Page 7 of The Reluctant Wife

"I already have a security team," I try to reason with my father.

But he ignores me. He and Ryot are locked in some kind of staring match. They’re taking each other’s measure. At least, my father is. Ryot’s spine is upright. His face could be carved out of marble, given how smooth his forehead is, how unmoving his expression is. And that absolute rigidity in his stance is a dead giveaway that he’s ex-military. I didn’t spot it the first time I saw him; I was too taken in by his good looks. Now, I can't not see it. And now that I know his background, I can see the experiences he’s lived through in the shadows that cling to his eyes.

It speaks of nightmares he’s faced and conquered. It signals that there’s more to this man than being the scion of a well-known family and having the right blood line with all of the privileges that come from growing up as part of the upper class. None of which I knew when I met him last night.

I was drawn to him. There was this intense chemistry between us which surprised me. I wanted him enough that I would've let him bend me over and take me right there in that alley. I was sure I’d never see him again. Yet here he is. To say I’m shocked is putting it mildly. This is the epitome of a cruel joke the universe is playing on me.

Then my father nods, as if he’s come to a decision. An understanding seems to pass between them.

Ryot’s face is expressionless. It’s my father who walks to me and takes my hand in his. "I will not compromise on your safety. You’re my daughter, the light of my life. I could not bear it if anything were to happen to you. I need to ensure you’re secure, and Ryot comes highly recommended. I believe he will keep you safe.”

I search my father’s features and see the worry in his eyes. The plea in his gaze, more than anything, renders all my protests moot. As a last resort, I throw up my hands. "You just met him, and you trust him for this job?"

My father looks past me and exchanges another look with Ryot. A small smile curves my father’s features. "I couldn’t have survived this long without sizing up someone in seconds. Besides, his track record in the military speaks for itself."

His words remind me of how Ryot protected me against the creep in the bar yesterday. My father’s instincts are right. How can I argue with that? But I have to try. “I already have a security team guarding me,” I remind him.

“They don’t have the experience Ryot has.” My father’s gaze grows resolute. “With his level of training and background in the Royal Marines, he’ll provide a level of safe keeping which will allow me to rest assured.”

Damn.It’s true, my existing security team is not the most competent. It’s how I managed to evade them and get to the bar yesterday. The tension radiating from Ryot tells me he’s thinking the same thing. Thankfully, he stays quiet. Which means, if he becomes my bodyguard, he already has something on me. Which puts me at a disadvantage, and which I don’t appreciate at all. I firm my lips and decide to try to dissuade my father one last time.

"But Papa, you barely know him." I clasp my fingers together. "Are you sure this is a wise decision?"

Before my father can reply, Ryot draws himself up to his full height. "Your father is a good judge of character. He knows, I'll put my life on the line before I let anything happen to you, Princess."

4

Ryot

Her eyebrows shoot up. She seems taken aback by my declaration, and to be honest, so am I.

Images of our kiss from last night, of how her curves felt pressed against me, of how her lips clung to mine before she pulled away, overwhelm me. Her scent stayed with me and ensured that, despite jerking off a few times, I spent the night sporting a hard-on, unable to sleep.

I realized I would not be able to forget this woman. I needed to keep myself occupied so I wouldn’t obsess about her. It’s why I accepted Quentin’s offer.

To think, the princess he referred to is the woman I met at the bar. I’d have done anything to take her home, and not let her go until I’d had her in every way possible. I am more powerfully attracted to her than to the woman I once married. My intuition tried to warn me not to wed her, but I ignored it. Now, it's telling me I should turn down the role of the princess’ personal protective detail to prevent any conflict of interest.

But the thought of anyone else spending all that time in such close proximity with her is inconceivable. And the possibility that someone else couldn’t protect her as well as I can is frightening. My stomach tightens.

After meeting with her security team this morning, it’s clear to me, they are woefully unprepared for the threat posed to her, which I verified as credible. Given my background and experience, I can confidently say, no one is better qualified than me to protect her.

And while I cannot cross the line of the professional relationship between us if I accept the role of her security detail, at least, I can see her every day.

I regretted that I was unable to take her to bed, but now, I realize, it’s the only reason I can keep my perspective about this job.

I was wondering why she ran; now, I’m thankful. It’s why I’m able to accept this assignment with a clear conscience and a promise to myself to not overstep the line.

Her blue eyes narrow like she’s aware of what I’m thinking. Then she sniffs. "I suppose that’s part of your job description."

I incline my head. "Indeed, it is,Princess."

I infuse just enough sarcasm into the last word that she stiffens. She seems like she’s about to retort when her father nods. "That’s decided, then. You’re my daughter’s security detail and you report directly to me."

The silence stretches. Her expression reveals her unhappiness.

"Thank you for doing this for me, honey.” The king’s gaze gentles. “Knowing you are safe helps me do my job better."

The fight seems to go out of her. Her shoulders droop, "I love you too, Papa." She pivots and walks out of the room. I follow closely.

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