Page 113 of Trust My Bodyguard

Nick rises to his feet, clinking his glass with silverware. “I propose a toast.”

We close our hands around our wine glasses, and servers hurry to fill them.

“To Ivy, for her bravery and determination. To Zane, for creating a spectacular recording device.”

Zane nods, lifting his glass.

“To Sera, for covering all the bases we would have missed. To Brody, for well,” he eyes me, “not raining hell on us.”

Everyone laughs, and I keep my face passive. I’ll always be the butt of Nick’s joke. I don’t care.

“To Cliff, for giving us room to do what we do best. And to me, for organizing this spectacular party!” He nods. “The applause. Let’s hear it. I know you’ve got it in you.”

A slow clap resounded, and Sera let out a few whoops to enliven the cheer.

“Let’s enjoy ourselves and our success. Hear, hear!” He pumps his arm in the air.

Glasses clink, and people sip. Dinner begins, and pockets of conversation grow around the table, becoming one lively hum.

I speak with Cliff, and Zane occasionally chimes in. But my mind can hardly stay on the exciting subject of the resort’s west wing.

My eyes keep slipping to Ivy. She looks pleasantly occupied. If I could guess, I’m sure our plan to escape is the last thing on her mind. Her smiles and laughs bring warm pleasure to my heart. Every glance she sends me makes me want to throw her over my shoulder and bring her back to our room. Being locked inside her is the best way to celebrate.

I’m still contemplating if I can risk it when she drops her fork and rises. Her eyes flash to mine, and heat floods my body. She’s inviting me, isn’t she?

Whatever Cliff is saying fades into nothing as Ivy rounds the table, heading for the restroom. I tap my feet, wondering when I can leave without letting the rest know what I’m up to.

Fuck it. I don’t care if they know. I stand and pull my chair back. No one looks at me. All in different stages of enjoying their meals and conversations. Good for me.

I turn and follow the direction she went. Up ahead, I catch the tail of her dress disappearing into a hallway.

I stroll even though my senses beg me to run. To catch up with her. To feel her smile on my lips and claim the spot between her thighs. To soak myself in her scent and fill up on her. In a few strides, I’ll be with her. Alone. Finally.

The hallway breaks off into another stretch leading to the bathrooms. I turn the corner, and the sight that meets my eyes snatches the breath from my lungs.

A man grabs Ivy by the waist.

“No!” she screams, pushing his hands off. “Stop.”

My brain takes two seconds to understand what’s happening before me. Ivy was simply going to the bathroom. Where did this man come from to accost her? What is he doing?

Two seconds too long.

A gun appears out of nowhere and presses to her side. “Stop struggling,” he snarls. “Else, I’ll fucking pull the trigger.”

I take off, racing toward them. He jerks Ivy roughly to the side, and her terrified eyes meet mine. But I can’t reach them fast enough. The man hustles her out of the emergency exit, and she’s gone from my sight.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Ivy

Oh god.

My heart is in my throat as the mouth of the gun digs into my side. Daryl Olwen’s arm is locked around my stomach, making it hard to breathe. He drags me out through the emergency exit.

The sudden cold shocks my system, freezing me on the spot. This isreallyhappening.

Once outside, he turns around and slams the barrel of his gun on the handle. It falls away, ending any hopes of someone, namely Brody, following me immediately.

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