are you serious?”

“Well, I was until a moment ago when your guard assaulted me.” He eyes Raf like he’s a ticking timebomb and the slightest move could set him off. He’s not exactly wrong from what I’ve seen so far of the volatile male.

I dig my elbow into Raf’s side, and with an obnoxious grunt, he clears his throat. “I apologize for hurting you, but as I’m sure you understand, my client’s life comes first.”

Professor Dykehouse snorts, but at least he looks slightly more at ease.

“Why don’t the two of you sit down to talk?” Serena leads us toward a table in the back with our coffees in hand. “I’ll keep Mr. Impulsive in check.”

“I don’t think so,” Raf snarls, “but I’d be happy to sit and watch while you discuss.” He points at a table in the corner with enough seats for us all.

“There’s not much to discuss honestly.” My professor is still eyeing Raf like a wild animal who might strike at any moment, despite the apology, and I can’t say I blame him. The man is intimidating as fuck. “I can email you all the information, and you can decide whether you’d like to take the opening. But you don’t have much time, the program begins in two weeks.”

“Yes, I would love that. Please send me all the details.” I keep the rest of my thoughts to myself because I don’t want to sound like a child.If my parents will let me go.

“Will do.” He dips his head and turns toward the door, clearly eager to escape Raf’s caustic stares.

Serena grabs my hands and squeals the moment my professor is gone. “You have to take it, Bella! This would be incredible, you in Rome and me in Milan, we’d have the most incredible summer.”

Raf clucks his tongue beside me, the sound sending a wave of irritation all the way to my bones.

---