Page 62 of Protected

She shook her head. “I trust you, Bradley. I'll tell you if something you come up with doesn't work for me. You know my limits and I like being surprised anyway.”

His tender smile turned to one of pure wickedness and sensuality. “I can work with that.”

“I worry about you and your job.” She held up her hands when he scowled. “I know, I know. You’re going to spank me. I’m not finished. I worry, but I’m willing to set aside that worry to play this game with you.”

“Thank you. There’s always the chance that my associate with the lifestyle comes out soon, so my career may not be an issue for much longer, anyway.” She closed her eyes. It hurt to hear him talk like that. Bradley had worked so hard to get where he was.

“I know your Dad offered you a job. Would that offer still stand if the news comes out?” His jaw tensed, and he looked angry.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t pry. Forgive me.”

His hand came to rest under her chin, and he turned her head until they were staring into each other’s eyes. “Don’t do that please.”

“I said I’m sorry,” she replied, her eyes growing wide as his gazed bored a hole in her.

“No, that’s not what I mean. I mean don’t apologize just because you think I’m upset with you. I dislike that. I’m not upset at all, but even if I were, that’s not a reason to apologize. You did nothing wrong, and it’s a valid question. I love my father, I just wish He wouldn’t pry. He means well, but I don’t want to be the guy riding his old man’s coat tails.” His lips brushed a gentle kiss across her temple before he continued.

“I know dad won’t care when this comes out. He may not be able to give me a high-profile job at first, but he wouldn’t disown me or anything. I can only work for his campaign anyway. If he wins, I don’t want to work for his administration and have people scrutinizing every little thing.”

“I’m great with the media, and I can find the right people to make this story less of a problem for you,” Darci offered.

“I know, but I’m stubborn, or so my mom says. I promise if it comes to it, I’ll think about it.”

She smiled at the mention of Ailene. “I really did like your mom. I just want to help you.”

“I appreciate it baby. And she’s already in love with you, too.” He planted a quick kiss on her forehead. “Now, can we go back to what we were talking about?”

Their plane landed safely in D.C. a little while later and soon they were walking toward the airport exit with their bags. Bradley was thoughtful and had arranged for the security team to bring them his car.

“I thought I would ease you back into having the security team escort us everywhere. I'm going to drive us home, and they'll follow.” She threw her arms around him and kissed him right there in front of the airport. He held her tight and murmured in her ear. “I do like making you happy.” They settled into the car, and he drove one handed so he could hold her hand.

It was rush hour when they got into D.C., so traffic was heavy but moving. The drive home would take some time. Bradley picked up their conversation from the plane. “You said you might want to try something after work. If it’s not too soon, how would you feel about tonight when we get home if you’re…” His phone rang and interrupted him, and he pressed the button on the earpiece he wore to answer the call.

“Shit. Are you sure? Where should we pull off?”

Darci’s eyes grew bigger. “What’s wrong?”

“Security thinks a car is following us. Wants us to take the next exit and see if they keep following.” Darci started to turn, but he grabbed her shoulder. “Don’t. Just try to act normal baby.” His eyes were flicking back and forth from the road in front of him to the rear-view mirror.

“How am I supposed to act normal at a time like this?” He didn’t respond, focused only on his driving. The next exit appeared in front of them, and he signaled to get into the far-right lane. Darci glanced in the side mirror and noticed the security team’s car a few cars back. None of the other cars took the exit with them. “Why isn’t security exiting with us?” Her voice was strained.

“They are going to keep following the car for a minute. They’ll circle back to us.” Darci closed her eyes. This is not how she wanted to end their nice trip. “Hey, don’t stress, baby. We’re safe.”

“I don’t feel very safe right now.”

“Aren’t you glad I insisted on security starting at the airport though?”

Making a face, she stuck her tongue out at him. As he pulled into a gas station, he laughed. After parking in a well-lit area, he turned to her. “You’re cute, but if you stick your tongue out at me again, Iwillget bossy, and therewillbe consequences.”

Her blush was instant, but she said, “I might be OK with that.”

“Don’t toy with me, pet.” His tone was dark, his eyes intense.

“I promise I wouldn’t do that, Bradley. I was serious earlier about trying something sometime.”

“Good girl. I’ll try to keep it interesting, but first, we need to get home safely. And how about we agree that from now on when I call you pet, you call me Sir. Just to help get you into the right mindset.”

She reached for his hand so he knew she was listening and said, “Yes, Sir.”

---