Page 10 of Blinded By Loyalty

“I’m through with this discussion. For my peace of mind and sanity, I want you to stay here until York is confident you’re not in danger anymore.”

Great, she had the unwavering tone every mother in the world used to get their child to obey.

“I’m done with the discussion too. I’m tired. I’ll be in my bedroom.” I left the den without waiting for a response.

Where the hell was Axel?

Maybe if he were here, he’d assure my parents of my safety. Or not, because he sure didn’t act like he was happy to see me or wanted to be around me. He’d probably be furious for having to be my bodyguard.

What was so wrong with me? When other men would give their left nut to be with me, likely because of my money, Axel behaved as if I was infected with a deadly, highly contagious virus and avoided me.

Since he returned to town, all the emotions I’d had after he kissed me were back. I’d tried like hell to forget the taste of him or the feel of his hands on me. No woman could forget the way he kissed with desperate abandon. I sure as hell couldn’t.

But something had changed in me after he ran out of my loft. I tried to ignore the dark desires swimming through my veins—the ones I wanted to experience with Axel. If he’d stayed away, I would have dealt with whatever was lurking under my skin.

If only he’d stayed away.

4 Axel

THE MANAGER AT Malibu Blu Couture wasn’t helpful at all. She knew Simone but didn’t remember anything from the last time Simone had been in last November. I was pretty fucking frustrated.

“Can I look around?”

The woman assessed me. I realized I wasn’t her usual customer, but what harm would it be if I checked the dressing area out?

“I’m sorry, but I have customers dressing back there.”

“I’m Miss St. James’s personal bodyguard. I need to make sure it’s safe for when she comes… possibly during the week.” One way or another I needed to convince this woman to let me examine the area. Even lying to get what I wanted.

“Safe? Is she in danger? She shouldn’t come here if she is.” She twisted her lips, arching one eyebrow.

Great. She would probably never let Simone through her glass doors now, and Simone would be furious with me. It wasn’t like I could tell this woman what was really going on. She might leak it to the tabloids that Simone was being stalked. I had to play this smart.

“No, ma’am. She’s not in danger. It’s a new security detail. The St. James are a prominent family, as you know. They must be cautious wherever they go. You want Miss St. James and her mother spending an exorbitant amount of money here, don’t you? If I can’t make sure your boutique is safe, they’ll just have to spend their money at more accommodating stores.”

Her green eyes widened. Probably imagining the possibilities. “Okay. But I’ll go with you.”

“Fine.”

I followed the irritating manager back.

The angle at which the images were taken was from above Simone and from the ground. It made sense now. The walls of the dressing rooms were made of bamboo and open from the top and below. It was open and airy. Anyone could have easily peeked above the top or under the wall. The stalker would have been in a room next to hers, and she probably hadn’t noticed the peeping Tom.

My blood pressure went through the roof, imagining this dude gawking at her, being only mere feet away from her. Dammit, he could have assaulted her or, worse, taken her. The boutique had two entrances—one in the front and a second in the back. Simone never let her driver follow her inside stores. Darwin wouldn’t have even known she was in trouble.

“Are you finished?”

I turned around to face the annoying manager. “Do men often shop and try on clothing here?”

She grinned. “Of course. We have an alluring men’s line. Only the most distinguished gentlemen shop here.”

Gag me. She didn’t need to toot her own horn. I didn’t give a fuck about her expensive clothes.

“And there’s only one dressing area?”

Her green eyes considered me, raking up and down my length. “Yes.”

“Can I question your employees?”

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