Page 53 of Knight's Desire

Brick.His name brought a flush to her cheeks. He had no problem with her calling him Brick as they went about their day, but at night, when it was the two of them locked in each other’s arms, when she was lost in the building sensations of her orgasm, he wanted her to only call himMason.She was fine with that. He made her feel so good, she didn’t care what he wanted to be called.

“He’s had his head in the clouds lately too.”

Hope suddenly remembered she wasn’t alone in her office. Her head whipped around to where Gennessey sat on the sofa flipping through one of her design magazines. The investigator’s thick hair was pulled tightly from her face into a ponytail, but the voluminous curls encircled her head in a lovely backdrop. Her knowing grin added a spark to her eyes, and Hope’s flushed deepened.

“I’m guessing you’re talking about Brick.”

“Who the hell else would I be talking about?” Gennessey dropped the magazine back on the end table and stood. “Your new ultimatum is driving him crazy, by the way. He hates leaving your security detail to the rest of us, but I think it’s awesome. He’s met his match in you, my friend, and I love it.”

“It wasn’t an ultimatum. I just…I couldn’t handle the thought of him getting hurt because of me. I can’t stand any of you getting hurt while protecting me. My condition was the best compromise I could come up with.”

Gennessey smiled. “It comes with the job, Hope. We are trained to keep each other safe. Isobel’s situation was isolated. She went in alone without back-up, something none of us are supposed to do. We relaxed our guard because there had been no signs of your stalker at your house until that night. Iz would be the first to tell you what happened is more our fault than yours.”

“My head wants to believe you, but my heart can’t release the guilt. I’ve gotten used to having you guys around, and you’re all wonderful. I wish we could have met under different circumstances.”

Gennessey drew closer to her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we will catch this guy. This is personal for us. If you come after one of us, you’d better be ready to take on all of us.”

“I’m envious of how close you all are. Other than Kayla and my family, I don’t really have a close circle of friends like that.”

“You’re part of our circle now, too, Hope. Even when this is over, we’ll have your back. Anytime you need a girls’ night, just call. Torch holds a table for us for such occasions.”

“The bar? Brick talks about that place, but I haven’t been there.”

Gennessey’s eyes widened. “What? Well, we’ll have to correct that. We’ll have to plan a girls’ night sooner rather than later.”

Hope giggled at Gennessey’s enthusiasm. Even if this new arrangement meant she saw less of Brick while she was at work, she did enjoy getting to know the other KSI investigators. Since Isobel’s attack, Tristin ordered two security guards with her at all times with a third monitoring the perimeter throughout the day. At night, two watched the premises like hawks while Brick stayed by her side. He refused to have a bodyguard inside his house when he was there, and she didn’t complain.

She made a comment to him about how large a company KSI must be to employ enough people to handle her increased security detail. That’s when he finally shared with her the inner workings of the company. She couldn’t believe that a company which deployed covert operatives was located right next door and in a small town like Grayson Cove, no less. It seemed more like a plot of a movie than real life, but for now, she was thankful to have that manpower — and woman power — in her corner.

Kayla knocked on her office door before pushing it open, her expression solemn. “They’re here.”

Hope’s smile faded. “Thanks, Kayla. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Kayla closed the door behind her, and Hope was grateful to have a moment to prepare herself for this appointment.

“Who is it? Do you need me to stay close?”

“No. They’re difficult clients, but I don’t think it’s necessary for you to intimidate them, even if I am tempted to let you do it. It’s Tally O’Leary and her mother Ellen. Tally’s here for her final fitting, thank goodness. They’ve almost been harder to deal with than the stalker.”

“Gotcha. I’ll hang back with Sam, but give me the word, and I’ll escort them outside. They may be customers, but you don’t deserve to be treated like shit by anybody.”

“Thanks, Gen. I can handle myself with them, but if things get hinky, I’ll call you in to do your thing.”

Feeling emboldened by Gennessey’s offer, she preceded the bodyguard out of her office and forced a welcoming smile on her lips as she made her way to the main salon where Ellen and Tally waited.

“Tally, if you want to step into the first dressing room, Kayla has your dresses ready for you to try on.”

“I’m so excited. The wedding is so close that it’ll be nice to cross this off my list.” Tally was a beautiful woman with an easy smile despite the air of entitlement she carried. If not for her overbearing mother, Hope wouldn’t mind working with the bride.

“Hope, dear,” Ellen said, her voice low as her eyes darted furtively to the lobby. “Why are those people loitering about?”

Hope followed her gaze to where Gennessey and Sam stood on alert in the lobby. Gennessey winked at her, and Hope had to bite back a grin.

“They are no one for you to be concerned about, Mrs. O’Leary. Would you like a water? Kayla can bring you one out while you wait.”

“No,” Mrs. O’Leary said absently, her gaze still fixed on the bodyguards. “I’m fine. I’m anxious to see if the alterations on Tally’s dresses are correct this time. I don’t think we could possibly fit another fitting into our schedules this close to the wedding.”

“Of course.”

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