I owe them everything.
One swift nod seals my fate, for the next year at least.
‘When do I need to go?’
‘Now.’ Sasha throws her arms around me, offering a grateful hug.
Mad how one Sexton woman can touch me and evoke no reaction, and the other only has to appear in the same room and my cock springs like an obedient soldier jumping to attention.
Fuck my life.
All I have to do is keep Victoria safe and out of trouble. It’s my job, after all. It’s a glorified babysitting position. I’ve had plenty of practice. Though by all accounts, the twins may be easier to control.
Half of me is horrified.
But what’s really horrifying is that the other half of me is secretly thrilled at being forced into her proximity again.
3
VICTORIA
Coffee surges from the Nespresso machine into my favourite white cup, nowhere near as quickly as I need it. There’s something therapeutic about watching the light china fill with something so dark and delicious.
Why is everyone making such a fuss? Last night wasn’t the first time I’d treated a gunshot victim. It won’t be the last either. My profession is not one that affords the luxury of being squeamish.
I understand Sasha and Ryan’s initial concern, given the photos splashed all over the internet, but when I said I was fine, I meant it.
More than fine. There isn’t a scratch on me.
It’s Jared I feel sorry for.
He skulks through the kitchen towards the hallway with the last of his belongings, two more suit bags, and a large holdall, his head hanging low in shame as he dumps them at the stairs.
‘Coffee?’ I nod towards the machine.
‘No. Thank you.’ His crow’s feet have doubled in depth overnight. ‘I truly am sorry, Doctor Sexton. I should have been inside that club with you.’ Tired eyes rise to meet mine.
My hand reaches instinctively to take his. ‘Jared, it wasn’t your fault. It could have happened to anyone.’
His hard jawline lifts rhythmically as he predictably gnaws on chewing gum. ‘I’m not paid to protectanyone. I’m paid to protectyou. And I failed.’
A sigh of frustration rushes from my chest. ‘Either I’m standing here as a fucking ghost, or you didn’t fail! I’m fine. The arrangement wasmyidea. I needed space. The whole time I’ve been here, I’ve been made to feel like an overgrown child unnecessarily saddled with a babysitter. You were the first person to respect my desire for privacy. I hated every other bodyguard I had.’
Well, apart from… Never mind. My thoughts pointlessly wander to Archie again.
Archie, who opted to stay at the castle rather than come on an adventure with me.
Archie, who can hardly bear to be in the same room with me these days.
What did I do that was so wrong?
For a while, I thought we were friends. Maybe even with the potential for more. Or maybe that was just my teenage hormones wishfully thinking my crush was reciprocated.
‘I should have had more respect for what I was being paid to do. It’s been a pleasure knowing you these past few months, though. You’re going to go far in this life, Doctor Sexton.’ His weathered lips lift into a half smile.
Jared and I hover by the front door in silence, waiting for the car that will take him to the airport, back to his family in Ireland, and drop off the next dictator I’m forced to share my home and my life with.
Some days, I’m seriously tempted to stuff a few precious belongings into a backpack and run away. Dye my hair. Change my name. Maybe take a job as a cocktail waitress. Jet across the world and bum around a beach on my own.
