Page 6 of Ruthless Guardian

The intensity of his tone tries to pin me down, make me feel secure, but it also pulls at the edges of my restraint. I lean forward, a playful smirk forming because apparently this man possesses some sort of magical power over me. I feel flirtatious, I feel alive for the first time in a month. And again, it all feels weirdly familiar. "Thoroughly, huh? Does that include tackling the dire threats of midnight chocolate cravings or extracting me from insufferably dull dinner parties?"

A spark of amusement lights up his dark eyes, briefly softening the steel in them. "If those pose a risk to your well-being, then absolutely."

My laughter cuts through the tension, sharp and maybe too raw. "My risks tend to be a bit more life-threatening than social faux pas, Mr. Ferrara." Though I wouldn’t mind having him in my arm for a gala or two. The man would look devastating in a tux.

He doesn't miss a beat, his gaze locking onto mine with unflinching seriousness. "I'm fully briefed on the actual threats,SignorinaValentino. I heard what happened at The Velvet Vault last month. I assure you my dedication to your safety is absolute."

Some of the fire blossoming below wanes at the dismal reminder. And a flicker of a memory rises to the surface. It washim. He was the gorgeous guy I’d seen at the bar a month ago.

“I can guarantee something like that would never happen undermywatch.”

Something about his unyielding assurance makes me pause and slightly pisses me off. As if Frankie had fucked up somehow. Shoving down the inappropriate thought, I rein in my emotions. There's a challenge in his eyes, an unspoken dare that I find both disturbing and exhilarating. I lean in closer, dropping my voice to a whisper soPapàdoesn’t hear. "But what if I'm the one who likes to bend the rules? I don't like cages, even gilded ones. How will you handle me then?"

His eyes narrow slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching in a semblance of a smirk. Does he remember me? "With respect, it's my job to keep you alive, not cater to your whims. However, I’ll do my best to manage both."

The daring in his tone sends a thrill through me, a lethal mix of annoyance and attraction. I push back my chair slightly, sizing him up. "And if things get... complicated? Can you handle the pressure?"

"Complications are part of the job," he replies without hesitation, his voice low and steady. "I always keep my cool,signorina."

"Good," I say, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Because around me, things don’t just get complicated—they explode."

“I can see that.”

I get ready to stand, desperate to put some space between myself and this completely unexpected man. I wanted to hate him, planned on dismissing him like all the others, but I can’t seem to keep my eyes off him. “One last question, or two, rather.”

“Of course.”

“Are you married?”

He shakes his head. “Forming meaningful relationships is difficult in my line of work.”

I’m surprised by his candid reply, and by the twist of his lips, he seems just as stunned to have given it. “So no kids either?”

“No.”

“Good.” I bite my tongue, shaking my head. “That’s not what I meant, I just prefer a bodyguard who isn’t involved.”

Raffaele nods once, sharply. "Personal feelings and attachments have no place in my profession.”

“Right.”

“Then we understand each other well,SignorinaValentino."

He takes my hand, his grip firm and resolute. The contact sends a jolt through me, challenging my resolve. As I let go, I can't help but wonder if I'm sealing a deal with a guardian or sparking a war with a man who might just be my undoing.

“Yes, I guess we do.” Far too well possibly.

“I’ll await your decision then.”

My head dips and I press my lips together, not trusting myself to say anything else. Like can you start immediately? I can’t help my traitorous gaze from trailing after his impressive form as he walks away, his confident stride a promise of the fiery dance to come.

CHAPTER 4

TIME TO START LIVING

Isabella

Nursing my morning cappuccino on the balcony, I draw in a deep breath as I take in the peaceful tranquility of Central Park below. Yesterday’s trip into downtown had been the first time I’d left the penthouse since that night… The excursion had been as much exhilarating as it was draining.

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