“You shouldn’t be wandering around on your own.”
“I wasn’t wandering,” she bit out.On the heels of a sigh, she got up and slid her feet back into her sandals.“I was trying to enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet, but I guess that’s not going to happen with you watching me like a hawk.”
His expression remained unchanged.“You’re not supposed to be outside.”
“Since when?”She jerked her chin up.She could understand his lousy attitude toward her if she’d insulted him or questioned his abilities, or if she’d royally screwed something up that painted Six Points in a bad light.But no, she’d just been minding her own business, and he still felt the need to invade her space and act like an ass.“Aside from Sierra’s bedroom, I was under the impression I was allowed to move freely about the property.Has that changed, or are you just being a control freak?”
A pair of lines formed in the space between Navarre’s eyebrows.“I’m not a control freak.”
She snorted.“Wow, talk about a lack of self-awareness.”
The muscle along his jaw flexed.“You don’t know anything about me.”
“Oh really?”Challenge accepted.She may not be an expert in the realm of personal protection, but she could practically run a background check in her sleep.
Shoulders squared, she met his steely gaze.“Jacob Sebastian Navarre the fourth, because inflicting three of you on the world apparently wasn’t bad enough.Age thirty-four.Born in Lansing, Kansas.You were a unicorn in high school: a jock with good grades.You played soccer and baseball, lettering in both, and graduated magna cum laude.At Kansas State, you majored in finance but quit at the start of your junior year to join the US Army, where you became a designated marksman.From there, you served numerous tours overseas and received a handful of medals and commendations.Shall I continue?Because the military stuff was pretty interesting.”She hadn’t been able to access the really juicy stuff, but he didn’t need to know that.
Something sparked in the depths of his eyes.Surprise, perhaps, but there was also an element of raw intensity that cranked up her internal thermostat a good ten degrees.“You seem to have taken quite an interest in me.”
“I like to know who I’m working with, especially when my safety’s on the line.”
Navarre stared at her for a few long seconds, and then slowly shook his head.“Nice try, but I think there’s more to it than that.”
She made a derisive sound.“In your dreams.”
His lips curved into a sensual smile.“My dreams can get pretty filthy.If you ask me nicely, I’ll tell you all about them.”
Sloane rolled her eyes as she tried her best to ignore the buzz in her veins.“Not interested.”
“Are you sure about that?”He moved closer, deep into her personal space, and she could feel the heat radiating off his tanned skin.The faint scent of citrus and sandalwood infused the air around her.It was intoxicating.
Her heart thumped against her breastbone.Not out of fear or panic, but anticipation, and she cursed her traitorous hormones.“What do you think you’re doing?”
“What does it look like?”
“Like you’re about to get a shot to the groin.”
“I don’t think so.”Nevertheless, he angled his body to lessen the possibility.“I think you’re enjoying this little game, playing Famous Rich Girl and seeing how the other half lives.Maybe you want to see what it’s like to go slumming with the help.”
The smolder in his deep-brown eyes and the light stubble framing his jaw gave him a roughish, predatory appearance.And as much as she hated to admit it, that really turned her on.For the life of her, she couldn’t recall the last time her body responded this strongly to a guy.She really hoped he didn’t notice.
“Just say the word, princess.”His voice was an open invitation, seductive and alluring.”We can do it right here, up against this wall.Or would you prefer one of those big, comfortable beds upstairs, where I can play with you all night long?”
It was all she could do to keep her knees from buckling.“You’re being unprofessional.”
“Yeah, you’re right.I am.”And just like that, all trace of emotion dropped away from his face.With a flick of his chin, he motioned toward the rear wall of the property.“See the gap between the two boxwoods?”
She glanced over her shoulder to the area he referenced.It took her a moment or two, but she finally saw what he was talking about.It wasn’t much of a gap, maybe a foot or two at the most.“Yeah.What about it?”
“So far, the paparazzi haven’t found it, but it’s only a matter of time.With a good zoom lens, they can see you back here.”
“What’s your point?”
“It’s not justyourjob that’s on the line.There are more than a dozen men and women working this op in some capacity.All it takes is one slip for your cover to be blown.Stay in character when you’re in a place where prying eyes might see you.Better yet, stay in character at all times.It’ll be easier that way.”
“Sierra’s not even here yet.Why would the press bother nosing around?”
“Flight plans are public record.Anyone with an interest can track the exact location of Sierra’s private jet.She also posted about flying to Orlando on her social media this morning.And even though we’re in a gated community, the press will find a way inside.They always do.When that happens, they’ll start searching for spots where they hope to snap a good picture of Sierra.Including.Back.Here.If they spot a hot blonde lounging by the pool, who just happens to bear a strong resemblance to Sierra, how long do you think it’ll take for them to put two and two together?”
