Pretty Girl

“Got any clothes?” His words come out deep, like he hasn’t talked in days. It’s then I remember I’m only in a bra and panties. Normally I wouldn’t care, but a blush hits me hard and I know my fair skin is showing the tint of it.

“Can I help you with something?” I ask, making no move to cover up. I think I left my robe outside. Being half dressed is something I’m used to. Hell, when you do runway shows sometimes you have to dress and undress in a room full of people who are doing the same.

I’ve never been shy about my body, but for some reason I’m wondering what he thinks of it. I tuck my hair behind my ear, a nervous habit of mine when I’m not sure what to say.

He mutters something I don’t catch before walking over to my bag on the small sofa in the corner of the room. He reaches inside, pulls out my shirt, then walks over and slides it over my head. I stand there shocked. Next, he drops to his knees, holding out my jean shorts for me to step into. I’m not sure what else to do. I don’t think this is a man who is used to being told no. My breath hitches as he pulls them up my legs and his rough thumb drags along my skin.

“Thanks?” I whisper. I’m not sure what else to say as I look up at him towering over me. I’m short for a model. Most are at least five feet ten, whereas I’m only five feet five. It’s never been much of an issue for me. I had a name for myself before I was even thirteen, so it wasn’t a fight to get jobs. The only downside to my shortness is they always put me in the highest of heels to try and make up for it. I’m used to people towering over me, but this man is different. He’s well over a foot taller than me. I have to tilt my head all the way back to look up at him.

“I’m your new bodyguard.” The man’s deep voice rolls over my skin, making me wonder if I’ll ever get used to it.

“Oh.” My eyebrows draw together, making me wonder what happened to Ben. “But Ben—”

“Has resigned,” he says, cutting me off.

“Oh.” My shoulders drop. I was only starting to get used to Ben, and I really liked him. He was nice and talked to me. Over the years I’ve learned bodyguards aren’t real talkative. “Let me get my stuff and we’ll head out,” I tell him, walking past him.

“You’re not even going to make sure I’m not lying?” he growls. I freeze before I grab my bag then turn slowly to look at him. That angry look is on his face again. His jaw tics.

“Well, I’m guessing you wouldn’t have just said that if you were lying.” I grab my bag and fish out my cell phone. I see I have a text from my agent.

Nora: New bodyguard. He’ll be in your dressing room. Name is Jax Knox. He’s the best.

Jax mumbles a curse.

I slip on my flip-flops. “Ready when you are, Jax,” I tell him, a little shocked with myself for being tart with him. I walk past him throwing open the door. I should have washed my face, but I’ll do it when we get to the hotel, where I’ll fall into the bed. I stop when I see another man standing outside my door. This one isn’t as big as Jax, but he’s still big in his own right.

Where Jax is night, with dark hair, eyes and clothes, this man is all light with blond wavy hair and bright blue eyes. Unlike Jax he shoots me a big smile. “Ma’am.” He nods, and I notice he has a southern drawl to his words.

“Hi,” I respond, wondering who he is.

“Move, Rye,” Jax barks from behind me, making me jump.

The blond man holds his hands up, only smiling even bigger. “Sorry, boss man.” Rye shoots me a wink that causes Jax to growl again, making goosebumps break out across my skin. I can feel the heat of his big body behind me.

“He’s your other guard,” Jax informs me. He motions for me to follow Rye. “He covers the front and I stick with you.” I glance over my shoulder at Jax.

“Two guards? Full time?” I ask. The only time I ever have more than one is for big events and we know there are going to be crowds. Normally I only have one.

“Yeah. Things are going to be getting tighter around here,” he informs me as we exit the back door of the studio. Rye holds open a car door for me, and I slide in and over when I see Jax following in after me. I can’t stop myself from glancing over at him. Normally my bodyguard drives. Then I see Rye sliding into the driver’s seat.