Mack's already up, of course. I hear him out on the balcony, low voice on the phone. Probably barking at his boss again. I slip into a robe—short, teasing—and pad out barefoot. He's at the railing, back to me, broad shoulders tense under his black shirt. Phone to his ear: "Yeah, Cass. Team tailed Voss last night—alibi's crumbling. He was near the florist. And Lila? Her socials went dark after the note. Push harder."
Voss. Derek, my sleazy ex. The thought sours my stomach. They're getting closer, and Mack's team is on it. Relief mixes with the fear I've been burying. I won't let it show.
He hangs up, turns, and his eyes lock on me. There’s a flicker of heat, then it’s gone. "Morning."
"Morning, bodyguard." I saunter to the kitchenette, hips swaying just a tad extra. "Sleep well on that lumpy couch? Or were you dreaming of protocols?"
He grunts, crossing his arms that bulge with muscle. "Slept fine. You?"
"Like a baby. Though the bed's big enough for two." I wink, pouring some coffee. "Fake couple optics, remember?"
His jaw ticks. "Not happening. Job's protection, not playtime."
"Oh, come on. After last night?" I hand him a mug, our fingers brushing. "That kiss wasn't exactly professional."
He takes it, his eyes darkening. "Mistake. Won't happen again."
"Liar." I lean against the counter, robe gaping just enough to tease him. "You liked it. Admit it, Mack. Under all that grump, you're human."
He steps closer, towering. "Human enough to know distractions get people killed. Eat. Fitting’s in an hour."
I roll my eyes, but grab yogurt from the fridge. "Bossy. What if I want pancakes? Heart-shaped, to fit the theme."
"Room service is vetted. Order what you want." He sits at the table, pulling out his laptop. "But we're not leaving until I clear the venue."
"Fine, warden." I dial room service, ordering extravagantly—pancakes, fruit, mimosas. Just to annoy him. "Two mimosas. Extra bubbly."
He shoots me a look. "Alcohol? Before noon?"
"It's orange juice with a kick. Lighten up." After I hang up, I perch on the table edge near him, legs dangling. "So, update me. Stalker scoop?"
He hesitates, then sighs. "Derek's alibi for the bouquet—shaky. Was in the area. Lila Shane deleted posts hinting at sabotage. Team's digging. Could be either, or both."
Closer. Good. But the note last night—Roses are red, your guard is blue...—creeps in. Fear prickles, but I shove it down.Mask on. "Derek's too dumb for poetry. Lila? She's got the venom."
"Doesn't matter. We stay vigilant." His eyes scan me. It’s protective and leaves goosebumps in its wake. "No solo trips today."
"Aye aye, captain." I salute, then steal his laptop, clicking randomly. "Ooh, what's this? Secret files?"
"Give it back." He reaches, but I hop off, dancing away.
"Make me." Taunt mode: activated. It’s so fun to see him riled.
He stands, slow and predatory. "Indigo..."
"Mack..." I mimic, backing toward the couch. "Come on, share. I'm the target, remember?"
He closes in, grabbing the laptop gently but firmly. Our bodies brush—chest to chest. Heat radiates. "You're impossible."
"You're irresistible." I tilt my chin, lips inches from his. The air thickens. I want him to close the gap, kiss me like last night. Badly. My pulse races, breath shallow.
His brown eyes drop to my mouth, darkening. His strong hand lingers on mine. "This game's dangerous."
"Who's playing?" Whisper-soft. I lean in, almost...
Room service knocks. He pulls back, cursing under his breath. The moment’s shattered.Darn it.I wanted that kiss so bad—his roughness, the surrender. But he straightens, checks the peephole, then lets them in.
Breakfast arrives on a heart-shaped tray. Of course. I plop down, masking my disappointment with a smirk. "Saved by the bell. Or the pancakes."
