DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE The Reluctant Wife: Chapter 4
Her eyebrows shoot up. She seems taken aback by my declaration, and to be honest, so am I.
Images of our kiss from last night, of how her curves felt pressed against me, of how her lips clung to mine before she pulled away, overwhelm me. Her scent stayed with me and ensured that, despite jerking off a few times, I spent the night sporting a hard-on, unable to sleep.
I realized I would not be able to forget this woman. I needed to keep myself occupied so I wouldn’t obsess about her. It’s why I accepted Quentin’s offer.
To think, the princess he referred to is the woman I met at the bar. I’d have done anything to take her home, and not let her go until I’d had her in every way possible. I am more powerfully attracted to her than to the woman I once married. My intuition tried to warn me not to wed her, but I ignored it. Now, it’s telling me I should turn down the role of the princess’ personal protective detail to prevent any conflict of interest.
But the thought of anyone else spending all that time in such close proximity with her is inconceivable. And the possibility that someone else couldn’t protect her as well as I can is frightening. My stomach tightens.
After meeting with her security team this morning, it’s clear to me, they are woefully unprepared for the threat posed to her, which I verified as credible. Given my background and experience, I can confidently say, no one is better qualified than me to protect her.
And while I cannot cross the line of the professional relationship between us if I accept the role of her security detail, at least, I can see her every day.
I regretted that I was unable to take her to bed, but now, I realize, it’s the only reason I can keep my perspective about this job.
I was wondering why she ran; now, I’m thankful. It’s why I’m able to accept this assignment with a clear conscience and a promise to myself to not overstep the line.
Her blue eyes narrow like she’s aware of what I’m thinking. Then she sniffs. ‘I suppose that’s part of your job description.’
I incline my head. ‘Indeed, it is, Princess.’
I infuse just enough sarcasm into the last word that she stiffens. She seems like she’s about to retort when her father nods. ‘That’s decided, then. You’re my daughter’s security detail and you report directly to me.’
The silence stretches. Her expression reveals her unhappiness.
‘Thank you for doing this for me, honey.” The king’s gaze gentles. “Knowing you are safe helps me do my job better.’
The fight seems to go out of her. Her shoulders droop, ‘I love you too, Papa.’ She pivots and walks out of the room. I follow closely.
The door shuts behind us. She continues past the guards outside the suite and down the corridor to the elevator. She stabs at the button to summon the elevator.
‘What are you doing?’ I scowl.
‘I’m heading out. What does it look like?’ She stares at the indicator panel of the elevator.
‘Not so fast. I must brief you on the changes made to your security arrangements.” I growl, then curse myself.
She’s my principal. I need to soften my tone instead of ordering her around. This is why I shouldn’t have taken on this bodyguard gig.
‘Why do I need to know that?” She tosses her head. “Surely, that’s your job.’
‘I’m your protective detail.” I strive for a neutral tone. “Your safety is my only concern. This meeting is to ensure there is nothing left to chance when it comes to your welfare.’
‘And I’m the princess.” She looks down her nose at me which, given she’s a head shorter than me, is no small feat. “I’m asking you to get out of my way.’
This woman! She’s magnificent when she’s digging her heels in. A part of me admires her sass, and damn, if it doesn’t turn me on further. I get my need for her under control and school my features into a firm expression.
‘I am your security lead, and I ask that you follow me so we can meet with your security team and finalize the details of your arrangements.’ I can’t stop myself from infusing enough authority into my voice that it comes out sounding less like a request and more like a mandate. She hears the command in my voice and glowers.
She opens her mouth, no doubt, to refuse, when a voice calls out, ‘Everything okay, Aura?’
I look past her to find the previous head of her security detail approaching us, his forehead furrowed.
The fact that he has been so lax with her security thus far—enough to allow her to go to a bar on her own and expose herself to danger—turns my insides to molten lava. I want to close the distance to him and swing at him, but that’s not going to help the situation. So, I rein in my anger and draw myself to my full height.
What pisses me off more is that he called her by her nickname. I glower at him as he comes to a stop behind her.
The princess steps to the side, then affirms, ‘Everything’s good.’
‘Smith.’ I fix him with a steely-eyed glare.
I took this assignment with the caveat that I’d bring my own team on board. Overnight, I reached out to my network of former Marines and pulled together a crew I trust.
I indicated to the king that I’d be in this role through the investiture of the crown prince, after which, we’d review it. The king agreed but insisted that Smith continue to lead on the security details for himself. Now, I content myself with scowling at him.
He thrusts out his chest.
The princess looks between us, a bored look on her features. She sighs. ‘Why don’t I let the two of you compare dicks while I head out on for my appointment?’
Her mentioning the D-word from those flawlessly made-up pink lips is both incongruent and a bloody turn on. Her jaw is set. There’s a stubborn glint in her eyes. If it were up to me, I’d lock her inside and not let her out.
‘I have a better idea. Why don’t you and I discuss your security arrangements”—I nod toward the elevator car which has just arrived— “enroute to your appointment?”