Page 21 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

I scold myself as I retreat to my room, the cool tile beneath my feet momentarily distracting me from the tumultuous thoughts racing through my mind. The sound of the water droplets dripping from my body onto the floor echoes in the silence, a tangible reminder of the vulnerability I had allowed myself to succumb to.

Debbie entrusted me with protecting the three CEOs of BioCore, not indulging in forbidden fantasies that could shatter the delicate balance we have established. It's essential for me to be their guardian, their protector, not another complication in their already complicated lives.

I make my way towards the walk-in closet, deliberately avoiding any mirrors that threaten to reflect the turmoil etched upon my face. I hurriedly grab my uniform from the closet, steeling myself against the lingering echoes of his voice and the memory of his touch. The crisp fabric brushes against my skin, offering a cold reprieve, a shield against the warmth that still lingers within me.

As I meticulously dress, each button meticulously secured in its rightful place, I remind myself of the code of conduct I have vowed to uphold. I sink onto the edge of my bed, staring at my reflection in the ornate mirror hanging on the wall. The image that stares back at me is that of a woman torn between duty and desire, her eyes searching for answers she knows she may never find.

Why is it that every time I tell myself to get my act together where those three are concerned, I only end up slipping further down the rabbit hole?

The answer lies in the magnetic pull of Leo's smoldering gaze, the way his eyes seem to hold secrets and promises that ignite a fire within me. It lies in Jackson's mischievous smile, the way he effortlessly radiates charm and charisma, making me question my own self-control. And it lies in Caleb's quiet strength, the way he exudes an aura of protection and vulnerability that tugs at my heartstrings.

They are irresistibly attractive, a trifecta of allure that makes it nearly impossible to resist their advances. But I am their bodyguard, entrusted with their safety, not a plaything to be indulged in their desires. The line between personal and professional has blurred, and I find myself trapped in a precarious dance of longing and responsibility.

As I reach for my weapon holster, securing it tightly against my hip, I force myself to recall the dangers we face. The corporate espionage, lurking threats from rivals who would stop at nothing to gain an advantage. Every second spent drooling over how fucking sexy they are is another second that anything could happen to them.

"This isn't a fairytale," I remind myself coldly, clenching my fists. "Girls like you, Charlie... They don't get to have their cake and eat it, too."

Look, don't touch.

I chastise myself once more, trying to bury the desires that threaten to consume me. With a deep breath, I push away from the bed and make my way towards the door. Duty awaits, and I must not keep it waiting.

Just as I reach for the doorknob, a sudden knock echoes through the hallway, startling me. My heart skips a beat as I freeze in place, hope flickering within me. Could it be Leo? The thought sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine, the memory of his touch still fresh in my mind.

"Professional," I mutter in remembrance. "Don't forget yourself, Charlie."

But it's easier said than done when faced with three men who have the power to unravel me with a single glance.

Curiosity gets the better of me, and with a sigh, I unlock the door and swing it open. Jackson's gaze meets mine, his expression serious yet tinged with a touch of pleasure.

"Charlie," he greets me with a charming smile, his blue eyes twinkling with an undeniable magnetism. "Good morning."

I blink, momentarily taken aback. He looks so good this morning, dressed with his usual impeccable taste in clothes. "Good morning, sir."

"I need you for a meeting off facility grounds. It's urgent," he insists, stepping back expectantly.

"Yes, sir, of course." I say immediately, reaching for my phone and wallet. When I turn back to him, he's looking me up and down. "Is something the matter, Mr. Harris?"

He flashes me another charming smile. "Not at all, Miss Moore. I was just thinking... Well, you have the perfect complexion for this wine-colored dress I saw... Nevermind about that," he suddenly decides, still tracing my figure with a dress. "Shall we?"

I repeat the mantra in my head as I exit my room:Look, don't touch. Never touch.

19

JACKSON

Charlie nods to me, holding the car door open patiently. "After you, sir."

I stop beside her and shake my head with a chuckle. "Ladies first, I insist."

She responds with a straight expression: "I'm not a lady, Mr. Harris, I'm a bodyguard. Please, you first."

"Yes, sir," I shoot back, enjoying when she's unable to hide her cute little smile from me.

The car rolls forward as I grab two waters from the cooler and offer the second to Charlie. She takes it with a curt nod, but sets it aside. I unscrew the bottle cap and take a nice, long drink before sighing with satisfaction.

"So," I begin, "how long have you been in the bodyguarding business?"

She shifts slightly, crossing one slender leg over the other. "Nearly ten years, now."

---