Page 19 of Snowed in with the Bodyguard

That smile—the one she uses like a shield—tells me everything I need to know. Beneath the surface, she’s harbored dreams of escaping that life, of breaking free from the chains her father wrapped around her without ever asking what she wanted. I can see it in the way her eyes flicker to the horizon whenever she thinks no one’s watching, in the way her voice hardens when she talks about him, in the rare moments when she lets her guard slip and I catch a glimpse of the pain she tries so hard to bury.

Despite the privilege she’s been handed, I know she’s carrying a weight most people can’t imagine. A father who sees her as a pawn, a symbol of power rather than a daughter to protect and cherish. A brother she loves but can’t shield from the same toxic world she’s endured. A mother who, though loving, has been as trapped as Holly, unable to offer her daughter the escape she so desperately craves.

And then there’s the constant danger, the knowledge that her father’s enemies see her as leverage, a bargaining chip to be used against him. The world she was born into has painted a target on her back, leaving her in a perpetual state of uncertainty, her life dictated not only by her father’s rules but by the ruthless men who would destroy her to get to him.

As I watch her now, trying to hold herself together despite everything, I wonder how she’s managed to endure it all. How she’s held onto the spark of defiance that flickers in her eyes, the quiet strength that refuses to let her crumble under the weight of it all. It’s not the kind of strength that’s loud or showy; it’s the kind that comes from years of surviving in silence, from learning how to adapt to a world that’s always been stacked against her.

Holly might not see it yet, but she’s tougher than she gives herself credit for. And it’s not only about surviving the chaos her father’s world has thrown at her—it’s about the dreams she’s kept alive, the hope that one day, she’ll be free of all this. She’s fighting for more than survival. She’s fighting for herself and the life she wants. And that kind of fight? It takes a kind of courage most people don’t even realize exists.

I swallow hard, my jaw tightening as the weight of her reality settles over me. Whatever it takes, I plan to help her shoulder that burden. I’ll be the one to give her a shot at the freedomshe deserves. Because for all her strength, all her resilience, she shouldn’t have to face this alone. Not anymore.

She looks at me, a stubborn set to her jaw, a fire in her eyes that stirs something deep within me. Holly has never been one to back down, but this defiance is different. She’s prepared to walk away from everything, even if it means starting from scratch. She’s had enough of her father’s control, and for the first time, I realize the extent of her strength.

I take her hand, raising it to my mouth and kissing her palm. “We’ll figure this out. We’ll find a way to get you free from him. But we have to be smart about it. We can’t rush.”

She nods, her grip tightening, her faith in me more powerful than any promise I could make. “I trust you, Jack,” she whispers, eyes locking onto mine.

It’s not the first time she’s said it, but this time, her words dig deep. Fierce determination rises within me. I’ll protect her, not only because it’s my job, but because she’s a part of me now, and I’ll tear down anything that tries to harm her.

“We can’t stay here any longer,” I tell her.

She frowns. “Why?”

I release her hand and lean back slightly, keeping my voice calm but firm. “Because this place isn’t built for a long-term stay. And because whoever’s after you won’t stop. Staying here gives them time to close in, to figure out where we’ve gone. The longer we stay put, the higher the risk.”

Her frown deepens, worry flickering in her eyes. “So where do we go?Who can we trust?”

Valid questions.

“We’re going deeper into the mountains,” I say, deciding it’s best to keep certain details hidden for now. “A friend of mine has a cabin there. We’ll be safe while we figure out our next move.”

Holly bites her lip. “And how do we get there?”

I grin. “Ever ridden a motorcycle?”

Chapter 9

Holly

The water cascades over me, scalding and soothing all at once, washing away the fear that clings to my skin like a second layer. The cabin's propane-fueled water heater ensures the stream stays hot, a luxury I didn’t expect to find here in the middle of nowhere. I massage the shampoo into my scalp, inhaling the faint scent of cedar and sandalwood. It smells like Jack—woodsy, earthy, and potent.

Yesterday, my entire world burned down. My family’s mansion went up in flames, taking with it every tangible piece of the life I once knew. Everything familiar, everything that tied me to who I was before, is gone. Now, I’m here—hiding in a cabin deep in the woods, showering with borrowed toiletries and wearing clothes that aren’t mine.

Jack, my father’s most trusted bodyguard, has become my lifeline. But he’s more than that now. Protector, savior, anchor… lover. He’s all of these things rolled into one. And I’m in love with him.

As I rinse my hair, letting the water carry away the suds and, hopefully, the lingering traces of terror, my mind drifts to theevents that brought us here. Men are hunting me. Whether they want to kill me or use me as leverage against my father, I don’t know. But I do know I can’t call anyone for help. I have no one to trust but Jack.

Shutting off the water, I wrap myself in a towel and take a moment to breathe in the humid air of the bathroom. Jack must’ve adjusted the propane heater before I started my shower. The warmth is comforting, another small kindness from a man who masks his tenderness behind a gruff exterior.

Once dressed in joggers I found in one of the cabin’s drawers and another oversized shirt that smells faintly of Jack, I step out into the hallway. The clothes hang loosely on me, but they’re warm, and that’s all that matters right now. I make my way to the kitchen, where Jack is seated on a barstool, his sharp eyes scanning the small window over the sink.

He opens his arms, and without hesitation, I walk into his embrace, letting my head rest against his shoulder as his arms wrap around me. The warm hug is bliss, and his solid strength reminds me I’m not alone.

“Better?” he asks, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of my head.

I pull back slightly, kissing his cheek. “Yeah, much better.”

“I made a late lunch,” he says, indicating the crackers and tuna on the kitchen counter. “We need to eat before we leave.”

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