“Five years.”
“And you’ve been doing this ever since?” Her nude-painted fingernails rip at the edge of her napkin. “Being a bodyguard?”
Why is she asking me all of this? I suddenly wish the food would get here so she’ll have something to do other than grill me. “I prefer the term watcher.”
“That kind of sounds like a stalker.”
“It’s definitely not.”
“You’re flushed. Am I making you uncomfortable?” Avery smiles, seemingly enjoying this. I can’t quite figure this woman out. She’s hot and cold, keeping me on my toes.
“No.” I lie. Talking about myself makes me incredibly uncomfortable, but I can’t show her any weakness.
“Watcher.” She says, rolling the word around in her mouth. “It does sound better than bodyguard. Or babysitter, which is actually what you’re doing.”
“If you say so.”
“You’re no fun.” She leans back, crossing her arms over her chest. My eyes flick to her cleavage once more. I realize it’s happening a bit too late. Avery catches me in the act. Damn! She uncrosses her arms and sits up a little straighter.
“Listen, princess.” Her eyes narrow at the nickname. I don’t care. Two can play this game. If we’re stuck together for the foreseeable future, we should at least try and get along.” I stretch my hand across the table, waiting for her to take it.
Her hazel eyes flick up to mine. For a second, I think she’s going to reject me, but at the last minute, she wraps her soft hand in mine. Sparks fly up my arm as my palm engulfs hers.
“Fine, deal.”
“Deal,” I say.
Neither of us pulls away. We sit there, staring into each other’s eyes like we’re playing some silent game of chicken until the waitress returns with two different flavored milkshakes.
ChapterFour
Avery
Ethan waitsfor me outside the bathroom. At least he doesn’t insist on going in with me. As I’m washing my hands, I glance at myself in the cracked mirror above the sink. Is a rich, entitled princess really all he sees? I can’t say I blame him. It’s not like I’ve taken great strides to exude my independence. My father surely sees to that. It’s like he enjoys having my continued reliance.
I brush a strand of red hair away from my face, wishing I’d at least brought a small touch-up kit with me. Ethan probably thinks I look like a mess. Not that I care. I shouldn’t care.
But you’ve already admitted it to yourself. Haven’t you, princess?
I squeeze my eyes tight, attempting to clear the thought from my mind. I splash a little water on my face and squeeze my cheeks in place of blush. After a quick application of lip balm, I head back into the restaurant.
I’ve barely made it a half step out when someone grabs my arm and pulls me close. With no time to even gasp, panic runs through me. “Don’t say a word,” Ethan whispers in my ear, his voice just as deep at a lower decibel. He pulls me to his strong chest and turns me toward the door, his arm around me. “Duck down. We’re leaving.”
I open my mouth to speak, but it’s a moot point. We’re out the door in seconds, Ethan shuffling me toward the SUV. He gently shoves me into the passenger seat and rushes to his own side. He starts the car and pulls out as fast as he can, just short of a tire screech.
“What the hell?” I ask, rubbing my arm where he grabbed me.
“Did I hurt you?” His blue eyes practically glow against his naturally tanned skin. “I’m sorry, Avery.” He runs his hand over his jawline, eyes back on the road. “But we had to get out of there. I recognized the men at the next table.”
His words punch my gut. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.”
“How?” I grip the bar on the door, our speed accelerating.
“Your father prepared me well for this, and it’s a good thing he did.” His Adam’s apple bobs up and down when he swallows. I have an overwhelming urge to give it a little nibble. “Those men are clearly tracking us.” He shakes his head. Ethan’s fingers grip the wheel tighter, causing the muscles in his sinewy arms to pop and flex.
Protector’s arms.
