Page 8 of Charmed by You

Ryan glanced at Damien and shrugged.

“I’m not sure I like that idea,” Holt said. “I’m sure Leahis excellent at her job—and don’t lay into me about being sexist—but Simon’s abig man, and if Frannie’s going to have a bodyguard…”

“Leah can handle herself,” Ryan said. “We were playing theboyfriend card, but the best friend ploy works, too.”

They all looked to Aaron, as if he had the final say, andSimon wondered about his relationship with Francesca. Just business, or didthose two have a history?

He winced, realizing the direction of his thoughts. Why thehell did he care if they slept together?

“All right, Barré,” Ryan said, the words getting Simon’sthoughts back where they should be. “You’re off the case. We’ll get Leah, and—”

“No.” It took a moment for Simon to realize he wasthe one who’d uttered that one strong syllable. “No,” he repeated, not quiteable to believe what he was saying. Clearly Francesca couldn’t believe it,either, if the way she was gaping at him was any indication.

“But you just said—”

“I know,” he told her. “But Matthew’s right. It’s better tohave a guy with you. It’s better to have me with you,” he added, notsure if he was saying it because the words were true or because he resentedthat look of pure relief he’d seen on her face when Ryan had agreed about Leah.“The assignment is mine.”

Francesca’s eyes were wide. “Then why did you suggest—”

“I’m sorry. I changed my mind. The boyfriend ploy is better.And, honestly, there’s no one you should trust more than me to keep you safe.”

Her brows rose. “I’m betting Damien and Ryan disagree withyou about that. Not to mention all the other agents at Stark Security.”

He shrugged. “Probably, but this is the way it’s going tobe.” He turned to face Ryan and Damien. “Maybe it’s just a hoax and there’s noreal danger, but if there is, then Ms. Muratti wants me.”

“No, I—”

“Yes,” he insisted, turning his attention back to her. “I’vegot my issues with Hollywood, but they aren’t personal. I’m sorry if I’ve beenan ass,” he said sincerely. “I’m usually more professional, and I will be goingforward. Because you need to keep me on,” he continued, his mouth continuing toblather on even while all of his common sense told him to take the opening andrun, run, run away from this Hollywood ice queen.

Apparently, his listening skills were for shit, because hedidn’t run. Instead, he just kept talking. “And, sure, Leah’s got skills. ButI’ve been doing this longer, and I’m a better option. I’ve done this before.Protected celebrities and power players from threats from unknown sources. Plusa lot of other jobs I can’t tell you about, but that I promise will help me tokeep you safe.”

He paused to study her face, satisfied when he saw that shewas listening. Really listening. As for Damien and Ryan, hopefully he’d stillhave a job when he shut up because otherwise, he’d be working freelance. Damnhim for letting his personal feelings get in the way of client safety.

He knew better. It was this Hollywood bullshit. That wholegoddamn business. But he was bigger than the industry. Bigger than his past.And he was determined to protect this woman.

“Mr. Barré,” she began, but he cut her off.

“No. Let me finish. If this somehow went south and I wasn’ton it, I’d never forgive myself. And neither would you, because you’d be dead.This threat is bigger than we first realized, and I’m staying on it,” he saidfirmly and was surprised to see respect in Francesca’s eyes where he’d expectedirritation. “I’m the man for this job. And I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“Frannie?” Ryan asked from behind him.

“Yes,” she said. “He’ll do.” She drew in a breath and sat upstraighter, her shoulders going back in a way that made her look both regal andpowerful. “But why do you say the threat’s bigger?” She looked at him, then glancedover his shoulder at Ryan and Damien, neither of whom answered her question.

“Because you know something,” he told her. Then hurried onwhen she opened her mouth to respond. “I’m not saying you can pull it out ofthe sky right now, but you do know something. You saw something or overheadsomething—or you were in a position to. However it went down, someone isconvinced that you have knowledge. Something they want to know as well, andthey want it enough to threaten you.”

“But I don’t know wha—”

“I believe you. But here’s the thing. Someone is threateningto kill you if you don’t tell. That also means there must be someonewho wants that secret held close. Someone your antagonist is trying tointimidate or blackmail or ruin. And once that person learns that their secretmay come out—”

“I’ll have someone who wants me to stay silent just as muchas our Mr. X wants me to talk.”

“Bingo,” he said, flashing her a smile. Not because of the danger,but because right then—for just a few heartbeats—they were actually workingtogether. “There are two threats against you, even if one isn’t viable yet. Twovery serious threats.”

“He’s right,” Ryan said as Damien nodded in silentagreement.

“Yes,” Francesca said. “I’m afraid he is.”

“That’s why I’m not walking away. It’s why you’re stuck withme and not Leah. But we will find out who’s behind this,” he said. “I promise.”