Page 8 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

She just stares, awe and apprehension flickering across her face. Like she’s not quite sure what to make of me.

That makes two of us.

My clients are usually human, not magical. But that flicker of unease, that wariness... it intrigues me more than it should. Makes me wonder what secrets those violet eyes might be hiding.

I shake off the thought as quickly as it comes. I’m not here to unravel her mysteries. I’m here to keep her safe, whether she likes it or not. And based on the stubborn tilt of her chin, the way she meets my gaze head-on...

Something tells me she’s not going to make my job easy.

Natalie and Eccolead me into the building, up to Ecco’s sprawling apartment on one of the highest floors. As they give me the grand tour, pointing out the various rooms and amenities, I catalog the space with a critical eye.

The flimsy lock on the front door.

The floor-to-ceiling windows that would be all too easy for an intruder to access.

Each new vulnerability makes my frown deepen, my mind already compiling a list of necessary upgrades and protocols.

I turn to Ecco with a scowl. “Is this a joke? These so-called ‘security measures’ are practically an engraved invitation for anyone who wants to waltz right in and do gods know what. Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

Ecco’s expression turns indignant, her arms crossing defensively over her chest.

“Excuse me?” she says. “I’ll have you know I’ve lived here for months without incident. I choose to believe in the good in people, and usually, I’m proven right.”

I scoff, shaking my head. “Yeah? And how’s that working out for you? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m here because some creep broke into your bedroom in the middle of the night. Right?”

Ecco’s eyes widen, a telltale sheen of tears appearing.

Shit.

Did I really just make my new client cry mere minutes after meeting her? Usually, it takes at least a day or two for them to get to that point.

I shove down the twinge of regret. There’s nothing to apologize for. This woman is being naïve, reckless with her own safety.

The sooner she realizes that, the better.

And if I also want to wrap her in my arms, to promise that I’ll never let anything happen to her… well, those are just my protective instincts kicking in. It doesn’t mean anything.

Ecco whirls on Natalie, her face tight with anger and her voice fiery. “If you insist on this arrangement, it’sonlyuntil the stalker is caught. The minute they’re apprehended, the bodyguard is gone. Got it?”

Ignoring her protests, I turn to Natalie, all business.

“I’ll need a list of all Ecco’s upcoming appearances and engagements. As well as a detailed rundown of her daily routine. We’ll need to make some changes to ensure her safety.”

Natalie nods, then clears her throat. “Speaking of security measures, Mr. Grigori, should we discuss your base of operations?”

“That second bedroom will do.” I’m already mentally setting up my equipment, planning a full sweep of the building. “I’ll need a few hours to get everything in place.”

Ecco glances between us, brow furrowed. “Wait, what? What do you mean, the second bedroom?”

I raise an eyebrow at Natalie before pinning Ecco with an impassive stare. “She didn’t tell you? I’m moving in. 24/7 protection detail, effective immediately.”

Ecco’s mouth drops open, but no words come out. She just stares at me, shock and disbelief warring in her eyes. I can practically see the gears turning in her head as she tries to process this new development.

Frankly, her feelings about it don’t really matter.

I’m going to protect this difficult, beautiful woman, even if it drives us both nuts.

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