“Yes. I do. You’re right. Maybe this has to do with her family. Maybe this has to do with her. Or maybe, both Eden and I exposed her. If she doesn’t know, how can we? I mean…she’s smarter than all of us put together.”
He nodded and looked at Jenner. “I appreciate it.”
“You got it,” Jenner said. “Can’t have the guardian angel of Dillon Security getting hurt again.”
“Guardian Angel?”
“That’s what a few of the operatives have started calling her.”
“I call her the Barracuda.”
“Come on, I’ll take first watch,” El said.
Jenner nodded and followed the former spy. “Is there anyone who works for Dillon who isn’t a spy?”
“Sure. Emily isn’t and you know Aaron isn’t. Oh, and Miko, but then she can dig into your head.” Miko Andersen was a new hire and had been one of the top profilers for the FBI.
He dismissed the men as he turned toward his bedroom.
“Son, do you need me to help keep watch?”
He glanced over his shoulder. “No. I’ll watch her tonight. Then if needed, I’ll have you watch her tomorrow since you won’t go to hotel.”
“Not a chance.”
He nodded. “The guest room is ready for you.”
Ian made his way back to the bedroom and settled into the chair by the bed. In sleep, she seemed so sweet, but he knew better than that. He knew that she had more than one trick up her sleeve. He had to do his best to make sure she didn’t try to escape. He wouldn’t make her a prisoner. Well, he might have to.
She rolled over to her side and hummed.
“Ian,” she murmured, her voice throaty and full of need. Of course, his entire body came to life with just that. She said his name in that sexy voice, and his blood heated.
He leaned forward to watch her. Her eyes flashed open. They were unfocused.
“Ian. You need to be safe.”
He blinked at the abrupt action. “Lila?”
“The people. They are after you.”
She reached out for him and took his hand. “Ian.”
God, the way she said his name in that tone was probably going to be the death of him. It sunk into his soul.
“Everything’s fine, Lila. I’ll keep watch.”
Her body relaxed and her eyes closed. “Good, because I really like you.”
Then, her breathing evened out. With a sigh, he settled back in the chair once again and waited.
She slept for what seemed like forever. Or it did to Ian. He did just as he had been instructed by Jenner. Once an hour, he roused her from sleep to make sure she was still doing okay. She had been grumpy each time.
Ian poured himself another cup of coffee. There was a good chance he was putting his health at risk with the amount he had drank since morning, but then, he couldn’t let himself fall asleep.
“I can sit with her, son.”
He knew his father had been there. Sam Smith might have been a spy and moved with little to no sound, but he had trained Ian.
