Chapter 4
Chapter four
Matt
What is wrong with this woman? She is fucking infuriating. Why is she making this so difficult?
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, holding it for a few moments before slowly letting it out.
A technique I learned while I was in the Marines. Or maybe I should say because of the Marines. When I was younger, I had a temper and would let it loose easily. Pushing everyone around me to the brink.
When I was sixteen, I beat a kid at school to a bloody pulp after he said some stupid remark. I mean it was so fucking stupid, I can’t even remember what it was he said.
I do remember that being the last straw for my dad, and he sent me off to military school. I learned a lot and was able to focus my energy in a different manner.
Mostly.
I was the Infantry Squad Leader while in the Marines. It was my job to lead our squad into combat. It was imperative to stay calm in our line of work.
If I led with anger, people could die. I had to lead with a clear head. At the time though, it was something I struggled with. Until one of my captains when I was in Iraq gave me some sage advice.
I’ll never forget what he told me, “No one gets an award for fucking up and getting killed, but they do for keeping their head on straight and saving the day.”
That night I started working with a therapist. Who taught me how to stay calm and to release the anger in more productive ways, not on someone else. It changed my life. My marines started following me better, decisions were easier.
I glance over at the woman in the bed, just looking at her and my cock hardens in my pants. When I held her in my arms after she fainted, I had to actively think of things to keep it down. Since the moment I met her, it’s clear I’ve been beyond attracted to her.
Which is another fucked up thing in this whole crazy business. Because I should not be lusting after her, and the main reason is her dad is one of my best friends.
I met Phil Woods right after I got out of the Marines and was starting my new business in security. His company was one of the first ones to hire us. When we met to go over the details of the conference that we were providing security for the two of us hit it off.
I knew him for over a year before she came home. Over that time, he had mentioned her and how she played basketball. Then one day when I was over at his house, shooting the shit as we barbequed, she walked in and stole my breath.
Elsie, to this day, is still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. With her long dark hair, tan skin, and the most piercing green eyes. But the most attractive thing about her has nothing to do with any of her looks, it’s her confidence. She makes all heads turn when she walks into the room.
The whole time I had to keep repeating in my head that she's off limits. She's too young. Too inexperienced. The longer the years go on though, makes it harder and harder to remember.
But this girl is fucking stubborn, and I’m going to figure out how to get her to Rose Valley. Because I’m going to protect her, no matter what she says.
I've seen shit like this before. Someone gets a stalker, they do crazy shit, but the person being stalked ignores all the red flags, leaving themselves open to something bad. Well, nothing like that is going to happen to Elsie, because she has something that the other women don't. Me.
All I can hope is that her dad sticks to his guns and insists that she leaves. With me.
I watch as she lets out a big breath, telling me that she's losing the fight. Even if she won, I would still haul her ass out of here.
"You okay, man?" Cliff says, standing next to me as we look through the glass into her room. When I handed her my phone to call her dad, she rolled her eyes at me then demanded, "This is private business, you need to leave."
Her bratty response made my cock thicken, just another thing that makes her perfect for me. I didn't respond with words, just gave her a small smirk, leaving. Letting her think that she had won, but I knew how this conversation would go.
"I'm good." I reply, but even I can hear the smug tone in my voice.
"So you're positive that he's going to convince her," he says.
"Completely. Elsie is a total daddy's girl. She's never gone against him--well at least not on anything serious," I tell him.
"I hope you're right," he whispers, but we both leave it at that. Just staring at her while she talks with the number one man in her life.
A sting of jealousy hits me in my chest at that thought.
I want to be the number one man in her life.
Not going to happen, that woman is not for you.
No, she's made for someone who is stable and doesn't travel as much.
Her life is already crazy as a basketball star.
She needs someone who will be there for her.
A few moments later, she places the phone down on her lap, closes her eyes and when a tear slides down her cheek, I can't hold back any longer. Pushing off the wall, I make my way back into her room.
"What's wrong? What did he say?" I ask, striding toward her.
"I guess I do need to leave." she says, sounding so defeated. Laying back against the pillow, she throws an arm over her eyes.
"Elsie, this is for the best." I tell her, my hands itching to reach for her. But I'm here as a bodyguard, not a friend or lover.
"I guess," she breathes out, then she pulls her arm off. "Are you going to be there?"
Looking up at me with her beautiful green eyes. Even at the age of twenty-six, they still look innocent, full of hope.
I nod. "Every step of the way. I won't let anything happen to you." I want to say so much more, but don't.
"I know." she sighs, her hand brushing up against mine.
My skin tingles in every spot that she touches.
A possessive feeling washes over me. And it takes everything in me not to wrap her up in my arms, but that would be a bad idea.
Too confusing. Before I'm able to do anything stupid, Cliff walks into the room, breaking through the desires inside me.
"So, what's the verdict?" he asks, looking between the two of us.
"I'll go to Rose Valley." Elsie tells him.
"Great." He says, clapping his hands together. "I'll have the team jet drop you off."
"I don't think that's a great idea." I tell him.
"What's not a great idea?" He asks, arching a brow. Probably wondering what the fuck I'm talking about since we had gone over everything.
"I just mean, we should have my company reserve a non-descript private. Keep it under the radar."
Cliff thinks about it for just a moment, then he nods. "Okay. Then you'll take care of it."
"I will." Turning toward Elsie, I explain further, "I need to make a call before we leave. Then I'll escort you to a hotel."
"Cliff, can you have Jade pack me a bag? Please." She says, looking toward him, ignoring me completely.
This woman is like whiplash, but it's for the best. I need to keep my head on straight and keep myself disconnected from the situation. Instead of waiting, I just leave them behind, walking out into the hallway.
I dial my business partner to see if we can secure that plane.
"Meyers."
"It's Matt. I need to get a private plane."
"Got it. When?"
"Tomorrow."
He lets out a long whistle. "That might be tough, but I'll make it happen."
"Thanks."
Hanging up my phone, I look back into the hospital room. The nurse is talking to Elsie, hopefully letting us get out of here.
An image of her on her back in the hotel room flashes before my eyes.
Her hair in a halo on her pillow, looking every bit of the dark angel she is.
Her legs spread wide open, ready for me to dive in.
I shake my head at the image. Nope, not happening.
It's time for me to do my job, not picture the vulnerable woman naked.