THE BODYGUARD's SECRET

s flowed smoothly-filled with lavish parties, exclusive vacations

ind the desk showcased the glittering night sky, but its beauty couldn't soothe the unease in her chest. In front o

hook as she reread the document in her hands. "I

's gaze seriously. "This isn't up for negotiation, Ava. I've

on building inside her. "What kind of threats this time?

ny desk. "I can't tell you all the det

," Avaline argued, crossin

eliberate. Avaline turned, and her eyes immediately locked onto a tall man dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit

as

ld be her personal bodyguard, but Avaline h

James stated flatly. "From now on

s? You mean he'll follow me e

t James shot his daughter a sharp look. "Don't be ch

veillance," Avaline muttered.

"This isn't about what you want, Miss Monroe.

aught off guard by his audaci

thing. His jaw was strong, his frame powerful beneath that expensive suit, and there was something in h

shoved the t

ed with reluctance. "But don't think th

expressionless. But in his eyes, there wa

ing da

asn't a towering man with a statue-like presence constan

s close enough to protect her but far enough not to intrude

m, Lucas was already there, standing in the

w I can't escape," Avaline m

pond, remaining

announced, meeting his gaze deli

stepped forward, leani

N

by the blunt response. "

es

to decide where I

m here to protect you. The

gh. "You really do enjoy

said n

e still went-with

nge, a martini in her hand. Around her, her friends laughed and chatted, but her mind w

was ne

approached her, Avaline smirked slightly.

a smooth, flirtatious tone. "Min

ady moved. In an instant, the man stepped b

m. But there was something in that cold stare that ma

ucas," Avaline said aft

to question your abilities, Miss Monroe

enging him. "And what if I wa

ething in his eyes shifted. As

sary risks," he said quietly,

ne sensed there was more

ecr

n yet to be

he would find o