Page 6 of Close Protection

‘I’d have to agree with that, but I was thinking he’s more of a Clark Kent.’ Amelia nods thoughtfully.

‘Wait, are we talking ability or physical appearance?’ I ask.

Hey, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.

‘I don’t know,’ Henry cocks his head. ‘What doyouthink, Daphne?’ Both Amelia and Henry have the same irksome look on their faces. I can really see why they’re married.

‘I think my father hired Mr Petrov for his ability.’ I look pointedly at both of them. ‘Not his physical appearance.’

‘Yes, that’s true, but your father also hired Henry for his ability and not his physical appearance, and now look where we are.’ Amelia gazes at Henry and all of sudden I feel like I’m interrupting something.

Henry and Amelia met when she joined the household two years after he did. From the moment Henry laid eyes on her, he’s looked at her with adoration that never falters for a second. After what seemed like an age of constant flirting with stolen glances and lingering and very unnecessary touches they decided to go on a date, and they’ve never looked back.

Watching their love grow and deepen over the years, seeing the way Henry treats her, I’ve resolved to never settle for less.

If it’s not like Amelia and Henry Harris’s love, I don’t want it.

‘It was the best decision I ever made, taking this job.’ Henry’s eyes soften as he reaches over and tugs on Amelia’s arm, gesturing for her to move next to him.

‘I agree,’ Amelia whispers as he cups her face, pulling her in for a kiss.

With Amelia being 5’6” with lovely hazel eyes, tanned skin and soft light brown hair and Henry a solid 6’3” with chiselled features, strong arms – one with a tattooed sleeve – and fluffy brown hair, they make an absolutely stunning couple. But that’s no excuse for the constant PDA. You’d think he’d just come back from war with the way the two of them continuously carry on.

I dolovelove and all that, but I could do without it being shoved in my face constantly.

I get up and swiftly leave the kitchen, signalling Josh to perhaps do the same, when I collide with a warm wall.

‘Miss Green.’

‘Oh, Mr Petrov, apologies, I didn’t see you.’ I right myself quickly as he stands there, hands in his pockets, looking everything but impressed. ‘Have you finished with my father?’

‘Yes, he told me to find you or Mrs Harris to show me to my room.’ I look down to see his duffel bag in his hand then look back into the kitchen to see Amelia still wrapped up with Henry.

‘Amelia’s a little… preoccupied right now, so I can show you to your room and give you a tour of the house if you like. Do you have any more luggage?’ I ask. His duffelbag is small… and black… and sad. It looks like it could barely fit everything I’d need for one night away.

‘No, this is it.’

‘Really? Everything you need for the foreseeable future is in that bag?’

‘Mm hmm.’

‘Oh.’ I pause, glancing back down at the bag. ‘Are you sure? That’s an awfully small bag.’

‘Yes, Miss Green, I’m sure,’ he drawls, his eyes briefly perusing my body.

‘Well, all right, then.’ I smile politely, clearing my throat and standing taller as I pull my robe a little tighter, trying not to wither under his gaze. ‘Follow me and we’ll start on the first floor.’

4MILOSH

‘We have four floors in total,’ Daphne states as we begin walking up the large staircase, her hair swishing behind her as she turns to look at me. ‘Basement, ground floor, first floor and second. Live-in staff have rooms on the second floor, while mine, my father’s and some of the guest rooms are on the first.’

‘I’m gonna need a layout of the estate, any blueprints and access to all security cameras, codes and keys,’ I tell her. ‘I also need a list of people who have access to this house, all the staff and the frequency with which they come in and out.’

‘Amelia can get all of that for you. I’ll show you where her office is in a moment then you can stop by later and she’ll sort it out.’

We stop short at the top of the stairs as we approach the first set of rooms. Just as Daphne goes to open what I presume to be her room, a mousey-looking woman comesout of the door opposite, holding a basket full of cleaning supplies.

‘Morning, Charlotte.’ Daphne smiles warmly.

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