Page 45 of Guarding Zuri
She pulled back, staring at him through the tears. “You know?” she breathed. He knew her mother was killed during the attempted kidnapping?
His smile was apologetic. “I research all my clients before agreeing to protect them. You’ve been dedicated to the cause every day after your mother died.” I was true. She felt it was her penance. “Aren’t we a pair? Unable to forgive ourselves. Trapped by our pasts.”
He cupped her cheeks and swept his rough, padded thumbs across her skin. Tears wiped, she smiled up at him. Her heart filled with appreciation and respect for the man before her. Other than David, she trusted no one more than Daemon. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Thank you, back.” A brief smile and then his arms fell away. Zuri wrapped her arms around her against the chilly loss. “It’s been a long time since I told that story. The guys have been trying to get me to go back to therapy. Work it out.”
“Will you?”
He shrugged. “Maybe. When I have more time.” His eyes searched hers. “When I’m finished guarding you.”
When he’s finished…He was a contract employee. Contracts ended. It was inevitable that they would part. So why was she thinking about how to get him to stay?
“You wanted to hear from David?” He tapped the tablet.
“Please.”
“Let’s see if we can get him on the line.”
She watched him work. He was confident and accommodating. Even more, she could trust him with her pain. Could she trust him with more? “While you do that, can we talk about one more thing?”
He smiled at her over his shoulders. “Anything.”
“I’d like to talk to you about Knight Industries partnering with Bendola’s new government—when Gohi is removed.”
Daemon rotated slowly. He leaned against the tabled and crossed his arms over his chest. “You want to pitch me, Princess?”
Hearing the challenge in his voice, she angled her head up and stood taller. “I want to pitch Knight Industries.”
He grinned.
*****
This was a switch. He’d given her the idea before the meeting with the representatives, but he never believed she’d take him up on it. Until five seconds ago, they were cordial frenemies.Now she wanted to keep working with him?
No. She wants Knight Industries in Bendola because of what my father’s company can do.After Bendola was free, his job as Zuri’s bodyguard would end. Even though Knight Industries would be working in Bendola, he doubted she’d need his security services. Instead, he’d move on to the next client, likely a world away from her.She’s not trying to keep us together.
“Maybe you want to talk to my father. He is the principal of Knight Industries, after all.”
Her face twisted in disgust. “Do I have to? Can’t I just ask you?”
He chuckled. “I can understand the hesitation.”
He watched her cheeks harden as her gaze roamed over him. “I don’t understand your hesitation to listen to my pitch.”
“You’ve got it all wrong. I’d love to hear it. I suggested a partnership.”
“I’m not sure how Knight Industries can help. I only read a little about the company online.”
That was definitely true. She’d spent more time researchinghim. He rubbed his mouth to hide a smirk.
“It’s very large with a lot of different—industries,” she continued. “I’m interested in understanding how Bendola and Knight Industries can form a partnership.”
He read so much into her words. Before he could stop them, his legs brought him within inches of her. “Bendola and Knight Industries or you and I?” he asked gruffly, holding her gaze.All I need is one look.
She stared into his eyes, her lips parting. With all the willpower he possessed, he kept his gaze from going to her mouth. He knew one look at her lips would have him crossing the line again, and there wouldn’t be any going back. He forced his legs to stay rooted in his spot, his hands at his waist—and he hated that he had so much control.
“Daemon…”
