Page 4 of Protector

“Sure. I get that. Must be lonely as fuck,” I say without thinking, but her eyes storm with something new. Her whole body seems to soften.

“I’d be happy to help guard you, if that’s what you need,” my mouth says, though I hate every word.

I’d rather pick up your tiny ass and press you into the wall, sinking my cock into your pussy and making you see stars, but if you need me to behave, I’ll do that.

Hell, I think I’d kill for this woman, and I just met her.

There’s just something pulling me to her. I know my ass is lonely, but this is something I’ve never felt before. Ignoring it, I jump right into the employee zone.

“Thank you. You’re saving my sanity, truly.” Her smile is grateful, but I don’t miss the heat she’s trying to simmer. I love it. It gives me hope.

“My pleasure,” I mutter and swear I see goosebumps rise on her arm.

She clears her throat and asks about how the happy couple met. They tell the mushy love-at-first-sight tale and then their attention is stolen by Gypsy, who pulls them into the large living space to put on a show. I imagine Porter will toss his wife and maybe the couch around, but my attention doesn’t waver from Ivy.

“Would you like to get some air?” I ask, hoping to steal her attention and soak in it.

Her smile spreads, and she nods.

We start walking, my wide frame easily parting the crowd as she follows close behind me. Suddenly, I see the future I never would have imagined for myself, but it’s exactly the escape I need from the circus. I’ve done guard work during winters while the circus was on break. This feels different. Rich folks were all faceless to me. A body to make sure didn’t get killed. With Ivy, I feel protective of her with every once of blood in my veins. The thought of anyone hurting her or even thinking about it makes me murderous. Even now, as we pass men I know, love, and respect, an all consuming need to protect Ivy takes over. It crawls through me from head to toe. I’m so gone for this woman. I’m not surprised. I think anyone who meets the sweet little rock star would feel the same.

Finally, we make it outside. The loud conversations disappear behind us. The deck on this house is huge. A comfortable wicker couch set in royal blue sits off to one side and a porch swing is on the other.

“Is that a bed?” Ivy says, bouncing over to the swing.

Sure enough, when she crawls on I see how big it is. This must be the reason my big ass brother is renting this specific house. The swing is big enough for me to lie down next to her without touching. It’s a hanging, oversized king bed attached to the ceiling, so it swings slightly. Not much, though.

Ivy turns, propped up on her elbow, and looks at me as if I’m the most interesting man alive.

“You should probably tell me all the reasons you’re qualified to be my bodyguard, but after the escort out here, I’m one hundred percent sold.”

Shit, I shouldn’t be lying next to her like this. I wasn’t thinking. This is sure as fuck not professional, but luckily, she’s not kicking me off. No, the way she nibbles on that plump lower lip makes me think she’s inviting me for more.

But that could never be true.

“Rest assured, I’m trained, and I come with references. I’ve worked for Envy Security every winter for the last twelve years.”

“I thought you were in the circus?”

“I am circus. Born and raised. During the busy season, we tour across the country. I’ve been doin’ a show with your Violet and my brother since she joined our motley crew. Been doing a show in the family circus my whole life. But business is too slow from December to March, so we all find other jobs.”

“You’re hired.” Ivy nods in approval.

“Thank you,” I say, clutching my chest with a laugh at how easy she was on me. With her this close, my heart feels as if it wants to escape. It’s beating so fucking hard.

“Wow, your eyes are really incredible. I’ve never seen that shade of blue before. Has anyone every told you that before?”

Her question is cute.

“No, people usually find me to be a scary motherfucker. I’d say that’s pretty damn far from incredible.”

“Well, I’m not scared of you,” she purrs, staring into my eyes.

The tension between us pulls tight like a live wire. It sizzles in the warm night air. My mind forgets all the reasons I shouldn’t kiss her right now. But just as I lean closer, I hear Violet yelling.

Instead of taking Ivy’s lips with mine, I get off the swing just in time for my sister-in-law to barrel out the back door. The screen door slams behind her as she runs to Ivy, frantically waving her phone.

“We have to talk,” Vi says, pulling her up off the swing then sweeping her into the house.

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