Page 62 of Wicked Duty
Even pedestrians walking by on their way back from lunch can sense her potential stardom. She sparkles with that indescribable quality that lures people into her orbit.
Just another reminder that you don’t belong in her glamorous world.
The thought barges through my mind uninvited. While my muscles tingle with possessive irritation, I can’t deny the truth.
Idon’t belong in Lucy Marlow’s universe. Not outside of my role as her protector.
My assignment requires me to stand on the sidelines and watch her back, front, and center. That’s all. So why does bitter disappointment clog the back of my throat?
A few flirty conversations, a couple of steamy kisses, and now I’m considering a boyfriend application?
What’s wrong with me?
The threat of danger grows as more people enter the square, skirting around the fountain in droves with their smartphones flashing and pointing. Thanks to the upcoming holiday weekend, people are everywhere. Lucy plays to the crowd, showcasing her beauty and sense of fun. The photographer twists like a pretzel trying to capture all her most flattering angles.
My shoulders tense enough to bounce a quarter off them.
There are too many variables. The crowd, the models, the production company. My stupid fucking feelingsand intrusive thoughts. Lucy’s smile, her nascent star power drawing peoplecloser and closer. I can’t monitor everyone. Can’t watch them all.
After another minute, my careful self-control finally shatters into pieces.
I pace across the square, interrupting the photographer’s shot to grab Lucy’s attention.
“Out.” From inside the aqueous basin, which is a foot off the ground, and in her five-inch heels, she towers over me. I much prefer our usual height difference, her pretty face all pinched with adorable fury when she’s glaring up?—
Focus, Cal.
I expect her to bristle at my tone. Instead, she flashes me a smile that damn near stops my already unsettled heart.
The sense of freedom and ease oozing off her is contagious. No wonder’s she’s attracted such a crowd.
A playful grin brightens her face as she splashes water in my direction. “Come get me, big guy.” A tease.
Luring me into her orbit like a spider lures insects into her sticky, silken web.
That won’t work today.
Without slowing my pace, I climb into the fountain, dunking my combat boots into the shin-high water. From this spot, we’re eye to eye.
Wading in deeper, I reach for her hands.
The massive gown adds weight, but I can still lift her into my arms, princess-style, with ease. Cradled to my chest, I carry her to the fountain’s edge in silence.
She just watches me, arms looped around my neck.
I watch her back.
For that snapshot in time, no one else exists except the two of us. Then someone cheers and others join in, puncturing our little bubble. The crowd.
Christ. What the hell am I doing?
After giving her so much flack over keeping a low profile, it would be the height of irony for us to go viral over me doing my job.
When I set her down on the cement beyond the fountain’s edge, Lucy doesn’t immediately step away. I have a perfect view of the water droplets clinging to her lashes while her pupils dilate beneath them.
I grit my teeth. In the fading sun, the green dress clings to her form perfectly.
Whipping off my jacket, I use it to cover her body. While I’m about two seconds from yelling at these fuckers to quit staring before I rip their eyeballs clean from their sockets, Lucy’s completely unbothered by all the attention.
