Absolution (Honor Guard 1)

“How long will it take?”

“About three days.”

She blanched. “Three days?”

“Yeah. When your father’s undercover mission ends.” Joseph stared at her pale face for a few seconds and then pushed away to return to his seat on the couch. But a bit closer than before. “Worried you can’t keep your hands off of me for so long?”

He sure was. Already, his palms itched to grab her and throw her down, so he could have his way with her.

“Pft. I think I can handle myself.” She wrung her hands, scooting a few inches away from him while avoiding his gaze. “I’m more concerned about whether I’ll manage to avoid murdering you.”

“Well, you’ll have to do your best. For the next week or so, I plan to be no more than five paces from your side at all times. If you shower, I’ll be outside the bathroom door. When you sleep, I’ll be next to you. When you—”

“Hold up.” She raised a hand. “Sleep? You aren’t sleeping in my bed, you ass. No way.”

“Scared?” He grabbed his sunglasses and toyed with them. Truth be told, he didn’t want to share her bed, either. Okay, that’s a bit of a lie. He longed to share it, but as her lover. Not her bodyguard. Big difference, there.

“I remember what you do when you’re asleep,” Eva snapped. “How many times did you wake me up, making love to me in your sleep?”

Memories flashed through his head of a few more unforgettable moments, and his c**k hardened. He shifted on the couch to accommodate the apparent growing of said body part.

“And I remember how horny you are in the mornings. So, yes, I am. You can sleep on the floor,” Eva finished.

Her words brought out images in his head of her rising over him in the morning, a sleepy smile on her face as she licked him from head to toe. It wasn’t just him who woke up horny. But, like a gentleman, he would refrain from mentioning it. “Like a dog?”

“If the shoe fits….” She arched a brow.

He flinched. “The floor’s fine. I just need to be close to you to keep you safe.” And to love you.

“Fine, whatever. But keep your hands to yourself.”

“Indeed. At least, until you ask otherwise. Then all bets are off.” He grinned, trailing a finger down her arm. He couldn’t help himself. She was so fun to torture. She made it too easy.

Her face turned bright red, and she slapped his hand away. “Don’t hold your breath. You’ll suffocate.”

“I don’t know. I have a very high tolerance. You should know from experience.” He wiggled his eyebrows and smiled. After he received the expected glower, he asked, “So, what are we doing tonight?”

“We’re not doing anything. I have a date.”

Joseph’s heart squeezed in his chest, and he straightened. “The hell you do. Fucking cancel it.”

Chapter Two

Eva watched Joseph’s green eyes darken with rage, and she bit her lip. She hadn’t expected him to be happy about her plans. But she shouldn’t have to back out of the date just because her ex had come into town to guard her.

Right?

“I’m not canceling. I happen to like this guy. He’s sweet, generous, and attractive. And I bet he won’t screw a stripper in my house.”

He growled and loomed over her again. “He sounds great. But unless you want me to murder him in front of you, you’ll cancel until next week. I’m not letting you out of my sight, remember?”

She gulped and pushed him away. “Stop getting in my face. It’s not gonna scare me.”

“No, but I know one thing that scares you. This.” He closed the distance and kissed her.

No, he didn’t kiss her. He ravished her, digging his hand into her curls and plundering her mouth. His tongue stroked hers, and she moaned. At some point, he must have lowered her back against the cushions because she didn’t even remember moving.

His fingers trailed from her scalp, down her throat, and fell upon her breast. He cupped her, toying with her nipple while he nibbled on her lip. Hot desire shot through her blood, and she arched into his palm. When he cursed and pulled away from her, she groaned.

Why the hell does he have to grow a conscience?

She bit her tongue, blocking any attempt to call him back. He paced in front of her like he always did when he felt frustrated. Maybe she needed to give it a try.

“I’m sorry, Eva. I shouldn’t have done that.”

She sat up and touched her fingers to her lips. Her emotions battled, each trying to get the upper hand. Desire, rage, betrayal. They were all there. Including overwhelming sadness. If only he hadn’t ruined everything…or she’d been enough.

No, she couldn’t blame herself. She’d done everything she could, tried her best to keep him happy. She couldn’t be blamed for his indiscretions. She had no idea why he’d done what he had, but she couldn’t be held at fault. Could she?

“Why?” she whispered. Terror gripped her and made her knees shake. She had to know.

He paused in his pacing and faced her. Confusion wrinkled his brow. “Why, what?”

“Why did you do it? Why did you sleep with her?”

He sank to the chair closest to him. “I-I found out—”

Knock, knock, knock.

They both jerked and stared at the door. Then, their eyes met. What had he been about to say? She’d mustered up the courage to ask him the question that had eaten at her for the past month and a half, asked and almost received an answer, when someone had to go and ruin it.

Damn it.

How would she get the courage to ask again? And did she even want to know the answer? She exhaled and stood up. “Coming,” she called.

She took three steps toward the door but stopped when Joseph grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth. She gasped and fought his hold.

“Who is it?” His voice rang out loud and clear in the apartment, and with sudden clarity, Eva realized who had to be on the other side of the door.

Antonio, her hot date.

“Um, Antonio Soto. I’m looking for Eva. Is she there?” His voice came muffled through the door, but she recognized his soft accent even so.

Joseph pressed his lips to her ear, and his hot breath made a shiver run down her spine. Oh, how she wanted him.

“Is this your date?”

His hand still covered her mouth, so she nodded. Reaching up, she caught his pinky and bent it. He snagged her wrist with his free hand and held it down. Kicking back, she lurched in his arms. When her foot made contact with his inner thigh—a bit too far to the left, more’s the pity—he grumbled and picked her up until her feet kicked without purchase in the air.