Colton's Secret Bodyguard

“I could take him back to the kennels,” Rylan said tersely.

Something in his tone must have gotten through to the dog because, after leveling him with a resentful look, Jekyll finally curled up in his dog-bed.

“At last.” Rylan, who preferred to sleep in the minimum amount of clothing, had decided to respect the situation and wear shorts and a T-shirt. Sliding under the bed covers, he switched off the light on his bedside table.

“Good night, Bree.”

Before she could answer, a sound like a metal roll shutter being pulled down filled the room. Jekyll was snoring.

Rylan groaned. “No wonder the other dogs hate him.”

Bree laughed so hard, the bed shook. “This is a sanctuary for all animals, remember? Even the troublesome ones.”

“That little stinker takes troublesome to a whole new level,” he grumbled.

The snoring subsided slightly, and he felt the bed shift as Bree turned to face him. “Rylan?”

“Hmm?”

“Am I one of your misfits?”

He choked back a laugh. “Is this a joke?” Could she seriously believe he saw her as another rescue project?

“No. It’s a genuine question.” He could tell from her voice how important it was to her. “I’ve spent my whole life not fitting in. I need to know that you don’t see me as another Wonkey or Boo.”

Rylan thought of some of the things she’d told him about her childhood. She had grown up in a family of high-achievers while battling a condition that limited her ability to be judged successful by conventional means. It had affected how she saw herself and how she believed others viewed her. He was aware, all over again, of a responsibility to her that went beyond the physical need to protect her.

“Bree, you are the strongest, bravest, most beautiful person I know. I can’t think of anyone less like one of my crazy oddball animals.” He couldn’t quite believe he was having to say those words to the woman who could juggle his heart with a mere look.

“Oh.” He heard the smile in her voice. “Thank you.”

“For that answer, or for not throttling Jekyll?”

She chuckled. “For everything. You didn’t have to do this...any of it. I appreciate it.”

His throat tightened. “I wish I hadn’t screwed up.”

She turned away from him again. “So do I.”

He lay on his back with his hands beneath his head. He had screwed up, and he couldn’t regret it enough. Even so, he had sensed a few times lately that Bree’s attitude toward him was softening. Could that really be the case, or was it a combination of their close proximity and the circumstances?

There was no getting around the fact that Bree was in danger, and he was her protector. Which meant, even without their existing attraction, it was a recipe for romance. And before Bree had discovered that he’d been lying about his identity, they’d had an instant fiery passion that was so damn combustible the very air around them sizzled. That hadn’t gone away. He didn’t think it ever would.

He turned his head, unable to see her in the darkness, but acutely aware of her. For the first time, he considered what he’d previously believed to be impossible. Was Bree prepared to overlook his deception? A few days ago, he’d have said her forgiveness was the only thing he wanted. Now, he knew that was wrong.

She was what he wanted.

He loved her. If he were honest, he had loved her from the moment he first saw her. Love at first sight. Who knew it was really a thing? Especially for the ultimate tough guy. His life choices were a declaration. Soldier, bodyguard and security expert. Keep back. I don’t do feelings. But Bree had broken down his hard shell and found the part of himself he tried to keep hidden.

And that was the problem. If she forgave him, he would be overwhelmed with gratitude. If she wanted to resume their former relationship... Well, that was another matter. Because, even though that would be a dream come true, Rylan wanted more. He wanted everything.

He almost laughed. Why was he even thinking this way? Just supposing he was right and, by some remote chance, Bree did forgive him. It was a big leap from there to a return to what they’d had. It was an even bigger jump to anything long term.