Page 64 of Colton Family Bodyguard (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

“It was mutual.”

Callum half saw Hazel glance sharply at him. He shouldn’t lie to his brother. Or his family. Not anymore.

“Actually, I lied about that, Ace.”

Ace’s expression sobered. “Why?”

“We didn’t break up. She died in a car accident. I was protecting a witness testifying in the trial of someone who worked for a drug cartel. They found out I was dating Annabel and had her killed to intimidate me. Annabel was also pregnant.”

Ace gaped at Callum in stunned silence.

“I’m sorry. I...couldn’t talk about her.” He looked at Hazel. “Not until I met Hazel.”

Her eyes turned soft with deep gratitude and respect. He felt himself falling in love with her.

“Wow, Cal. I had no idea. You should have told someone.”

He nodded. “Probably. But I just couldn’t. It devastated me.” Hell, it had changed him. He was not the same man as he was before that. He was a lot more cautious now. And better at his job. The one good thing that had come out of the experience.

“He blamed himself for her death,” Hazel said to Ace. “She was murdered after the trial, when Callum was no longer watching over her.”

“Then clearly it was not your fault.”

“I should have checked out the suspect more. I should have known what kind of monster he worked for.”

“You can’t blame yourself for that. You aren’t a cop. You’re a bodyguard, and a damn good one.” Ace did another check of the lobby and his eyes stopped short toward the entrance.

“Sorry to cut this short,” Ace said. “I have to go now.”

Callum followed his eyes and saw two police officers enter the lobby.

“You go back up to your suite. We’ll bring food to you.” Callum nudged his brother with a hand on his shoulder. “Hazel is a personal chef.”

“I miss good food. The food here is good, but I mean my favorite restaurants.”

Callum chuckled and gave his brother a pat on the back, letting him walk to the elevators. He wouldn’t risk anyone exposing Ace.

* * *

“I hope I didn’t sign you up for more work than you can handle,” Callum said as they entered the suite.

Hazel walked in ahead of him, feeling him check out her butt. “It’s a slow week. I have some pork chops to make today and that’s pretty much it. I’d like some more to do.”

“I’ll pay you, of course. Can you come up with a week’s menu?”

“What kind of food does Ace like?” she asked, turning in the living room to face him.

She saw him take in her face and chest. “He isn’t picky. Seafood pasta, burgers, Mexican. Anything but Indian food.”

“Easy enough. I’ll write up a menu. I know a good weeklong plan.”

Hazel used the same meals for certain types of people. In minutes she had a list and handed it to him.

“You’re going to increase my revenue this month,” she said. “There are perks to this relationship.” She winked at him, making him want to take her into his arms and show her the other perks.

Hazel made a quick call to Evie, which she did each day. She went into the kitchen, hearing him phone Patsy. Once again she marveled over how quickly he could make things happen. He had people at his service with just a call. Money gave him that. As he talked to Patsy she admired his profile, from his sloping nose to his moving lips, and on down to his strong shoulders and chest, flat stomach...nice ass...and long, manly legs. He’d called Patsy for her. She had almost refused to let him pay her but she needed the money. And she also felt pampered and liked that.

Reminded of Ed, she cut short her too-trusting reaction. Treat it like a business deal. He wasn’t asking her to prepare meals for his brother because he wanted her sexually. He’d asked for her business.

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