Page 12 of Jealous Bodyguard

But I don't think Stacey’s would-be kidnappers are as bright as I first thought. Nasty, sure. But not exactly ready to deal with something like me and the shifting look in Melinda’s features confirms it.

Her part in all this is clear now, so she’s got nothing to lose by trying to take me out. But what catches me off guard is her crumbling look. Like she stands to lose more by being caught than just her own freedom or reputation.

In two steps, I’m around the other side of the car, catching the shirt collar of the driver as he tries to scuttle past me, planting his face hard against the car in a single blow that sees him go limp before he crumples in a heap.

“I had to do it!” Melinda growls, stubbornly staying in her seat so I can’t reach Stacey as soon as I yank the door open. “They’ve got my boy… my son…” she starts to say, her emotions flooding at the thought. My own ears getting the picture loud and clear, but right now, this is about me and Stacey.

“Move!” I order her, which she does, sliding out of the car, examining the unconscious driver before hugging her elbows. Pacing with a look to match her own change in plans, but I haven’t got time to waste with other people’s problems.

My own arms wrap around Stacey in a second. Holding her close enough to check she’s okay and catching the faint whiff of the chloroform they used to knock her out, I figure no real harm done but she needs fresh air and away from here. That’s all I’m focused on. That and the relief I feel having her soft, warm body pressed hard against mine. Her hands clutching for me as she murmurs half awake, nuzzling into my chest, making it harder for me to let her go. Even if it is only so I can get her into my truck.

“I suppose you’ll lift the lid on all this now,” Melinda scoffs from behind me once a sleeping but safer Stacey is where she belongs. Melinda assumes I’m doing the honorable thing and taking Stacey right back to her father.

“Tell Shulton they snatched her on the way to wherever you were going,” I clip over my shoulder. Mindful I don’t leave too many loose ends before technically kidnapping Stacey myself.

“Why areyoutaking her?” Melinda retorts, catching onto my intentions. But I only shoot her a look that tells her I don't owe her anything, least of any excuses after what she's done herself.

“…And what about him?” she asks, glancing down at the driver.

“Sean Castor, I’m assuming?” I reply, noting her puzzled look.

“Uhhh. No. Sean Castor isn't exactly an easy man to reach. We’re just being used the same way he wants to use Stacey, leverage to get back at Shulton...”

I think a moment before coaching Melinda about what to do next. It’s clear her own concerns for her son are driving her. And my own future is sitting in the front seat of my truck, so I cut her a break.

“Take whoever the fuck here, the car, and go do whatever you think needs doing. But in two hours, give Shulton the call. Tell him they snatched Stacey, but you got away.”

Melinda clicks her tongue and rolls her eyes. “That’s never gonna work. I’ve got my son to-” she starts to say, and I cut her off, reminding her of something.

“You’ve got some leverage of your own now. Just tell Shulton Stacey’s been taken, I’ll handle the rest.”

“You wanna ransom her yourself, don't you?” Melinda observes, as if it’s the truth.

“It’s what I have to give her that matters, Melinda,” I reply, shaking my head. As if I would ever try to get something as dumb as money in return for what I already know belongs to me.

“Thanks. I guess…” Melinda murmurs as I move to leave. “For not ratting me out, I mean.”

But I ignore her. No time to lose now. It’ll only be hours before Stacey's reported missing. And that’s if Melinda here keeps her end of our strange bargain. I’ll look the other way if she does, and from the way I see her hauling the driver back into the car they were going to use to kidnap Stacey get further behind us once we’re moving. I half wonder if letting her go so easily is a good idea.

Stacey’s low moan as she shifts in her seat next to me snaps my attention to what is going to happen though. Not whatmighthappen. She drifts back to sleep once she hears my voice. A little smile playing on her lips before she goes telling me that she knows she’s safe now.

Sleep now, Stacey. You’ll be home soon. And when you wake up, I’m gonna let you help me finish what we started in your bedroom.

8

STACEY

Going from not being able to breathe, to smelling Steve up close. I don’t know what to tell myself before my eyes flutter open.

But I can feel him. Watching over me and sensing his huge warm body so close I can’t help thinking he's close enough to-

What? To kiss, you mean?

As soon as I have the thought, my eyes dart open. Steve’s big brown eyes are the first thing I see once I feel his mouth over mine. Making me feel like a princess being kissed awake by prince charming.

The headache I should have from whatever they used to knock me out instantly vanishes. His kiss is slow, tender, and very polite. Lips only. And I’m already wanting more by the time he pulls back, making me pout.

“I… I guess I couldn't resist…” Steve croons, looking as unashamed as ever, but his eyes search mine for the permission he should know by now he already has.

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