Page 7 of Innocent and Sweet

Her heart sank. So her assumptions about Evan had been right. She hadn’t known for sure the guys filling in as her boyfriends were bought off, but it made sense. She knew she couldn’t be that repulsive. Kam was different -- wasn’t he? “What about you? Alex? Are you going to tell me a truth I don’t want to hear?”

“No.” He didn’t let go of her. “Alex wants your father’s land, factories and money. I don’t.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I don’t need your money when I’d rather have you.”

His tone sent shivers down her spine. “Me?”

“Yes.” He stroked her back. “You’re not a commodity. You’re a warm, sweet, wonderful… sexy woman.” His voice turned husky. He spoke against her mouth. “One I’m honored to protect.”

She grasped the front of his sport coat. “Thank you, but that doesn’t explain why you’re dressed up. To impress me?” She really hoped so. “Because I like the look.”

“I’m glad you do, because I’m escorting you to the hospital event. We’re late, by the way.” He tucked her to his side. “Shall we?”

“Huh?” Going with her? He’d never done that before. “Oh, you’re coming along to protect me from Alex. I’ll be fine. I know how to handle myself.”

“I’m going because I’m not about to let anyone use you.” He let go long enough to place her arm around his forearm. “Tonight, I’m your boyfriend, and things are serious. We’re talking marriage.”

“We are?” she blurted.

“Yes.” He placed his hand on hers. “Let’s go.”

He had her swept up, but she wasn’t complaining. She didn’t understand why he’d gone to such lengths to pretend to stake a claim, but she had him for the night -- just like she’d always wanted.

* * *

Kameron escorted Anissa through the house to the ground floor. Her questions would annoy him, but he couldn’t let his guard down and tell her the truth right now. There were too many eyes watching and ears listening in. He’d be lucky if they had privacy in the back of the limo.

He led her to the car, then nodded to Julian, who stood beside the rear passenger door. “I’ve got this one tonight,” Kameron said. “You’re free.”

While Anissa climbed into the back of the vehicle, Julian grabbed Kameron’s arm. “Are you sure?”

“Of course.” The dick would have to question him.

“I’m on this detail.” Julian squeezed Kameron’s bicep. “She’s the boss’s daughter. You’ll lose your job if he even thinks you’re putting the moves or anything else on her.”

“I’m filling in as her boyfriend. This is a show,” Kameron growled. “They want to palm her off to an oil baron’s son or that dumbass Evan. Neither man will treat her with dignity.”

“How do you know? Being the wife of an oil baron’s son sounds like the perfect gig for her. He’ll give her experience, a life of luxury, and once they have a kid, she’ll have plenty of time to do whatever she likes. She’d be crazy to pass that up.” Julian let go. “God knows she could use the experience with a man. She can’t kiss for shit.”

“How the fuck do you know?” If he found out she’d practiced with Julian, he’d destroy his fellow security agent.

“She kissed me to say thank you one night, and she’s too timid.” Julian shrugged. “She needs to get out more.”

“She’s fine the way she is.” The bastard. “You are married, and she’s off-limits, remember?”

“The girl has no clue. I feel for the guy she’s foisted on to,” Julian said. “She’ll probably strip his dick and leave teeth marks.”

“Enough.” He glared at Julian. “Treat her like a human being and the daughter of our boss. She deserves respect.”

“Oh, my God.” Julian laughed. “You like her.”

“I’m doing my job.” If that job required him to fall for Anissa… then fine. He already loved her. Being close to her wasn’t a problem. He ducked into the car and slammed the door. Anissa stared at him. She’d moved to the far end of the seat and huddled against the wall. Kameron hit the button to lock the doors as the car lurched forward. “What’s wrong?” he asked. He scooted toward her. “Anissa?”

“I heard what you said,” she murmured. “It’s a show. A farce. I’m being played. I’m about to be palmed off.”

“Sweetheart.” Damn it. The situation had gone off the rails. He wanted to touch her but held back.

“Am I just a job?” she asked.

“No.”

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