Page 23 of Absolution

I gaped at Leo. “What?”

“You. Have. A. New. Body—”

“I know what the fuck you said,” I interrupted him, not caring there were two other men in the room. “No, not happening.”

“Sorry, sweet cheeks, but I’ve been assigned to you. Or maybe you’ve been assigned to me.” He shrugged it off. “Whatever. Either way.”

“Neither way.” I jumped up from the couch, my hysteria rising. I couldn’t be around him for so many reasons. “I’m unassigning you.”

“It doesn’t work that way.”

I stomped my foot, even though it was childish. “Yes, it does. I didn’t hire you, therefore you’re not my bodyguard.”

He took two steps to loom over me. I craned my neck to gawk up at him. Leo Marshall was an intimidating figure on any given day, but this close, he could make a man quake in fear. I wasn’t going to back down, but it took everything in me to resist my submissive nature and lower my gaze. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hold out forever, especially when he brought out the Dom voice.

“You’re being threatened, which means you and I are stuck together until Gideon has been neutralized. You don’t have to like it, but that is the way it’s going to be. Do you understand?”

Unable to stop, and hating myself for so many reasons, I lowered my gaze, and with a whisper, succumbed to my fate. “Yes, Sir.”

“Huh. So that’s how you Doms do it.” Webber looked notably impressed. “I might have to try that with Katie.”

Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Connor barked out a laugh. “Please. Your wife would kick you in the balls.”

He nodded. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Can we focus here, please, gentlemen?” Leo asked sarcastically.

Webber and Connor both surprisingly flushed.

“The first thing we need to do is install a security system and update the locks on your doors and windows. I need to know what your work hours are, and any extra-curricular activities you attend, including Eden. I’ll be escorting you wherever you need to go.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Absolutely. Gideon has already proven to be a killer. I’m not taking any chances.”

“He’s not going to kill me.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do know that,” I insisted.

“How?”

“I just do.”

“For fuck’s sake, are you always this difficult?” Leo threw his hands up in exasperation.

I rose from the couch and set my fists on my hips. “As a matter of fact, I am. Chances are, I’m not ever going to be less difficult. Which means, if you’re dead set on pursuing this whole bodyguard thing, you better get used to it.”

My eyes widened, and I took a step back when Leo prowled forward and into my personal space.

“Just remember that there are consequences to your behavior. I know you’re probably scared right about now, but there’s only so much attitude I’ll tolerate.”

I fought against submitting to his control, but he continued to stare me down until at last, I lowered my gaze. Again.

“I’m sorry.”

Leo’s finger brushed my chin as he tilted it up and our eyes met. “Good girl. Now, have a seat while Connor and I get a tech team over here to install your security system.”

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