Page 25 of Big Bodyguard
She straightens, crossing her arms with forced nonchalance. “Don’t judge me.”
“Not judging,” I say as I step closer, my tone softening. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss this side of you.”
Her eyes flicker, that stubborn mask faltering. “I was going to find you. Try again to convince you that you’re the only bodyguard I need. Why are you here?”
“Because I can’t stay away from you,” I admit, my voice rough, honest. “I tried, Charlie. I really fucking tried. But you’re in my head, in my blood. You’ve ruined me for anything else.”
Her lips part, her brown eyes glassy. “Jack…”
I close the last bit of distance, cupping her face in my hands, forcing her to see me. “I love you. From the second you walked out of your hotel room looking like trouble in heels, I’ve been yours. And I’m done pretending I can live without you.”
Her breath hitches, and then she’s in my arms, her hands gripping the front of my shirt like she’ll never let go. “I love you too. Even when you’re bossy and impossible, God help me…I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I kiss her then, deep and hard, pouring every ounce of what I feel into it. She melts against me, and once again, everything feels right. The world can go to hell. I’ve got my princess.
But of course, someone clears their throat behind us.
We break apart, and there he is. Senator George Freeman. Arms folded. Watching us.
Charlie flushes crimson, and I straighten, bracing myself for the blow. But instead of fury, the senator sighs. “I had a feeling about you two.”
“Dad—” Charlie starts, but he holds up a hand.
“No need to explain. Charlotte, you’ve always been headstrong. Reckless…just like your mom. It’s what got her killed, so I tried to cage that fire in you. I realize now, that would only destroy you.” His eyes cut to me, sharp, assessing. “And Jack Steele…I know your reputation. I know the kind of man you are. If anyone can keep her safe and grounded…it’s you.”
He steps closer, his expression hard, but there’s no hiding the desperation in his eyes. “But I need your word. That you’ll protect her. Not just her body, but her spirit. Always.”
I meet his stare, unflinching. “On my life, sir. She’s mine. No one will ever touch her, not as long as I’m breathing.”
The senator studies me for a moment longer, then nods once, satisfied. “Then that’s all I need.” He claps me on the shoulder, then turns back toward the house, leaving us standing there in stunned silence.
Charlie lets out a shaky laugh, leaning into me. “Well…that was unexpected.”
“Your old man’s smarter than I gave him credit for.”
She tilts her head up, eyes sparkling. “So…I guess this means you’re not leaving me?”
I bend, brushing my lips against hers in a softer kiss, one that promises everything. “Not a chance, princess.”
Her face lights up in a smile so bright it rivals the sun, and my chest expands with emotions beyond me. This is it. She’s my fire. My ruin. My salvation.
And I’ll spend the rest of my life keeping her safe.
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Charlie
“Beautiful, hold that smile—yes! Chin up just a touch.”
The girl in front of my camera does as I say, sunlight spilling across her shoulders through the wide windows of my little studio. I click the shutter, the familiar snap filling the space, and the image freezes forever in my lens.
“Perfect,” I murmur, lowering the camera and grinning at her. “You’re a natural. Honestly, I think you could do this professionally.”
My client blushes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You think so?”
“Absolutely. But don’t tell your boyfriend I said that, or he’ll be worried about all the attention you’ll get,” I tease.
