But for some reason, it makes me feel safe.
“Ready?”he asks, his voice deep enough to rattle the church basement walls.
I nod quickly, before my voice can betray me.
“Goodnight, Mary.”
“Bye.Have fun!”she calls out with a wink so exaggerated I think it qualifies as a facial cramp.
My cheeks flame.
Mortification level?Maximum.
But does he notice?Nope.
Mr.All-Business just nods and clamps one enormous, tattooed hand over my elbow before steering me toward the double doors with a quiet confidence that screams ex-military.
And yes, the part of my brain not frozen in embarrassment or trying to keep up with his long-legged stride is definitely taking note of the way his hand feels on my arm.
Warm.Solid.Protective.
Ugh, get a grip, Sabrina.
“My car?”I start to ask as we hit the parking lot.
He shakes his head, already pulling out keys to the kind of vehicle that probably requires a special license and a small loan.
“It’ll be brought back to your place after I get you there safe and sound,” he says smoothly, then opens the passenger door to a glossy, jet-black SUV that looks like it belongs to someone way more important than me.
I pause for exactly one second, then get in.
Because what else am I going to do?Say no?Walk home alone with a maybe-stalker still looming in the background?
No thanks.
And before you ask—I’m not a total idiot.
I didn’t just trust this guy because he looks like he stepped off the cover ofTactical Bad Boy Monthly.
No, before the whole awkward speed dating circus began, I emailed one of the moms I suspect is behind this sudden and mysterious security detail.
Aella Ramirez.
Yes, that Ramirez.Part of the Volkov Industries dynasty with more power and secrets than the Vatican.Her daughter was in my class—cutest kid, honestly.Draws fairies with fangs and insists glitter is a basic human right.
Aella replied immediately, confirming her family arranged this after “concerning activity” was flagged by their private network.Whatever that means.
She also confirmed that Theodore Montego is legit.
Licensed.Background-checked.Certified.
And highly recommended.
So yeah.I checked.
I’m not looking to be some cautionary tale.
Still, being alone in a car with him now, in the dark, with the streetlights flickering and the faint hum of the heater the only noise between us—it’s a little much.
