Page 16 of Bodyguard Daddy

CORY

What the fuck?

Is this lady stalking me?

My virginity is gone. Collin is a man with a plan. Bjorn’s a dick. And this woman is like a dog with a bone.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve showing your face after that stunt you pulled at the luncheon, rich girl,” the woman growls as she approaches, and Collin stands up immediately to stop her from getting any closer to me.

So much for a late lunch at one of my favorite restaurants.

“What is your problem?” I ask her.

“My problem is the damage Bjorn Girard is doing to the state of Nevada, and you’re one of his little minions helping him. Look at me. Look at my face. You had your team of security ambush me, and I swear you’re going to pay for it.”

“Enough,” Collin silences her with a booming voice that garners attention from everyone within earshot. “Your issues and grievances are with Bjorn Girard. You have a problem with him, take it to his office in Carson City.”

“You and all of his supporters are going to pay for the damage Bjorn’s doing to this town. Just wait and see.” The woman charges off and Collin sits back down.

Our waiter comes to take our order, and I’m sitting there wondering what else is left that can happen.

“Corgi,” Lilibet’s shrill voice pierces through me like a hot spear.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize to Collin who’s sitting across from me with his leg across his lap and his hand propping his chin up as we’re interrupted again.

“These people are not your fault, Cory. I’ve forgotten how popular you are as a Bjorn Girard supporter,” he chuckles, which brings a smile to my face.

“I just knew I’d find you here. What happened? My itinerary’s been updated by the Senator’s office and you’re off all of our appearances.”

“I’m no longer a political chess piece for Bjorn, Lilibet. I’m just a regular civilian these days.”

There’s a vein pulsing along Lilibet’s temple that twitches any time she’s frustrated. That twitching vein is pulsing as she narrows her gaze at me and Collin before shouting, “We were literally at a campaign stop an hour ago. What do you mean you’re a regular civilian like the campaign trail doesn’t travel through your blood?”

I shrug and tell her, “It doesn’t Lilibet. I’m done and thanks to Bjorn, I owe a few dollars to the campaign for my release.”

“Bjorn Girard is a true scoundrel, isn’t he?” She huffs and looks around. Collin’s no longer paying attention to us as he looks over the menu. Our server comes and he puts our order in as Lilibet continues to stand there. “Fine. At least come to the party later.”

I look at Collin who shakes his head from side to side. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“You have to come or Chad won’t. He needs to be there, and then once he is, he can see that you’re taken or not interested and I can take over.”

“I’ll call you and let you know if we’re coming,” I say as I return my attention to Collin who’s now sitting up with his fingers laced together on the tabletop.

“Fine. You two enjoy your lunch. I’m going to head home and make sure everything’s going right.” Lilibet makes her exit from the restaurant with a to-go box in hand and her security detail still escorting her around.

“We’re not going to that party, Cory,” Collin says once we’re alone and eating our food.

“Collin, I have-”

“You don’t have to do anything, remember? You’re no longer campaigning, which means that you don’t have to fake it for Lilibet. Besides, I spoke to a few guys running security for the event and it’s a nightmare. No personnel inside?” He sighs and takes a sip of his drink.

“I think once word is around that I’m no longer a Bjorn supporter, the threats will go away. No one’s going to care that some random pretty face is no longer delivering speeches to encourage the voters to keep him in office. No threats mean we can go out and have a good time.”

“I’m not saying we can’t go out and have a good time. I’m not even saying that we can’t hang out with Lilibet. I’m saying that party tonight is going to be a shit show like the luncheon. We are not going. That’s my final word on it, Cory.”

“You’re not my bodyguard anymore, remember?”

He shrugs, “But your safety is still my highest concern. I can’t keep you safe in that mansion when security personnel are limited to patrolling the grounds outside. What about inside?”

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