I avoid his gaze. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Too distracted by something else?” Ryder teases, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
“You’re impossible,” I mutter, but there’s no heat in it.
His expression softens. “Hey,” he says, tilting my chin to meet his eyes. The pad of his thumb brushes my lower lip, and I have to bite back a moan. “It’s okay. We all have moments of distraction.”
When I look back up, his gaze has darkened, pupils dilated.
“Cora,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky.
I swallow hard, my heart pounding. “Yes?”
Ryder leans in, his breath warm on my cheek. For amoment, I think he’s going to kiss me. I hold my breath, anticipation coiling in my stomach.
“We can’t do this, Cora,” he whispers, his thumb now tracing my cheekbone. “Whatever this is between us... it’s too dangerous. I can’t protect you if I’m distracted.”
His words hit me like a physical blow. “So that’s it?” I ask, hating how small my voice sounds. “You’re just going to pretend there’s nothing here?”
Ryder’s jaw clenches, conflict clear in his eyes. “I need to keep you safe. That has to come first.”
As he turns away, heading toward the house to investigate the camera situation, I’m left standing by the pool, dripping and confused. The tension between us has shifted, morphing into something painful and unresolved.
I wrap my arms around myself, exposed in more ways than one. Ryder’s words echo in my mind.
“You're not going.” Ryder blocks the door with his body, a human barricade of muscle and determination. “Not to the coffee shop. Pick somewhere more secure.”
I narrow my eyes, frustration bubbling up inside me. “Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I'd hired a bodyguard slash business consultant. Are you going to tell me where to hold all my meetings now?”
“If it keeps you safe, absolutely,” he retorts, his jaw clenching.
“Great. While you’re at it, why don’t you pick out my clothes and schedule my bathroom breaks?” I roll my eyes. “I have meetings. Beth can’t handle it alone. She’s not me.”
“The Parisian Hotel has private conference rooms, or you can do it online.”
“They specifically requested the coffee shop. If I try to change the location now, they’ll think I’m difficult or paranoid. Either way, I look weak.”
“You can suggest alternatives.”
“No, I can’t.” I place my hands on his rock-hard abs, trying to push him out of the way. He doesn’t budge an inch, solid as a mountain. “What are you, the Hulk’s smaller brother? Move!”
“Safety first, remember? Private location, controlled environment.” His eyes bore into mine. “You’re a target now. Meeting in public places makes you vulnerable.”
“Safety first? What’s next, bubble wrap and a helmet? I’m not made of glass, Ryder.”
“No, you’re made of stubbornness,” he growls.
“What’s changed since a few days ago?” I’m tempted to hit him and run, to throw a punch or a well-aimed kick to the groin like I’ve learned in my lessons. He wouldn’t hit back, but I’m not sure it would be enough to move him. I doubt anything could move him. The thought sends a thrill through me, settling as a warm ache between my legs.
“Have you already forgotten the message you received?”
I lick my lips, tasting the remnants of my morning coffee. “I can’t live in fear. I have a business to run, and Richard already stole a client when I had to cancel meetings after the mugging.”
“Richard?”
“He owns the competing company,Elite Elegance. He’ll do anything to beat me and steal my clients.” I sigh. “This is exactly what he’d want, for me to stop working and sit at homewhile he closes all the deals that should be mine. I can’t let him win.”
“Cora, I need you to stay safe for a few days. Please. Until I have more information.”
