Chapter One #2
And yet, despite my deep dislike for the man, I find myself staring.
His annoyingly handsome face is a masterpiece, chiseled with a strong jawline and the faintest hint of stubble that makes me want to reach out and touch.
He’s so freaking perfect with that dark auburn hair that plays in the light to reveal rich, reddish brown tones.
I’m not subtle as I run my eyes down the rest of him, taking in the simple white Henley T-shirt that clings to broad shoulders and reveals the definition of his muscles.
The sleeves are pushed up, exposing the impressive strength of his forearms and the dark tattoos that color them.
A quick search of the company website tells me he now works as an investigator for his family’s firm, the kind of guy who digs up secrets for a living. Security, in its various forms, just seems to be a part of him—it’s likely in the O’Shea family DNA.
It makes sense that he would carry himself with such confidence and arrogance. Even in casual clothes, he exudes an aura of power and presence that equally captivates and annoys me.
“What is he doing here?” my sister whispers from my side, but I have no answer for her. When the two men stop in front of us, I fight the urge to glare at Conor and Luca, just for bringing him here.
“You’re packed already. I was hoping to make it back in time and help you ladies load everything in the van,” Luca says, wrapping an arm around Tilly’s waist and pulling her flush against him before pressing his lips gently on her temple. “You don’t need help bringing anything else down, do you?”
“No, I’m just waiting for Amy so we can leave,” I say, choosing to ignore the extremely handsome man standing a few feet away from me.
“Amy isn’t coming,” Conor says, pulling my focus back to him.
“What do you mean?” I ask, irritation giving way to concern. “Did something happen to her?”
“She’s fine. Let’s just say there’s been a change in plans.”
“What do you mean...” but he’s already walking away. I feel heat rise in my cheeks, a flush of irritation at the rude man. I watch him walk back to Luca’s car and open the back. To my horror, he takes out a suitcase.
“So,” Luca says, flinching when I turn to glare at him. “I’m guessing you weren’t updated on the change, were you?”
“What change?” I ask, tensing when I spot Conor dragging his suitcase behind him. “Don’t tell me...” My words trail off as the man walks toward my van. “Please tell me that suitcase is for Amy. That I’m picking her up at some other location.”
“It’s mine,” Conor responds, confirming my worst fears.
“Amy Martinez put in a request for medical leave a couple of days ago. Normally, I wouldn’t share these details with clients, but she approved for you to be told.
She’s pregnant, and the doctors tagged it as a high-risk pregnancy, meaning she cannot travel anywhere, let alone across the country with you, and still offer protection.
She’ll be taking a year off from work. Since we couldn’t arrange for a different bodyguard on such short notice… well, you’re stuck with me.”
No.
No way.
Concern for my bodyguard is overshadowed by the fact that I am going to be spending time—alone—with this man. Christ, what mortal crime did I commit to be punished this way?
“Not you,” I say before I can stop myself. “I mean, the van only has one bed, and it was already going to be difficult to share it with Amy, but you’re big...and a man.” And annoying, but I don’t say that last part out loud—though I can imagine it’s written all over my face.
“You don’t have to worry about the sleeping arrangements,” Conor says, gesturing to his bag. “I’ve packed a single-person tent, and I plan on camping outside the van when we stop for rest. If the weather is bad, we can just get a hotel room.”
Damn it.
Think, Arianna. Think!
“But...what about...” My brain comes up empty as I search for a reason to not be alone with this man.
Hell, a part of me wants to insist on still making the trip alone, but when I turn to my sister and see the worried look on her face, I decide that fighting Conor is not worth the upset it would cause her.
“Fine,” I snap. “But don’t think you can boss me around on this trip.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
I turn away from him to hug my sister, “Please take care, Ari,” she whispers into my hair, hugging me back. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I’ll call every day,” I say, offering her a soft smile before turning to Luca. “Take care of my sister, Luca, or I’ll hunt you down.”
“You don’t scare me anymore, Ari,” he chuckles, but the laugh dies off when I glare at him. “Right, I’ll protect her with my life. I promise.”
Oh, I don’t doubt his words, or I wouldn’t even consider leaving. With a last smile and a wave at my twin and her boyfriend, I climb into the van.
“I’m driving,” I snap when Conor starts loading his things inside. “And don’t even think of touching the radio.”
“Lord save me from the spoiled in-laws,” he mumbles under his breath, and suddenly, I can’t wait for the trip to end.