Page 41 of Love on the Byline

“You don’t need to,” the agent replied, smoothing a handdown the front of his short-sleeved, linen button-down. Clark’s hair was ashade of black that could only come from a bottle. “But our main job, from nowon, is to stop it from happening again. You’re on lockdown, my boy.”

Turning, Bran shook his head. “I don’t need a goddamnedbabysitter.”

“Don’t you?” Clark gave him a pointed look before turning toNoelia. “I can hear your wheels turning. What are you thinking?”

She tapped on her phone as she rose to her feet. “I’m goingto call in a favor or three. Give me an hour. I’ll be in touch.”

Standing, Clark followed her. “I’ll keep pressure on theGazette. Threaten Sonja with a harrassment suit.”

“Don’t do that,” she said, turning abruptly. “We still havethe interview. The Gazette is treading on thin ice. If Sonja wants theexclusive, she’ll play ball. Bran, you stay put.”

“Not a problem, except that none of my things are here. AndI’m starving.” He gave Ollie a pleading look.

“Hans is on his way with provisions.”

“God, he’s going to bring me kale. Isn’t he? I want realfood. Comfort food. Mac and cheese.” He sounded every bit like the brat he wasat times.

“I’ll take care of it, but I need a lift back to my car. I’mteaching this evening.” He wasn’t about to leave his class in the lurch, andthere was nothing more he could do for Bran in the meantime.

“I’ve got you,” Noelia said, gesturing for Ollie to come withher. “Stay here, Brandon. I mean it.”

“You’re leaving me all by myself? Who knows what kinds ofmischief I could get up to?” Bran’s tone was light, but Ollie could still hearthe tension in his voice.

“Not much, since I have your phone. Besides, Rory will behere.”

“Who?” Clark’s brow creased.

“That would be me,” Rory replied, standing by the edge ofthe pool.

Everyone turned.

“Shit, who the hell are you?” Bran asked.

The agent gave the bodyguard an assessing look. “Did Russellsend you?”

“Rory Skinner, and no. I don’t know a Russell.” He approached,his hand outstretched to Bran.

“Brandon Cody.” He reluctantly shook. “You’re my securityguy, I take it?”

“For now.”

Bran’s frown deepened.

“Where are you from? I can’t place your accent.” Clark glancedat Ollie and back at the newcomer.

“Dublin, by way of Philly.” Rory folded his arms, histattooed biceps on display.

“I called in a favor, and Rory was good enough to jump in,”Ollie said.

The guy was a beast, taller than an oak and broader than aboulder. He felt better, knowing Bran would be well covered if anything went downin his absence. Not that he was expecting any more drama.

“He’s doing us a huge favor, being here,” he said, turningto Bran. “So, be nice and don’t make his job difficult.”

“Oh, he won’t make my job difficult. Will you, Mr. Cody?”Rory crossed his arms, smiling in a way that said I won’t take any shitfrom you.

He liked this guy. “Bran will behave, or you have mypermission to kick his ass.”

“Fuck you,” Bran said without heat.

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