Page 23 of My Bodyguard Neighbor
"Don't lecture me about security, Mr.Bauer.I've been dealing with threats for twenty years."
"And in twenty years, how many times have you personally been in the field during an active threat?Because I've spent twelve years keeping people like you alive, and rule number one is you don't compromise safe houses by showing up with a parade."
"I'm not here to debate tactics with you.Holly, get your things.You're coming home."
"No."The word came out stronger than Holly expected."I'm not going anywhere with you."
"This isn't a negotiation."Her father's tone shifted into the one he used in the courtroom, the one that expected obedience."The Popovs know they've lost.They're going to make a desperate move, and I won't have you out here playing house with the hired help."
"Playing house?"Holly's anger flared hot and bright."I'm hiding from people who want to kidnap or kill me because of your job.”
"Don't be dramatic.You're safer at home where I can protect you properly."
"Like you protected me before?"The words burst out before Holly could stop them."Like when you put cameras in my apartment?Or sabotaged my career?Or had Ethan arrested for unpaid parking tickets?"
Her father's jaw tightened."Everything I did was for your safety."
"Everything you did was for control."Holly took a step forward, years of suppressed anger rising to the surface."You couldn't stand that I had a life you didn't manage, so you destroyed it.And now you're using this threat as an excuse to trap me again."
"I know you're angry with me.We can discuss that later.Right now, your safety is what matters."
"My safety is fine here."
"Here?"Her father gestured at the cabin with obvious contempt."In the middle of nowhere with a mercenary?"
A muscle ticked in Jonah’s jaw.
"He's doing his job," Holly said.“The one you’re paying him for.”
"His job is to follow my orders."Her father turned to Jonah."And I'm ordering you to pack her belongings and escort her to my vehicle.Now."
The silence that followed was heavy with tension.
"No," Jonah said finally.
Her father blinked."Excuse me?"
"I said no."Jonah's stance didn't shift."She's an adult.She said she's not going.That's the end of it."
"I'm not asking your opinion.I'm giving you an order.You work for me."
"She stays."Jonah's voice was calm, matter-of-fact, but the weight of what he'd just said hung in the air like a grenade.
Her father cycled through disbelief and fury."You're refusing a direct order from your employer?"
"I'm refusing to force an adult woman to do something against her will."Jonah's tone was even."There's a difference."
"You're fired."Her father bit off each word."Effective immediately.You'll receive your final payment minus penalties for breach of contract.My security will take over from here."
He moved toward Holly, reaching for her arm."Come on.We're leaving."
Jonah stepped between them again, and this time the threat in his posture was unmistakable."Don't touch her."
Her father's hand dropped."Get out of my way.You’re no longer needed here.”
"He works for me now."She stepped forward, her heart hammering but her voice steady."Jonah doesn't work for you anymore.He works for me.I'm hiring him.And I'm telling you to leave.Now."
Both men turned to stare at Holly.
