Page 14 of Trust My Bodyguard

“Yeah, no. I don’t think her concerns are meant to offend. She must just be worried about her sister’s welfare,” Nick says.

“That doesn’t give her an excuse to be a smart mouth!”

The guys blink at me. Fuck. I let that one get away from me. I just need them to understand how problematic she is.

“You know what? Let’s forget that,” I tell them. “Let’s focus on the case itself.”

“So we have two suspects at this time,” Nick says. “The disgruntled fan and the thieving father.”

“Why the father?” I ask.

“Trashing the home seems quite personal,” Zane says. “Since nothing was taken, that means they were after the ladies. Andwho feels more entitled to a child than their parent? Especially one like Mr. Ross.”

“Or an obsessed fan,” Zane adds.

“I see,” I mutter.

Just then, the aroma of brewed coffee fills the room. Sera arrives at the table with a tray. On it are three mugs with steam rising from them.

“I don’t know how you all like your coffee, so there’s the creamer and sugar.” She places it down dutifully and makes herself scarce again.

Nick and I nod a thank you in her direction while Zane keeps his gaze glued to his notes.

“Sweet!” Nick cheers. He’s the first to pour himself a heavy dose of cream and multiple sugar cubes. My teeth ache watching him.

I’m next in with only a cube of sugar and a little creamer. Time passes before Zane snags up the last cup. He takes it black.

“I don’t know what we did to get such a high-profile client—”

“We haven’t signed off on that yet.”

“—but it’s a definite yes from me.” Nick goes right on, ignoring me.

“I agree. This is one of the better leads we have,” Zane says.

“It’s like you both just didn’t hear the part about the psycho sister.”

“Oh, we did.” Nick narrows his eyes at me. “That sounds like ayouproblem.”

My jaw drops. “I make great first impressions. People like me. She has a problem.”

Zane and Nick share a glance.

I hate that they’re secretly communicating in my presence. I only missed the first hour of our work day and now I’m the outsider.

“Spit it out!” I grouch.

“Well, you’re kind of a man-sized pain in the lower extremities,” Zane says.

A choked sound comes from behind us. I glance over my shoulder to catch Sera covering her mouth and coughing.

I refocus on Zane.

“The only reason no one tells you is because they’re afraid of you.”

My lips flatten into a thin line. That’s not fear. It’s respect. I’d say that, but this is not my crowd today.

“I guess it’s unusual for someone to call you out on your bullshit, and that’s why you’re acting up.” Nick picks nonexistent lint off his jacket and flicks it my way. I flinch even though I know there’s nothing there. “I think this is going to be good for you. I can’t wait to watch Miss Ivy ruffle your big boy feathers.”

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