Triple-Duty Bodyguards

by Lily Gold

I smile against his skin. “Well then,” I say casually. “I guess you must just care about me.” He scoffs. “I do not.” “No? What other explanation do you have?” I nuzzle into his collar. “I think you do. I think you care about me.” “No.” I nudge his throat with my nose. “I think you like me.” I feel his jaw flex as he grits his teeth. “You’re a job. That’s it.” “Yeah? You got very angry, earlier.” I thread my fingers through his hair. “Almost like you’re emotionally invested.” “It would look bad if you got murdered by your stalker. You’re very high profile; I’d never live it down.” I run my hand down to his collar, fiddling with the buttons. “I think the thought of me getting hurt kills you,” I mutter. He doesn’t say anything, watching as I slowly pop the button on his collar. “Because, no matter how much you call me bossy,” I undo the next button, exposing a triangle of hard, tanned skin, “—or spoiled,” the next button goes, “—or a diva,” I slide my hand slowly under the thin fabric of his shirt, and watch a shudder roll through him. “I think you actually really like me,” I whisper. He reaches out suddenly, grabbing my hand. I look down at our linked fingers, my heart starting to pound. “It does,” he says, his voice rasping. His eyes burn into mine. “It kills me to think of you getting hurt, Briar.” Something in me softens. I flatten my hand across his bare chest. “I’ll try to stay out of trouble. Promise.” He snorts. “You couldn’t stay out of trouble if your lif...