Page 84 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

“Dad knew, just as I do, that there is an expiration date on what we do. I got out before life forced me out.”

“You’re probably right,” she replied quietly.

I was.

But I knew Mom might need a little more time to accept it. Me being in the Navy, wearing the uniform, kept Dad alive for her.

“He’s still with you, Mom and one day you’ll be with him surfing clouds or whatever people do in heaven. But right now, you have to live your life. Go do all the things you’ve dreamed of or haven’t yet.”

She sighed. “I know. Now tell me about Stella.”

I let out a sigh. “One day I will. Right now, I can’t. But I love you, Mom and hope I can bring her home to meet you soon.”

And I meant it.

First I had to use every resource available to free Stella from this untenable situation.

We pull up outside Voss building and we sit quietly for a moment as Josh and I survey the environment.

He glances at me and, when you’ve been on enemy lines together like we have, we have a silent conversation. All clear. But remain on alert. The sound of metal as we both check our guns fills the cab.

“Let’s go,” Josh says and climbs out.

Time to turn this situation around, and by the time Stella arrives for her meeting with her dad, I can tell her the wedding is off.

And that she belongs to me.

Why don’t I think it will be that easy?

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

STELLA

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Dad is acting strangely. One could hope it's guilt, but I doubt he’d suddenly grow a conscience. Mom’s nowhere to be seen, but then again, I’ve been dragged into his den by security.

“Christ. That was unnecessary.” I wriggle my arms. “Dad, did you tell them to handle me like that?”

“Sit,” Dad says, pointing to a chair.

I glance around at the security to glare at them and realize at least five of them are unfamiliar. That’s weird. Dad is very choosy when it comes to who guards him. I suppose they could be new now that his life is in more danger than normal.

The hair on the back of my neck stands up, regardless. I’m on edge, understandably, so I push away the feeling and cross the room to the seat.

I sit.

I now regret letting them take my handbag when I walked in, as it has my cell phone. Usually, I keep it in my back pocket, but I’m wearing a dress that doesn’t have any.

Sacrilege, Charlotte would say. A dress without pockets.

I make a note to swing past her apartment on the way home to give her a hug. My last day of freedom.

Or I’m worried about nothing.

No, I’m not.

I’ll fight Tony to make sure I get to see my best friend. While in some ways I’ve made peace with all of this, I know I’ll need to find a way to survive my new life.