Page 13 of Defending Love
“Then why come ba?—”
He interrupted, his tone deepening. “Because the idea of anyone harming you is incomprehensible.”
“Eli, I’m going to be completely honest with you. Right now, I’m too fragile to allow my heart the opportunity to break.”
“I can see that.”
Exhaling, I took another step away and slapped my hands against my thighs. “I told you; I look like shit.”
“You look fucking scrumptious, even when you’re fragile. You’re fiercely radiant when you’re strong.” He inhaled. “For this to work” —he motioned between us— “for me to keep you safe, I need to know you still trust me and you understand that while I’m breaking my own rule by taking this job, I’ll only stay as long as you need my protection.”
“A job,” I repeated.
“A job I won’t fail. Ben has rules. They’re there for good reasons. I can’t break them again. I know you’re off-limits. Our relationship will be professional. Can you trust me again?”
There was a lot to unpack in his statement.
“I thought you said you were never personal with another client. What rule did you break?”
His jaw clenched, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “It wasn’t a client. Can you trust me?”
Could I trust him?
“To keep me safe?” I nodded. “I can do that. I think you’re hiding something, something you don’t want to share. That’s fine. I’m only a job. I won’t trust you with my heart.”
The spark in his eyes dimmed. “That’s best. Now, let me tell you our travel plans.”
Chapter
Six
Dani
* * *
“I’ll be back Sunday night,” I said to my brother Damien through the phone.
“Eli is traveling with you?”
“Yes, I’m not fighting the bodyguard thing.”
Damien exhaled. “FaceTime me when you’re with Mom. Tell her we love her and want her to get better. Hey, tell her to consider moving back to Indy.”
“Are you sure you and Ella want Mom in your newlywed home?”
“With Dylan, there’s not a lot of newlywed activity.” He snickered. “Maybe Mom could babysit, and I could get some.”
“Way too much info, brother.” There was a knock on my bedroom door. “I need to go. I’ll keep you updated with text messages.”
“Dani, one more thing. Take the plane. It’s available.”
“Eli already booked our flights.” I forced a smile. “Give Dylan a kiss from Aunt Dani. And no, I won’t babysit so you can screw your wife. Work that shit out on your own.”
“Stay safe,” he said as another knock rattled the door.
“You too.” I disconnected the call and spoke louder. “You can come in, Eli.” It wasn’t rocket science to guess who was knocking—the only other person in the condominium.
The sight of Eli in bodyguard mode took my breath away. Wearing one of his custom dark suits, Eli’s brown hair was tethered at the nape of his neck, showcasing his high cheekbones and chiseled jaw.
