More Than Protect You (More Than Words #6.5) - Shayla Black Page 0,17
that I’m not just a bodyguard, but a man?
Amanda raises her chin. “You’re not.”
It takes all my willpower not to touch her. “If you’re going to wander off alone when someone is out to kill you, I have no problem being yours.”
Footsteps stomp through the front door moments before Trace and Masey round the corner and spot us. I jerk back. Amanda looks away in embarrassment.
Trace clears his throat. “We just…um, need to grab Ranger and his gear from the office.”
“Sure.” I gesture him to the room at the end of the hall. I’m trying my damnedest not to look guilty, but I feel the thick sludge rolling through me, pushing the flash of anger from my veins.
Amanda didn’t need me to yell at her. We haven’t had time to cover ground rules and best practices. That didn’t stop me from jumping down her throat.
Maybe Ellie wasn’t all wrong about you being overprotective and possessive.
But this is worse. Way worse. Stronger. Maybe I’m just on edge—I hope that’s it—but not knowing that Amanda was safe did something to more than my temper.
Trace and Masey step past us and disappear into the office. An instant later, Amanda backs away from me, putting distance between us.
“I think I’ll just…get some water.” She whirls for the kitchen as if her ass is on fire.
It takes everything I have not to follow.
The silence is awkward as Trace and Masey emerge with Ranger, then disappear with a few mumbled words, closing the door behind them with a final click.
I let out a breath and scowl. I’ve botched everything, and I need to apologize.
On my way down the hall, I pass the front door, ensure it’s locked, then do the same with the double glass doors in the back overlooking the Pacific. Finally, I take a deep breath and get my shit under control before I head into the kitchen to see Amanda facing the sink, staring out the window. The glass in her hand is shaking.
I feel like a shit. “I’m sorry.”
She gives me a tight shake of her head. “You’re here to protect me, and I…wanted to see the ocean.”
Her explanation makes sense, but her hesitation as she voices her excuse tells me she’s lying. “I don’t believe you.”
That makes her turn and look my way. She sets her glass on the pristine white counter. “I have a lot on my mind.”
We’re getting closer to the truth, I sense. But that’s not everything. “Any of that have to do with me?”
“Why are you here?”
“For the money.”
“If that’s the case, why won’t you stay on the job beyond a week?” Her gaze drills me. “I suggested a sum that should have been more than acceptable. You didn’t even consider it. As long as you lie to me, I won’t feel bad about lying to you.”
Damn it. Every time I fall into the trap of thinking she’s soft and vulnerable, she proves she’s made of stronger stuff. “I’m not lying; I need the money. But I also came because I don’t like women or children being threatened.”
“I’m not asking the right questions. Why were you worried about me just now? Honestly.”
What is she pushing me for? “It would be better if I didn’t answer that. Once I tell you, you can’t unknow it.”
Our gazes connect, and electricity pings between us. Goose bumps flare across my skin. Desire kindles in my gut.
Her whisper is the match that sets me ablaze. “You want me.”
I could try to lie, but it won’t work. Amanda knows. The elephant is in the middle of the room. “I’ve already thought about stripping you naked and fucking you until you scream about a hundred times.”
She’s going to fire me now. I haven’t just crossed a line; I’ve stomped over it, backed up, and rolled over it a few more times for good measure. I deserve for her to show me the exit, slam the door behind me, and yell “good riddance.”
The last thing I expect is for her to lick her lips and glance my way. “And I’ve already thought a hundred times about letting you.”
Oh, holy shit.
I scrub my hand across my face. How the fuck am I going to stay off of her now that I know what I’m craving is mutual? “You went outside to put distance between us?”
She nods. “I needed to. We both know giving in to this would be a terrible idea.”
“The worst.”
“Beyond stupid.”
“Catastrophic.”
But that doesn’t stop me from prowling closer. Amanda steps back. I need to