Page 120 of Trust My Bodyguard

I stand, aware of the gun in my belt. But I don’t need it. Not yet. Slowly, I make my way to the door.

In the dimly lit night, a dark form clings to the creaky railings. Rubbery feet scramble on the porch as Daryl struggles to get up. Wheezing breaths puff out a cloud of fog, marking his spot. His head swings in my direction as he senses my presence. He snarls, wagging a wobbly finger. “You...”

“No.” I kick him squarely in the face, and he goes back down, sprawling on the floor, unconscious again.

My offensive foot throbs. Both, in fact.

“Whoa,” a voice says over my shoulder.

Stepping on the wooden surface of the cabin’s porch shoots tingles up my calves.

I limp around to face Ivy. “I told you to stay inside.”

“And miss you protecting me?” A glint sparks in her eyes. “Not a chance.” Her hands press against my chest, steadying me as I stumble slightly. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

She looks down. “Brody!” She gasps. “You are barefoot.”

“Skied all the way over.” I shrug. “Attempting a rescue in ski boots would’ve been very awkward.”

She doesn’t return my wry smile. “But your feet…”

“I’ve experienced worse on my tours.” I wrap my arms around her. She’s here. She’s safe. “This is nothing.”

“Okay, tough guy. But we need to get you checked.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I chuckle, pressing my forehead against hers. “I love you.”

She leans in and kisses my lips. “I love you, too.”

“But you really have to listen to me.”

“Never.” A smile curves her lips.

I scoff a laugh. “Figures. I thought I’d try though.”

An engine rumbles in the distance.

“What’s that?” Ivy looks over her shoulder.

“The calvary,” I say. “It’s over.”

CHAPTER FORTY

Ivy

“Oh, my god.” I come to a shaky stop in my six-inch heels.

I’m inside a glass dome on the rooftop of the resort’s lodge, staring at a scene from the most heartfelt, romantic movie.

The man standing beside the lit-up table makes my heart palpitate.Brody, what did you do?

“Are you alright, ma’am?” the server who brought me up asks.

“Yes, thank you. I can...” I lift my gaze to Brody. “I can take it from here.”

All the information I received two hours ago was to get dressed that we would be having dinner. I expected another like the mountainside restaurant, but this is so much more.

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