“No!” The short growl brought another smile that I tried to hide.
His fingers lightly brushed my nape when he helped me with the jacket, bringing a shivering response. I hurried away, unwilling to expose how much his touch affected me despite this morning’s conversation.
“Let’s go.” I nodded at Barun before stepping out with my bag. Swaying my hips, I was thankful to go to the car. My feet were already hurting a little, and I had to tell myself these high heels were worth it if it drove my bodyguard crazy.
An hour later, sadly, I had to disagree with my belief. Those stupid heels were figuratively killing my feet. I had to stop myself from grimacing when I danced. And yes, as expected, the inn was festive. The restaurant area had been redecorated to form a makeshift bar and a dance floor.
Quite a few locals were having a good time, drinking and singing. With the delicious bar food, the whole place looked magical, like straight out of a Hallmark movie.
The locals were warm and welcoming, especially knowing I was with Barun. The elderly couple who ran the inn ensured I was fed, and the bartender, a beautiful woman who seemed to bein her twenties, made me the perfect drink. Which my shadow monitored, of course!
The only sore face in this entire place seemed to belong to him, who was yet to take his eyes off me. A fact that made me feel daring. I took a sip of my drink, my eyes looking into his as I licked my lips.
Watching his lips thin in annoyance? Frustration? Whatever the hell it was, it gave me the much-needed boost to get onto the dance floor. Many of them were already grooving to the peppy numbers, and I joined them, swinging my hips to the beat. Closing my eyes, I lost myself in the rhythm, strangely experiencing a feeling of calm amidst the chaos.
I didn’t realize how much the past two months had affected me subconsciously, making me watch over my shoulder despite my brothers assuring me everything was fine. The past had awakened a sense of fear that I couldn’t completely negate.
Now, faced with a light buzz from the alcohol and the dancing, my nerves relaxed at last, letting go of all the worries that I’d been carrying without my knowing. I continued to dance without a care until I felt someone behind me.
Turning around, I saw a tall man with blue eyes and light hair, a slight smile on his lips. He nodded at me.
“Hi.”
As always, men, especially ones who stepped a little close for my comfort, threatened my peace. My guard immediately went up in a way that I was used to by now. However, this time, I chose to ignore my body’s conditioned response and smiled back at the stranger.
“Hi yourself,” I answered, forcing myself to smile at the man who seemed harmless. He was good-looking in a boy next door sort of way, which made me smile at him without suspicion. His presence didn’t scream danger. In fact, he looked a little nerdy and sweet, almost shy, even.
At my answering smile, he stepped a little closer. “I’m Ben, and I just came in here for the holidays. If it isn’t too forward, can I get you a drink?”
“Sure,” I replied, hoping Barun was still around. After all, this was the new me — daring, social, and apparently ready to speak to strange men. Walking away from the dance floor, we sat on the barstools, ordering our drinks and a plate of greasy food.
My suspicions were right; Ben was a nerd. He taught computers in college, and he claimed he was an outsider who liked to travel to unknown destinations during the holidays. Interesting!
Munching on the food, I listened and nodded in the right places. Sadly, my pulse didn’t flutter, nor did my heart sing in this man’s presence. That didn’t seem to be his reaction, though. In a move that I didn’t anticipate, he pulled me from the stool.
“How about some fresh air? Do you fancy a short walk?”
The moment he touched me without permission, my body went into hyperalert mode. My throat closed, and I struggled to get the words out. Mutely, I watched his hand move, as if he wanted to circle my waist.
“Touch her once more and you’ll be dead.” Barun’s voice whispered quietly next to me, making Ben turn white.
“Who are you?”
“The man who will end you if you don’t step away.”
“Katy…” He looked at me in confusion, finally making my vocal cords move.
“Barun…” I turned to him, frowning.
“Princess, we’re done here. We’ll have to leave right now if you don’t want me to kill him.”
Taken aback by the coldness in his tone and the icy fury flashing across his dark eyes, I nodded, not even protesting when he snagged my waist, pulling me to himself.
“I… I’m sorry, Ben,” I stuttered, before walking behind a furious Barun.
#13
Barun
