Chapter 2
Barun
I walked into the Falcone mansion, inhaling the crisp air along with the unique pine scent. Honey Valley was special and felt more like home than New York. Winter had already begun, and the cold air already had a holiday vibe that was hard to miss.
Brushing my hair away from my forehead, I stepped into the house, walking through the long foyer, done tastefully to reflect the family’s wealth and power.
The guard at the end of the foyer nodded at me, ushering me toward the study where the Falcone brothers were presumably having their evening drink.
After a brief knock, I entered the room, noticing the decorations on the way to the study.
My lips curved in a small smile, sensing my icy heart momentarily warm up to the fact that this was all for little Katy’s graduation.
Immediately, a feeling of pride took over when I realized how far that girl had come.
I’d been looking forward to seeing her again, imagining how much she must have changed from the scared, fragile girl I last remembered. Despite our regular text exchanges, I didn’t have a chance to meet her in these four years; not that I took any active measures to do so.
Work kept me away. Also, Gio, my half-brother, insisted I stay away from active mafia life. He’d paid for my education and a legitimate profession through his loyalty to this family. Knowing the sacrifices for me, I couldn’t ignore the one thing he wanted me to do.
Now, after shaking hands with the grim-looking Falcone brothers, I briefly hugged Gio and snatched the drink he held for me. Sitting down on the couch, I crossed my legs, facing Noah. This invitation wasn’t just for the party. By now, I was sure of that.
“How are you doing? Is the firm doing well?” Noah casually enquired, sipping the amber liquid in his glass.
“Business is thriving. In fact, I’m considering recruiting additional staff.” I took a sip, glancing at Rhett, who seemed preoccupied. Clearing my throat, I looked Noah in the eye. “But that’s not why I’m invited today, is it?”
“Smart!” Rhett murmured, still distracted.
“It’s Katy. She received an email threat this morning.” Noah’s quiet bombshell rocked my world. What the fuck! No way was this happening again. And someone was stupid enough to send an anonymous threat to a Falcone?
“Thankfully, the IT head in my corporation alerted me, and we quietly removed it before she could access her mail. We’ve tightened our security and doubled all the security measures. But we didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Not after…”
Rhett intervened. “Anyway, we wanted you to stay here, shadow her until the threat is neutralized.”
Draining my glass in a single move, I exhaled audibly. “Fuck!”
“Indeed.” Rhett placed his glass on the side table before continuing.
“She knows nothing about this, and we prefer it that way right now. She’s come out of her shell with a lot of effort.
We don’t want her to feel unsafe or retreat again.
She’s the heart of this household, and we don’t want anyone or anything to dim her shine. ”
I sighed. “I’m not sure it is advisable to keep this information from her.”
“It isn’t up for discussion.” Noah growled, his eyes turning icy.
“Okay,” I nodded, my thoughts racing at the prospect of a threat.
Could it be the Vikings again? The war between the Vikings family and the Falcones had been on for a decade.
First, it was Katy’s kidnapping. Resulting in the death of the youngest Viking heir.
They’d waited for their revenge, striking again two years ago, killing the senior Falcone.
That’s when Noah had taken over and peace had reigned. Briefly.
“Don Viking passed away because of cardiac arrest last month. Their eldest has taken over. I’m guessing he’s the one who is starting this shit all over again. Fucking menace..” Gio supplied the information, ever watchful about security for the family.
“I’ll stay back until this is dealt with,” I promised, nodding at Gio. “Ryker and my other partners will take over my projects until I get back.”
“Thank you.” The relief on Noah’s face was palpable, making me feel uneasy. If the man himself felt he needed me, it had to be bad.
Right on cue, the staff announced dinner.
“Let’s regroup after dinner, and I’ll show you the contents of the email.” Rhett promised.
We left together toward the formal dining area, where a table was set for all of us. Moving to the farthest seat from the head, I stilled at the sweet fragrance of vanilla with a hint of berry filling the air. Intrigued, I turned to look at the source. And felt my world go still.
My breathing halted, and my entire body came alive at the sight of the curvy woman with long, dark, silky hair and full, pink lips.
Her eyes were dark and mysterious, fringed with huge lashes that made her eyes look exotic.
The maroon dress she was wearing defined her perfect hourglass figure, simultaneously making my heart pound in my chest. Mesmerized, I couldn’t take my eyes off of this beautiful woman who walked into the dining room with a seductive sway of her hips.
Helpless against the onslaught of emotions that crashed in me, I watched as her mouth parted before she breathed, “Barun?”
Shit, shit, shit! Two things happened at once.
Her breathy whisper turned my dick to steel, and I recognized that voice.
It was Katy. She looked fucking fantastic and nothing like the scared girl.
I couldn’t help but notice her regal stance and sweet smile.
A smile that was directed at me. Christ in heaven!
“Was this the surprise?” She smiled expectantly. Her cheeks turned pink as she looked at me in awe. Moving forward, she gave me a hug, her smile faltering when I held myself stiffly. Absentmindedly, I noticed she barely reached my chin, tempted to crush her to my body.
Mercifully, right at that moment, Noah came forward and pulled her into his arms, leaving me equally bereft and shocked.
The touch of Katy’s soft and curvy body nearly electrocuted me.
Her vanilla scent teased my senses. Only the fact that there were three other men, two of whom would unalive me if I revealed my reaction, made me bury my true feelings toward Katy.
“Congratulations, darling. We are so proud of you.” Noah kissed his sister’s temple gently before Rhett pulled her for a hug.
I offered my own congratulations rather formally before proceeding to sit through an hour and a half of torture.
Where I could see her, inhale her scent, and feel her warmth radiating across the table.
During dinner, I asked myself only one thing.
How the hell was I going to survive as her personal bodyguard without getting killed by her brothers?