Of course he is. What did you expect? That he’d see you and suddenly realize you’re not just another bodyguard?
Idiot.
Charlie locked her expression into professional neutrality as George spoke to Shelly, reassuring her and makingintroductions. She studied Shelly, her heart breaking silently for the woman with fear in her eyes.
“This is Charlie King,” George said. “She’s the best bodyguard here at Watchdog and she’s gonna keep an eye on you.” He nodded at Shane. “Shane Foti here’s not half bad, either,” he added with a smile.
Charlie smiled warmly as she reached out to shake Shelly’s hand. “You’re safe with me, Shelly.” The next words came out before she could stop them. “I swear it to you upon my honor.”
It was a quote fromSword of Embers, one of her favorite books. The words the knight spoke to the princess when he swore to protect her.
She saw Ben’s expression change—surprise flickering across his face for just a moment—and then Shane was smirking at her like he knew exactly what she’d just revealed.
Damn it.
But Shelly was smiling, looking less scared, and that was what mattered.
Still, that surprise on Ben’s face and smirk on Shane’s stayed on her mind for the rest of the night as she got Shelly settled into the safehouse.
It’s nothing.
And another, familiar voice in her head added,No man would ever want you.
THREE
Ben drovehis truck up his long driveway and slowed when the cruiser’s rollers kicked on. He parked directly behind the vehicle and kept the headlights on. In the glare he watched two men step out of the cruiser. The driver’s face was tight with rage.
“Police!” he shouted.
As if I couldn’t tell.
“Turn off your headlightsnow!”
Ben killed the headlights, sighed, and climbed out slowly, keeping his hands visible. He watched the second officer hesitate the moment he got a good look at Ben’s size. He looked at his partner but the other officer wasn’t intimidated. Ben could see the driver’s red face even in the cold glare of his yard light as his eyes searched the passenger side of Ben’s truck, frowning when he realized Ben was alone. The nametag on his uniform said Morrison.
“Benjamin Massey?” Morrison said, voice dripping with acid as his hand rested on his service weapon.
“That’s me. How can I help you?”
The other officer’s nametag read Keller. Ben recognized him from the drive-by earlier. “We’re here to search your vehicle and residence for controlled substances,” he said.
Ben snorted. “Controlled substances? Is that how you’re going to play this?”
“Where is she?” Morrison snarled.
There it was.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ben said calmly.
“Bullshit!” Morrison’s face flushed red. “You think you can fuck my woman and get away with it?”
“Morrison,” his partner said in the same tone he might have used to calm an angry dog.
Ben kept his voice level and addressed Keller. “You aren’t searching anything without a warrant.”
Morrison stepped closer, his jaw clenched. “You got something to hide? Besides that ungrateful slut?”
“I’ve got rights. You have no proof of any misdeeds, you have no warrant, so we are done here.” Ben crossed his arms and stood in front of the driver side door.
