Page 5 of Innocent and Sweet

“Her father insists she have an escort tonight -- not just Julian. We need to bring in one of the boyfriends. Call… Evan. He seemed to like her. At least he liked her enough to go to the last event.” John nodded once. “Get him.”

“No.” Kameron wouldn’t let this go without a fight. “He was paid to give her attention. He doesn’t care about Anissa.”

“They’re all in it for the money,” John snarled. “That’s why they come. They want paid -- just like us. You’re only here and on her personal detail because you get the extra cash.”

He’d agreed to protect Anissa because he wanted to get closer to her. Money wasn’t considered.

“Doesn’t matter. I trust Evan and Julian. Evan’s not interested in her, but he’ll play ball. Julian’s married and devoted to his wife. Neither will compromise her, and both will be focused on the job.” John scrubbed his hand across his mouth. “Decision’s made.”

John had piqued his attention. “They’ll be focused? On what? I’ve heard nothing about a threat.” What wasn’t John telling him?

“Daddy Dunn pissed off an oil baron. Ever heard of Michael Gahan? He wanted to hook his son, Alex, up with Anissa. They want Daddy Dunn’s money and land holdings.” John sighed. “Julian will protect her, and Evan won’t touch her. They get paid, and she’ll be safe. Alex won’t be able to move in.”

She might be protected, but he wouldn’t be happy. Anissa wasn’t a pawn for an oil baron, his son or a couple of dips looking to make a quick buck. Kameron gritted his teeth. He refused to stand for this bullshit. Anissa deserved better. She didn’t have tons of experience, but she’d think Evan cared. What if she asked Julian to help her with her lessons? Would he? Not if Kameron had a say.

“Call Evan, and I’ll alert Julian. She needs to get going.” John turned on his heel.

“I’m taking her.” No question.

John paused but didn’t turn around. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” Kameron held firm. “No Evan. No Alex.”

“She can’t go alone.” John spun around and stood face to face with Kameron. “You are her guard, not her boyfriend, and you can’t protect her if you’re too busy making eyes at her.”

“I refuse to change my mind.” Kameron widened his stance. “Call Julian off. I’ll be her escort. It’ll look cleaner, and I’ll scare away Alex or anyone else trying to push in. Fewer people around her means I can focus.”

“I can’t risk you getting hurt or fired because you’re thinking with your dick and not your brain.”

“No?” Kameron snorted. “I’m not asking.” He left John alone in the hallway. Fuck this shit. Anissa needed him, and he’d let her down for long enough. Time to take what he wanted in order to give Anissa what she needed.

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