Page 9 of A SEAL's Protection
“Eggy…” Dad tries a placating tone, but it only makes me madder.
“Don’t call me that,” I snap.
“Alright, Allegra. Be reasonable. Did you really think I’d let you go out into the wilderness on your own?”
I close my eyes and suck in a long breath. “I’m perfectly capable of hiking on my own, Dad. People do it, women do it, all the time. Haven’t you seenWild?”
“That Reese Witherspoon movie? She didn’t exactly have an easy time.”
“That’s not the point.”
I slap my hand against my forehead, then realize I’m still holding the knife. I spin back to Marcus, and he’s watching me from a discreet distance.
“I’m not prepared to risk my only daughter in the wilderness.”
Not even my dad thinks I can do this on my own. And even to him, I’m not just anyone. I’ll always be Allegra Simpson, trust fund baby.
“Please don’t be cross with me. I’m only trying to do what’s best for you, always.”
I let out a long sigh because he’s right. Since Mom passed away, Dad’s been overprotective. I should have seen this coming. But I’m not ready to let him off the hook.
“I’m sending Marcus home.”
“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” Dad’s voice turns from placating to firm. “He’s contracted to be with you the entire three week trip. If you’re hiking, he’s hiking with you.”
I close my eyes. Dad, of all people, should understand how much I need to do this alone. He built his business on his own.
“Just ignore him,” Dad says, as if it’s that easy to ignore a man following me for the next three weeks. “He’s ex-special forces; he’ll blend into the background.”
Special forces. That explains a lot. And it means he’ll be hard to lose.
“Or you can come back now.” There’s a hopeful note in Dad’s voice, which makes me realize he really is worried about me out here. I haven’t told Dad exactly what I’m researching. If he knew, he’d have an entire squad of special forces guys out here.
I weigh my options. Give up the research and the chance to prove myself or keep going with a thug following me.
My stubborn streak kicks in. “I’m not quitting.”
“That’s my girl.” There’s a hint of pride in my father’s voice, and it infuriates me more. He’s proud I’m here, but he doesn’t think I can do this on my own.
“I’ll see you in three weeks, Dad.”
“Can you put Marcus on.?
I hand the phone over to Marcus. I can’t hear what my dad says to him, but he nods. “Yes, sir.”
He hangs up and pockets the phone. “Looks like you’re stuck with me.”
I glare at him. If he thinks this is going to be some cozy hiking trip, I need to set him straight.
“I’d get rid of you if I could.”
He nods once. “I understand. But it’s your father I work for. If you’re hiking, I’m guarding.”
I put my hands on my hips and huff at him. He looks back at me, his head tilted to the side and his expression relaxed as he rocks on his feet. I try to stay angry, but it’s hard to have a standoff with someone who’s simultaneously firm and relaxed. He’s disarming. But I cling to my thread of anger.
“There are three rules. “I hold up my hand and count them on my fingers.
“One. Stay at least ten feet behind me. I don’t want to know you’re there. I don’t want to see you.”
