First, she twists, grumbling. But I only tighten my hold.
I’m surprised when she shivers in my hold, instead of biting me. Kicking out my windshield. Or otherwise pulling another violent fit.
I’ll take the win. No matter how small.
But River won’t look at me, and maybe that’s just as well. My expression may reveal too much. I’m going downhardfor this woman.
The fire in her veins does something wicked to me.
“Don’t. Whatever you’re doing, don’t,” she whispers in a low, husky way that claws at me.
“Look. I know this is a lot. But if you can let me do what I do, then this will be over sooner.”
I should NOT bury my nose in her hair. But that’s what I do.
River Allison, my best friend’s sister, strips something inside of me raw. The pain in my chest might be fatal.
Unfortunately, River’s fine ass is cradled right in my lap. Against my cock, and being her bodyguard does nothing to stop my blood from racing downward to the most dangerous place of all.
There’s no way she’s going to miss what’s happening.
Fuck. This couldn’t be worse timing.
I shake myself mentally and my blood cools in response. Thinking about the code between men about little sisters makes the heat running through me turn to ice.
“Your brother is my best friend, River.”
Not a muscle moves in her entire frame.
After a long, crushing silence, she says, “I didn’t know that.”
“Let me give him this. Assurance you’re safe. I know I’d want the same for my little sister, even if she hated me for it.”
CHAPTER 5
Diesel does not play fair.
I knew this already, but his confession of my brother’s friendship slices me right where I’m vulnerable. He’d have to do it with me in his arms.
The overgrown beast is a master manipulator.
Too bad his arms feel like heaven and just what I need right now.
“I’m not agreeing to anything beyond the minimum intrusion, Diesel. That’s it. I have a life to live. I’m not shrinking while someone sends stupid gifts and…”
He takes my face in his hand and forces me to look at him. “Burns your truck?”
“We don’t have an arson report.”
His gaze drops to my mouth, raises back to my eyes. “You’re correct, we don’t. Which means we go into hiding tonight. Then we’ll reassess in the morning.”
Oh no. That’s not happening, I say firmly, “I can’t just leave my horse unattended.”
“Already taken care of. I had her moved to a secure location.”
I’m sure my mouth falls open. “How?”
“It’s part of a tactical contingency.”
