Page 40 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

I’ve sensed it before. He’s killed—murdered—and at a guess, I’d say he enjoyed it.

His hair is graying, making the image of him touching Stella, who’s only twenty-five, even more revolting. In truth, it’s not age that bothers me. He could be anyone.

I want her.

I know that.

She feels like she belongs to me. I can still feel her little hand in mine, fitting like a puzzle piece as if made for me.

Jesus, I don’t know if I can stand by and watch her marry him, but this is the job. This is what Josh hired me to do. And I can’t let Stella down. She’s asked for my protection, and I’d rather shoot myself in the head than let her down.

Except something is not right here. I know families arrange marriages, and oftentimes they are not what society deems acceptable. Legal, yes, but even in America contracts are put in place for kids years before they come of age.

That’s not what this is.

I’ve been trained to see beyond what is in front of me.

This feels like a trade.

A human trade.

My teeth clench as Stella stands in the middle of the room as if she’s cattle heading to the slaughterhouse. Jesus, if we make it through this meeting without me losing my shit, it’ll be a miracle.

Marino stalks toward Stella as if she’s his prey, with his arms stretched wide open, Italian style. “Stella, welcome.”

Panic lines her face as she glances quickly at me, but I stay still, despite every muscle in my body aching to go to her.

“Christ,” Marshall mutters quietly.

One of Marino’s guard’s glances over, expressionless, and gives Marshall a silent warning. In response, Marshall rubs his unshaven jaw without taking his eyes off the guys and grins.

The air is thick.

I don’t like this. Not one bit.

Stella pleads with me as her future husband kisses her cheeks.

Get your filthy hands off her.

“Your photos don’t do you justice, bella.”

“Tony, I’m pleased to present to you my daughter, Stella,” Victor says as if gifting the man a box of Cuban cigars. “My wife was unable to make it, but she is looking forward to our families joining.”

I’ll bet my ass she isn’t.

Tony doesn’t take his eyes off Stella. “And you, bella? Are you looking forward to becoming my wife?”

SEALs are arguably the most highly trained warriors on the planet. Self-control is mastered. Yet, the moment those words fall from his mouth, I move.

Fortunately for me, I get no further than one step before Marshall steps in front of me and stills me with his outstretched arm.

But I’ve played my card, and everyone knows it. His guards reacted, revealing weapons, even though they weren’t lifted, and Stella’s father.

And Marino, the snake.

He smirks as he glances from Stella over to me. “Ah, you have a boyfriend.”

“Everyone, calm down.” Cole lifts a hand. “My buddy here was just stretching.”