I’ve dealt with some spoiled brats in my day…but what the hell? -Gabe
I pace outside the door, not bothering to pretend that I’m not listening to the conversation in the next room.
“I don’t want another bodyguard, nor do I need one. One crazy fan does not mean I need to change my whole life. Frank does a good job. He’s got a fine team. Something happened that night. Obviously, that freak was really damn good at figuring out how to disarm the alarms. I’m not going to be a prisoner in my own home.”
It’s a little strange hearing Gemma Sparks’ voice in person. For the past two years, I’ve listened to every song she’s released. There’s something about that throaty voice of hers that has entranced me from the very start. My buddy Paul teases me relentlessly about my playlist, which consists mostly of her songs. I don’t give a shit what he thinks. Her music, her words, soothe something within me.
Now I sound like that freak who tried to kidnap her.
The thought of someone stalking Gemma makes me ball my fists by my side. My boss, Heartline’s owner Cass, would probably get a kick out of seeing me like this. Of course, he’d never show it. That man is the king of never showing emotion.
Usually, I’m a lot like him, but ever since I saw the reports on television and social media about some crazy guy getting into Gemma’s house, I’ve been on edge. I’m the one who approached Cass about trying to get hired to protect her, especially with all the Valentine’s festivities coming up.
Heartline Security is based in Cupid City, where Gemma’s much anticipated concert will be part of the winter festival activities. This is our busiest time of the year in the city that is always ready to celebrate Valentine’s. It always strikes me as ironic that we’re based there since most of us that work for Heartline have been accused of not having a heart. My job is to get Gemma safely from Atlanta to Cupid City and make sure this concert goes off without a hitch.
“Gem, he’s the best in the business. Even Frank says we need him. He’s ex-military, comes from a high intelligencebackground. Hell, he’s even protected the Secretary of State and kings. And we know how high end Heartline Security is. They’ll make sure your security is impenetrable.” The older man’s voice drops low. “Gem, I can’t lose you. Please do this. Do this for me. What happened…” I can hear the tortured worry in his voice, “shit, I can’t go through that again. I don’t want to ever come that close again.”
Fuck. I don’t either. I don’t even know the woman, but somehow…somehow, she’s important to me.
I hear a long sigh and know her decision is made.Looks like I’m finally going to get to meet the woman who has captured my interest from the very first moment I heard her on the radio.
The door finally opens, and John Sparks’ kind blue eyes meet mine. “You can come in, Gabe. She’s ready to meet you.”
He steps aside and I enter the cozy room. It’s obviously Gemma’s office, but the two cats curled up by the fireplace and the scattered paperwork on the desk give it a homey feel. The framed gold records on the wall could seem like just part of the décor if you don’t look close enough to know that the woman has multiple number one hit songs under her belt.
I feel like a geeky boy with his first crush as I approach her. Her back is turned to me. Her blonde hair has purple highlights and I gulp as my gaze scans the rest of her body.Fuck, her curves…her curves will be the death of me.
I try to calm my dick down as I imagine leaning her over the desk and grasping her wide hips in my hands. I bet her tight pussy would feel damn good as I pound into her from behind…
This is your client, you horny asshole.
I’m not at all prepared when she finally turns around. The face I’ve seen on screens so many times is even more devastating up close. She’s beautiful. Blue eyes that sparkle with intelligence,rosy cheeks, and her painted red lips…she’s amazing. My breath stops in my chest.
Those beautiful eyes of hers narrow and her signature red lips turn down. “Gabe Todd.” Her gaze flicks over me dismissively as if finding me wanting. She tilts her head. “You’re older than I expected.” She pauses and looks at me as if she’s the queen and I’m one of her subjects.Hell, maybe I am.“Stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of yours, Mr. Todd.”
My lips twitch and then I can’t stop the small smile that appears on my face.Oh, this is going to be fun. If the princess wants to play, we’ll play.
Chapter Three
Gemma
I’ve never been very good at obeying rules. Why the fuck should I start caring about it now? -Gemma
“Oh, princess, I’m about to be in your way all the time. You won’t take a step without me.” His green eyes twinkle with mirth, and he tilts his head in a cocky manner as he looks me over.
I put my hand on my hip. I’m not accustomed to being disobeyed so openly. There’s a small knot of anger within me, but mostly there’s heat. A heat that spreads throughout my body and makes my lady parts tingle.Shit, that is damn inconvenient. Of course, my lady parts have never had very good judgment.
Gabe Todd’s smirk grows as I study him.Damn, he’s a fine male specimen. Too bad he’s going to be a cocky jackass to deal with.His chest is broad, and his muscles seem barely confined in the expensive suit he’s wearing. I’m guessing Armani. The man has good taste in suits and apparently knows how to fill one out. My eyes casually drop to his crotch.Fuck.My mouth waters.
I hear a throat clear and am suddenly hyper aware that my father is in the same room.Shit.
I do something I haven’t done in a very long time. I blush.
“Watch yourself, Mr. Todd. You work for me. And I happen to like my freedom. You won’t be following me to the damn bathroom every time I need to pee, so don’t get too excited. There will be boundaries.” I struggle to take back control of this meeting. I push back my shoulders and stand up to my full height, which unfortunately is only 5’6”. He looks like he’s over 6’5” at least.
Gabe casually raises an eyebrow, looking amused. “I’ll let you pee in peace, princess, but I will be going to check the bathroom or any other room before you go in. That’s the procedure. You’ll get used to it.”
I turn to my father. “You promised this wouldn’t interfere with my daily life,” I grind out.Fuck this.I’m not going to be surrounded by all this…I peek over at Gabe again,hotness,twenty-four hours a day. I’ll go crazy.Fuck, I’ll probably jump him and then he’ll tell my father I’m some crazy, horny mess.
