Page 51 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

I turned to find Stella in the doorway of the hall.

Tear lines streaked her face as the anger I was feeling vanished.

“Shit.” I crossed the room and pulled her into my arms, where Stella crushed her face into my chest and gripped my shirt, sobbing.

Her entire being was shaking.

I scooped her up, carried her into the more formal living room and sat with her on my lap.

She held onto me like I was her lifeline, crying gently.

Scattering little kisses on her forehead and cheeks, I gave her the time she needed. I was also buying myself time. I didn’t trust what I would say.

In two days, she was marrying Tony Marino.

Did she realize this wasn’t just about her anymore? I might have no right to claim a woman like Stella Voss—a woman who essentially pays my salary—but I have.

She’s mine.

I’m not giving her up. I just don’t know how to fix this. But I fucking will.

Holding her in my arms when she falls asleep late that night, my cum marking her thighs after her tight pussy had strangled my cock, I spent hours considering what her motivation might be.

Money seemed like an obvious one, but knowing her, I didn’t feel that fit. Fear was the more accurate one.

I’d tried to get the facts out of her, but she refused to talk. “Stella, I know you don’t want to be with him. Let me in.”

“Sign the NDA and I can tell you.”

I couldn’t. In doing so, it would cut me off at the knees and restrict how I could help her. So, I did what any Navy SEAL would do.

I called my team.

Quickly dressing, I get ready for the video call we set up. Then head into the living area where my computer is waiting. I grab a bottle of water and sit down, then fire it up.

Ryder knocks on my door, just in time.

I let him in and we both grab a chair in front of the screen, man spreading as two bulky guys do.

“The line is secure, go ahead,” Josh says when his face appears on screen, referring to the BHS video conferencing tool Travis created.

“Thanks for meeting with us.” I run a hand through my still wet hair. “I’m concerned about Stella and the reasons for her marrying Marino.”

Josh slowly runs his tongue over his bottom lip. I can see his mind ticking. “Cole told me it was a shit show during the meet.”

That’s an understatement.

“The boys dealt with it well.” Ryder sips the coffee he carried in with him. He would’ve read the report we filed, but I don’t know if I dealt with it well.

I am glad they thought so.

It means my job is safe for now.

“Before we continue, answer me one question.” Josh slightly tilts his head; eyes focused on me. “Is this personal?”

I stay completely still, blink a few times, then answer. An answer that could very well lose me my job. But I’m not a liar.

“Yes. And no.”