Page 19 of Unguarded

You’re gonna need to get used to people touching her, unless you want to get into a fistfight every day for the next month.

I could never date a celebrity. Being with a woman so many people feel an entitlement to would destroy my sanity. I’m way too overprotective. Funnily enough, I wasn’t like that at all with Kacie. I saw her making out with her ex in the bar, and it only annoyed me because of the disrespect.

But I know instinctively, if I was with someone like Monroe Blue, seeing the prying fingers reaching for her every chance they got would send me over the edge.

Good thing that’ll never fucking happen.

My phone starts buzzing in my pocket.

I pull it out and swipe the Answer button. “Hey, fucker.”

The crackle of hoarse laughter comes through on the other line. “What’s up, shit stain? I miss that dirty mouth.”

I smile at the term of endearment from Griffin, my buddy from the Green Berets. He’s now the owner of a high-profile security company. With his expertise and experience, Griff is one of the best. He only hires highly trained ex-military employees. He’s told me countless times that if I ever get sick of the smell of cow shit, I should come work for him.

“Got my text, I see.” I turn to lay eyes on my charge, pausing momentarily as she curves into a pose that pushes her breasts out.

I blink twice, regaining my focus on Griff’s words and turning away so I can think clearly.

“… you’re a bitch for going to work for another company instead of mine, by the way.”

“I’m not working for a company. I’m just here for another few weeks, and the client is paying me directly.”

“Ah, what’s she look like?” He chuckles.

I grit my teeth. “I’m calling to see if you have any guys you can spare in the next two weeks. Her team is … lacking—at best.”

He exhales into the phone, and I realize he’s working out.

“Wish I could, brother. We’re swamped right now. Currently guarding a whole family with a teenage brat who keeps trying to slip away. Death threats coming in daily because the dad pissed off a few Russian politicians.”

I lean my shoulder against the wall, glancing toward Monroe again before trailing my eyes out through the window to the view of the canyon.

“I was hoping you’d have availability, but I get it; it’s short notice.”

“If I get any calls from guys needing a gig, I can send them your way.”

“Appreciate it, man. Let’s make time to grab a beer.”

“Keep me posted on your location. Maybe our paths will cross. I really mean it. I miss your ugly mug.”

“Will do, Griff.” I smirk before hitting the End button.

Now, I have to decide if I’m going to leave her exposed with a shitty security team or stay on the job and risk becoming just as obsessed with her as the rest of the world while fending them off every night.

Both options suck.

Monroe’s face wears a flawless,white-teethed smile as she strolls from her black SUV to the hotel in Seoul as hundreds of people press against the temporary metal fence that’s been put up to keep them back. They scream her name with an array of thick accents, shouting in English and a variety of different languages.

When I was a Green Beret, I traveled all over the world, but this is my first time in Korea. I traded in my cowboy hat for a plain black baseball cap and paired it with black Wranglers and a black henley. I couldn’t give up the boots. My goal is to blend into the background, not to draw attention to myself. I’m used to towering above almost everyone.

I stick close to her as she enters the hotel. She’s wearing shimmery white leggings, a bright pink hoodie, and giant heart-shaped sunglasses. She grins at the crowd, waving excitedly.

I breathe a sigh of relief as we enter through the doors. The staff greets us immediately, leading us to the elevators. Her team of managers, her assistant, and four bodyguards barely fit in the elevator. I refuse to wait for the next one and leave her with them, so I squeeze in next to her.

The doors open right into the penthouse suite. It’s immaculate, the most beautiful room I’ve ever seen. There’s a blue velvet sofa, gold chandeliers, thick rugs, and detailed floral art. Thick curtains frame the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the modern city. I’ve never seen so many pillows in my life.

The staff has laid out bottles of champagne and unfamiliar looking delicacies I don’t recognize and can’t name.

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