Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“Obviously, you’re not fighting it too hard,” she mutters as a hint of amusement flits across her face.
It’s way the fuck too early, but I’m up, dressed, and pacing my living room like it's a running track. Sunlight’s barely breaking through the blinds, painting stripes across the hardwood floor, and even though Yvette’s still snoozing away in the guest room, I’m already on edge planning for the week ahead. She’s determined to dive back into her work life, and as much as I admire her drive, the idea of her out there without someone to keep her safe makes every protective bone in my body twitch.
I finally pick up my phone and make the call to Giant Carmichael. If there’s anyone I trust to find the right person for protecting Yvette, it’s Giant. A man as big as his name suggests, Giant owns his own security company. Plus, he’s known for getting things done and keeping them low-key, which is a rare skill in a town with an active gossip grapevine like ours.
He picks up on the second ring, his booming voice like a force of nature even over the phone. "Why do all you fuckers insist on calling at an ungodly hour?"
"I need your help." I don’t care if I woke the fucker up. "I need a bodyguard for my girl."
He chuckles, the sound deep and rumbling. “I heard a rumor the Silver Spoon Falls water had another victim, but I didn’t believe the universe would be cruel enough to nerf your ass onto an unsuspecting woman.”
“Fuck you,” I grumble without heat, rubbing a hand over my face. “I thought the same thing when you met Bella.”
“Touché, my friend,” he grumbles before switching into professional mode. After I give him the entire story about Yvette’s former coworker and the car accident, he tells me, “I’ve got just the person in mind. He’s reliable, efficient, and invisible unless needed.”
“That’s what I need.” Relief cuts through me as I dread the coming week a little less.
“Do you want my guy to drive her to work?”
“No. My little knockout would have my ass if I arranged for someone to drive her.” That’s another thing I need to arrange. My girl’s car was destroyed beyond repair in the accident. Not necessarily a bad thing, considering I’d never let her drive the little tin can on wheels, anyway. Now, I need to convince her to drive my personal truck until I can buy her a big-ass safe vehicle. “I’ll drive her to work.”
“I’ll make sure he’s waiting at her office when she gets there Monday,” he assures me.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get my bill.” He laughs. “It’s a good thing you’re rich ‘cause this is going to be a big bill.”
“I’ll pay whatever it takes to keep Yvette safe.”
“I know.”
The knot of worry eases somewhat. I’m happy we came to a compromise to ensure Yvette has the space and security to do her thing without me breathing down her neck, but I know it’s going to be difficult to work while worrying about her.
As afternoon rolls around, Yvette finally emerges, looking refreshed and more determined than ever. We both know this weekend is all about getting her ready for the week ahead.
“Do you feel up to going to your apartment to pack a few things?” I ask, watching her scoop coffee into the machine like it’s her lifeline.
She smirks over her shoulder. “Sure. Or I could just move back into my apartment.” Her words are like a bucket of cold water to my face. When I see the smirk tugging at the edges of her pouty lips, I know she’s fucking with me.
“I should whip your gorgeous ass for fucking with me like that,” I grumble and pull her into my arms.
“Is that an option?” She wiggles her eyebrows, and my cock turns to stone in my pants. My little knockout is going to keep me on my toes.
“We’ll talk about it after we pack your things.”
“Promises, promises.”
After breakfast, we hop into my truck, and the ride to Midnight Falls only takes us fifteen minutes. As soon as we pull up in front of the home, I can’t help but appreciate the charm it exudes. It’s an older home that’s clearly aged with grace. It’s well-maintained and full of character, just like the woman who owns it. The exterior is painted an odd shade of dark purple with crisp white trim that highlights the windows and door frames.
The wrap-around porch stretches across the front, offering a glimpse of sprawling rocking chairs and potted plants. Just off to the side, I spot the detached garage. Its doors are painted to match the house, and above it is a cozy apartment with a small balcony that peeks out over the garden below.
We spot Ms. Viola basking in one of the rockers with her iguana, Herman, stretched lazily across the porch railing next to her.