He rubbed his short hair, sending sweat droplets into his eyes. He blinked away the sting. “Agreed.”
“Can we leave this house and go into DC?”
“For? Sightseeing?”
“No. I’ve been researching advocacy groups and other non-profits that could help deliver aid to Bendola. I’d like to visit their representatives and ask for assistance.”
“Good idea. We’ll go later in the morning, if you’re okay with that.”
“I’m okay with that,” she said in a shaky whisper, her chest still rising and falling at a rapid rate. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” His own heart continued to thunder, and it wasn’t because he’d lifted like a beast.
“I could wear one of the dresses you bought me.” The corners of her lips inched up.
“That would be appropriate. Do you—ah—like them?”
Her grin expanded. “I do. They’re really pretty.” Her head dipped, and she shifted her feet. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had beautiful dresses.” Her eyes found his. “Thank you, Daemon. Everything you bought me—it all fits. It was very thoughtful of you.”
“It was my pleasure, Princess. Anything you need. I mean that.”
“That seems outside of your duties as my bodyguard.” She produced a smile while her gaze faltered.
Daemon regained the distance he’d ceded, cupping her elbow and easing her off the wall. The touch brought her gaze up. Water brimmed her eyes. “Zuri…”
“I don’t—I have nothing. Even when I was in Bendola, all my father and I had were each other. The money for the resistance was spent on food and supplies. I’ve worn the same shirt and pants for over a year.”
“You wore them well.”
She rolled her eyes.
Daemon laughed. “Don’t feel guilty about the clothes. You’ll need something to wear at your appointments.”
She remained in his grasp. “I don’t feel guilty. I’m grateful, Daemon. Whenever you want to go, I’ll be ready.”
“Great. Well, breakfast will be in about an hour if you want to meet downstairs. We’ll go over the details and head out.”
“Okay. I will meet you downstairs.”
“Good.” He squeezed her elbow and released her.
“Good.”
His lips twitched upward the longer she remained planted in her spot. He took another step back and swept his right arm out toward the gym entrance. “After you, Princess.”
Daemon followed her out, enjoying the view a little too much.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
After returning to her room, Zuri rushed through her shower. She took her time in front of the mirror, holding the royal blue dress up to her neck. The sleeveless dress was cinched at the waist and fitting through the legs. The color and style had caught her eye immediately when she had first walked through the closet yesterday. Daemon continued to surprise her with his care and attention. Is this how he viewed her? Not as a grimy resistance fighter in worn clothes, but a woman in a power-dress who could command any room she walked in? The thought warmed her from her head to the tips of her toes. She quickly wiggled into the dress and sighed with satisfaction. Turning to the right and the left, she admired how the dress hugged her curves. A perfect fit.
She wasn’t sure how he knew her size, but his accuracy shot fear through her. What else did he notice about her? Was her whole life open to his scrutiny? She shrugged off the fear. He promised to remain professional. There wouldn’t be a repeat of what happened earlier in her room.
Yet, for a moment in the gym, she thought hewouldkiss her. He wrapped his arms around her and she waited—hoped that he’d break his word. It was for the best. The last boy she kissed…
Zuri sat on the edge of the bed, looking at herself in the mirror. Her father always told her that she looked like her mother. The woman she had defied to see a boy. A boy who was an Elite Guard in training and had set her up.
Zuri let out a growl and stood. She shook her head and rolled her shoulders, shrugging off the guilt of the past. Today would be about the future. She turned once more, admiring her backside. And by the looks of it, the future for her and Bendola was improving.
