Page 57 of Breaking the Rules of Love

“Isaidlet’s not get into this,” I growl, staring directly into his eyes. “You understand?”

I hear Logan make a move behind me, but it’s a reflex move. He stops himself. He knows better than to interfere right now. He knows that if I really wanted to do something to hurt Ryan, I could. This is just a warning to let Ryan know to drop it. And from the look in Ryan’s eyes, he gets it.

He nods, and I slowly remove my arm from his neck. Ryan is a top-notch security guy, but he’s got a big mouth, and I’ve had to check him a handful of times. This will be one more time we’ll add to the list.

He shakes himself off and straightens the collar of his shirt. “All right, so where the hell are these two anyway? Let’s get this show on the road, am I right?”

“That’s what I’m saying,” Logan agrees with a nod.

Also eager to get going, I leave the boys by the truck and march up toward the front door. This is breaking protocol and is also very unprofessional of me, but I can’t stand out here waiting any longer. I need todosomething to take my mind off her.

Sadie and her goddamn rule.

I go over the night in my head as I walk up the driveway. I have the route to the museum memorized, both to and from. That’s probably overkill on a job like this, but I needed something to keep myself busy today.

The Thortons’ house is absolutely enormous and looms over me as I approach. It’s like walking up to Wayne Manor. I’m just about to place my foot on the first step when the front door opens and Mr. Thorton steps out in a full black suit.

Seconds later, Mrs. Thorton emerges, wearing a white gown that looks like it was made specifically for her. And it probably was. And it probably cost more than one of my house payments.

“Oh, Jake!” Mr. Thorton says with a smile when he sees me. “Good evening! Is everything all set?”

He has no idea I’m breaking our standard protocol by being up this close to the house. He just thinks I’m up here to escort him and his wife to the car.

“Everything’s all set, sir.” I smile.

“Sir?” Mrs. Thorton asks, looking at her husband. Mr. Thorton quickly shakes his head.

“Please, call me Paul.”

“And call me Rachel,” Mrs. Thorton adds, smiling as she takes Paul’s arm. They both walk quickly to take my side as I lead them to the car we have waiting for them.

“Okay, Paul,” I say slowly. “Rachel.”

This is quite abnormal for a job like this. Usually, these rich couples who hire out the protection services of my firm are snobby, arrogant, and never introduce themselves or ask to be called by their first names. On top of that, they generally end up walking in front of us or tell us to stay out of sight, which makes our job of protecting them a lot harder. Paul and Rachel seem quite friendly.

Ryan and Logan are waiting at the car, the doors already open for our VIPs.

“And you guys are?” Paul asks them nicely.

My guys look surprised but introduce themselves just the same. Paul and Rachel slide into the car and then motion to me.

“You ride with us, right?” Paul asks me.

I glance at Ryan. “Well, Ryan was going to ride with you, and Logan and I were going to ride in the follow car–”

Paul shakes his head. “We’d likeyouto ride with us, if that’s all right.”

“Me?” My guys look as confused as I feel.

“I know you probably have a whole plan on how you do this,” Paul continues. “But if you riding with us doesn’t screw that up…?”

Ryan looks at me and shrugs. Logan does the same.

“No, it doesn’t screw things up,” I reply. “But when we get to the museum–”

“Your things, your way,” Paul says emphatically. “No problem, boss.”

He slides over, making room for me to take a seat in the car across from him and beside his wife.

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