Jack:We got your six, Riker.
Maddox:Anytime, day or night.
Jude:We got you.
And just like that, all the joking and teasing is laid to rest.
Me:Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me. Over and out.
I end the chat, putting my phone back in the front pocket of my impossibly tight leather pants.
How did I ever let myself get talked into this?
Ashton’s face pops into my mind, reminding me exactly why I took this job—she needs a bodyguard, and I’m the best man for it.
The door to the bookstore opening catches my eye as I see Carrie, the woman who hired me, step out and wave at me before going back inside. I met with Carrie when Cal first gave me the assignment. She filled me in on the suspicious letter Ashton received a few weeks ago, which set this whole plan in motion—me posing as the cover model to stay close to Ashton during her book events without arousing suspicion among her fans or her stalker.
I slide out of my truck and cross the street, getting a few curious stares from the people passing by. I read Ashton’s book, and I know I look the part. But can I really pull it off when I’m in front of a group of book lovers?
With a sigh, I open the door to the bookstore and walk inside. The room erupts into cheers of excitement when I walk in. I assess the situation by scanning the crowd for anyone who seems out of place, based on my research into romance book fans. Nothing seems out of the ordinary.
Like a magnet, my eyes are drawn to Ashton, standing behind a table piled high with books. My body moves instinctively as I go to stand beside her. She looks tense, like she’s holding her breath. A line from her book flashes through my mind, and I find myself repeating it. “Breathe, little one.” Her eyes flutter as her body jerks forward into my arms. I don’t miss how perfect her soft curves feel in my arms until I realize she’s fainted.
I lower her body to the carpet, hovering over her as I call her name, hoping she’s come too soon. Within seconds, her eyes flutter open, “Renegade.” She reaches her hand toward my face with a smile, and the crowd goes wild, cheering us on to kiss, when I realize they think this is all part of the act. Not one to disappoint anyone, I lower my lips to hers, giving her a light kiss on her soft lips, and in that instant, I know I’m already head over heels for this woman.
three
Ashton
He kissed me.
It wasn’t a passionate kiss. It was soft and sweet, but it affected my already overheated body more than a passionate kiss would have. For a first kiss, it was incredible. I feel the heat creep into my face as I realize my first kiss ever was with a stranger, pretending to be one of the characters from my book.
My hand pauses halfway through signing the last book of the day when I realize I don’t even know “Renegade’s” real name or if he’s married or has a girlfriend. As if sensing my distress, “Renegade” places his foot next to mine under the table. The small contact he’s been making whenever he senses something is wrong has been a lifeline, helping me get through the signing.
With a flick of my pen, I finish personalizing the book for my fan before handing it back. “Can he sign it too?” The young girl’s cheeks flush a deep red, which I’m sure matches my own as she asks for the cover model’s autograph. She isn’t the first fan to ask for it. No, I’m pretty sure everyone asked for his autograph.
“Sure.” With a friendly smile, he reaches for the book, signing the name, “Renegade Reynolds” under my signature, Ashton Everly. It’s oddly intimate, seeing our fake names together like that.
He hands the young woman her book, and she clutches it to her chest as she walks out of the bookstore backwards, her eyes never leaving “Renegade,” as if she never wants to stop looking at him.
I know the feeling, girl.
“Okay, that’s it. Everybody out," Dani says as she waves at her staff to signal everyone to leave the bookstore, leaving only her, Carrie, me, and "Renegade." She flicks her wrist to lock the front door. The store owner had left earlier, leaving Dani the key to lock up when we're done.
“Alright, Ashton. We need to be honest about our plan.” Carrie and Dani step in front of “Renegade” and me, their eyes flickering between us. “He’s not just a cover model, he’s your new bodyguard, Riker Williams.” I’m not sure what surprises me more—finally knowing my mystery man’s real name or discovering that he’s my hired bodyguard. “Before you say anything, I want to remind you that you didn’t want to alert your fans to any potential issues that might put you in harm's way. Which I respect, but you still need someone to protect you.”
“I know it only started out as one letter, but now that there are two letters, I’m glad we hired him.” Dani pulls the newest letter out of her oversized purse.
“Let me see that.” Riker stands, rising to his full height, making me feel small as I stay seated beside him, and reaches for the letter. I watch as he tears open the envelope and scans the letter. His eyes move across the page as his scowl deepens. It shouldn’t take that long to read two words.
“What does it say?” I come to my feet, reaching for the piece of paper. His gaze holds mine before he lowers his arm and hands me the letter.
With a shuddering breath, I lower my gaze to the paper in my hand as the hateful words jump out at me.
You’re mine. I made you—I can destroy you, and no one would even care if you lived or died.
A gasp escapes my lips, the piece of paper in my hand shaking as the words sink in. “They want to kill me.” For the second time today, I feel like I’m going to faint.
