Page 50 of Guarding Zuri
“Great power, great responsibility, huh? You will be heir to a country rich in people, land, and natural resources. What does your father say about leading?”
“I’ve been reading through his journal. He said the only way to prepare to lead is to serve. When you have a heart for others above yourself, then you create trust and loyalty. He wrote good leaders keep their people in front of them when they make decisions. It has very little to do with you.”
“Wise man.”
Zuri clutched the fan in both her hands, her head bowed. Daemon’s large hand covered hers and he squeezed. She smiled up at him, grateful she wasn’t all alone. Then she gasped. A large Bengal stood atop an enormous stone, looking over the horizon.
“That’s Teka,” the driver stated. “She is the queen of her domain.”
“She’s gorgeous.” Zuri observed Teka’s toffee coloring, her reddish stripes bordered by deep brown.
“Don’t let her beauty full you. She’s fierce. She was bred illegally, and then mistreated at a rundown zoo. We acquired her almost a year ago, right after we lost Odin. She’s adjusted well, but we think her mean streak is here to stay.”
Zuri felt sympathy for such a creature, whose only mistake was being born in captivity.
“Want to see more?” Daemon asked. Zuri nodded enthusiastically.
Hours later, they ended their tour of the grounds and a teaching moment by a vet with flavored frozen ice. Zuri picked grape and Daemon, lime. On their way to the airport, Zuri thanked Daemon for the trip.
“It was my pleasure.”
“You should be more involved in your mother’s work. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you more relaxed and at peace.”
“It’s hard to relax when you’re protecting someone.”
“Do you ever stop? Take time to decompress?”
He shook some ice into his mouth and sighed. “Mmm… Not as much as I should. When you’re safe in Bendola, I think I’ll take a nice long trip. Switzerland is always nice.”
“Switzerland?”
“I bought a cabin there. Love to ski. When was I there last?”
Zuri dismissed the thought of Daemon going away to the Alps and never seeing him again. He was just her bodyguard—not her boyfriend.As long as he is happy, she told herself.
But the thought persisted. He wouldn’t have any reason to see her again unless he was working in Bendola. “I’d like the number to your father’s secretary, please.” It was out of her mouth before she debated whether to go down that path.
Daemon arched a brow. “You want to pitch my father?”
“He offered once, didn’t he?”
“More like he offeredhimself.”
“AndKnight Industries.”
“Of course you can have the number.”
“Thank you.”
After they settled into their seats on the plane, Daemon promptly fell asleep. Zuri stared at the secretary’s number on her phone screen.I’m not doing this to see Daemon.Daemon seemed only interested in protective work, despite their earlier conversation about his true purpose. Her conscience retreated, taking with it the accusations of her liking Daemon more than she could admit, even to herself. Maybe he’d visit Bendola when on the continent, especially if Knight Industries partnered with the government.
Maybe not.
Either way, it wasn’t for her or to feed the kindling flame in her heart.
This is for Bendola.She was putting the people before her—like a leader.
Zuri pressed the icon to dial the number.
