Page 210 of Lovers' Dance

I huffed. “No, you silly man. I was quite prepared to have you stay at my aunt’s, but now I know you’ve got a security detail of Rambos—”

“They don’t have to stay at my side 24/7, poppet,” he drawled.

“Please, Matt,” I implored, reaching for his hand. “I’m already anxious over the fact you need bodyguards. I want my family to fall in love with you the way I have, and having bodyguards patrolling the streets highlights how different you are. Please?”

Matt sighed. I could see he was considering what I said, and it looked like he saw the merit of my words. Then, a devious spark shone from the depths of his eyes.

“On one condition,” he said, the corners of his mouth curling up.

I did not like the triumphant quirk of his lips. It meant he would ask something of me that he knew I wouldn’t be happy with. “Which is?”

Matt beamed at me. “As we’re on the topic of security, I want you to agree to me hiring someone to protect you when we return to England. The company we use is discreet and their guards the best at what they do. I’ve been thinking about this for some time, but was unsure how to raise the issue with you.”

It was such a ridiculous request that I burst out laughing. “Matt,” I wheezed, “I don’t need a bodyguard. I’m a normal person. No one cares about my life—”

Matt got serious, his smile wiped off in an instant. “They care about my life and you’re a part of it. I won’t risk someone harming you to get to me.”

My laughter died with a croak of apprehension. I peered at Matt. “Excuse me? What are you implying? I thought you said you weren’t in any danger.”

“I’m not,” he said firmly. “But there’s always a chance, a small chance, that someone may wish me bodily harm. Poppet—” He closed his eyes for a moment, then gave me the full weight of his gaze. “I am a Bradley, co-president of a multi-billion pound corporation. My personal net worth is, well, you have an idea of what it is. There are a lot of people who are willing to do anything for money. A lot of people who may feel aggrieved by business deals Adam and I have successfully completed. Hell, my father’s past business dealings can affect us. These people can potentially do things, illegal things, dangerous things. Your picture has been in the news on and off since the media became aware of our relationship. I won’t risk your safety.”

I turned away in my seat, staring out the tinted windows and feeling out of my depths. In all the time we’d been together, I’d never thought about this. Why would I? Matt was in control of everything, giving the impression he could singularly take on the world and win. He was my brave knight. Knights didn’t need bodyguards. But he wasn’t just my knight, he was a powerful man who probably did have just as powerful enemies willing to do anything to see him crumble.

Oh, God.What had I gotten myself into?

“Madison.” Matt squeezed my hand.

I turned with a bright smile on my face; it was forced, but bright. “I understand, Matt. Are you nervous about meeting my family? Remember how nervous I was when you took me to dinner at your parents’ place? And the pool incident?” I let out a strained chuckle. “I still remember the look on your mother’s face.”

“She was appalled,” Matt confirmed with a tight smile. He allowed the change of topic, but it hung heavily in the air between us like a rancid smell. We held hands as the limo headed toward my hometown. We held hands, yet it felt like I was on my own for the whole ride from New Jersey to Queens.

“At least we’ll have a chance to chill out before everyone gets home,” I said when we were a few blocks away from the house I’d grown up in. “The service today will be a long one.”

Matt made an interested sound at the back of his throat, but he was busy looking out the tinted windows as we drove down the streets. I doubted he’d been in Queens before. It wasn’t Forest Hills, but Glendale was a lovely neighbourhood and my uncle had worked his ass off to get a place here. Aunt Cleo never let us forget how lucky we were to be raised there. I was getting nervous, worried over Matt’s perception of the house, of my family. Ten minutes later, the limo parked in front the house. I inhaled deeply, filled with excitement and dread. I was home, with Matt.

“We’re here,” I announced a touch breathlessly.

Matt gave me a real smile, noting the excitement on my face. “Yes, we are.”

The chauffeur opened the door on Matt’s side. I tightened my hold on his hand, stopping his movement to get out.

“I adore you, Matt, and thank you for agreeing to stay at Hannah’s condo.”

His smile slipped, but quickly returned. “Of course, poppet. Think nothing of it. I’ll probably spend most of my time here with you anyway. I want to get to know your family, and we’re only here for a week. Come on, I’m sure you can’t wait to step through the front door.”

I grinned at him and he helped me out the limo. Our cases were being taken from the trunk. Matt hurried over to advise the man only my stuff was being unloaded. I grabbed my handbag, rifling through it for keys I hadn’t used in ages. I was home.

“Madison?” A high-pitched voice had Matt and me wincing. “It is you. Errol! Come out here, Errol. Madison’s home. In a limo.”

I turned around and, sure enough, Patricia Holmes, the street’s busybody was hurrying out of her front gate from across the road. Damn. She must have been seated behind the curtains in her front room casting her hawk eyes over the street. How could I forget about Ms Patsy, and why the hell wasn’t she in church? My fingers latched on to the keys and I tugged it out, shoving it into Matt’s hand.

“Run,” I hissed.

Matt’s grey eyes widened. “Pardon?”

Ms Patsy was halfway across the street, her rotund figure moving unbelievably fast. Seconds, I had seconds before she descended upon us.

“Go open up for me.”

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