Standing There (Love in the Park 1)

“Girl, please. Get out of here and live a little. Have fun with the sexy guy. Besides, I got a text from someone. I’ve got a possible date tonight.”

“Ooh goodie. Damn it, I still have to go home and change.”

“No, you don’t. Remember we went shopping yesterday. You can shower and get ready here. You can deal with your dickhead brother later.”

“What’s going on with your brother?” Roman asks.

“We got into a huge argument last night. I don’t want to talk about it. I know he’s just worried about me. I won’t go into details, but a few years back, I was attacked by a crazy stalker. I was saved, but I was stabbed and beaten as I fought to get away. Now my brother worries every day. The bastard’s in jail, but I know he’ll get out one day.” A fierce expression crosses his face as if he, himself, is ready to strangle the bastard. “Enough of this. I won’t be upset, knowing that I have you to protect me. Now, let me get in the shower before it gets any later.

Chapter 9

Roman

“Are you planning to tell her the truth or am I?” Katherine stalks up to me, pointing her finger in my chest.

“What the hell do you mean?” I ask, acting offended. Fuck, I knew my cover was blown a few minutes ago when she couldn’t take her eyes off me with a glare aimed at me.

Her eyes narrow and she bites out angrily, “You’re a part of the security team. I saw you at the graduation, but I didn’t put it together until right now. By the time I saw you yesterday it was dark.”

“You’ve got me there. But this is between her and I, and it has almost nothing to do with the security.”

“Almost?”

“Yes, I saw the photo her brother sent, and I knew that one day I’d marry her. Okay? This isn’t about security even if she needs it. It’s about the way I can’t stop thinking about her or how she looks at me like I’m a fucking king.”

“Okay, but I’m giving you a day to tell her the truth. I’m not going to let this go, but I know if she finds out before then, she’ll bail on you. You seem perfect for her.”

“Thanks. I will do my best to make her happy, always. As soon as she forgives me.” We hear the water turn off and end the subject.”

“Now would you like a refill on your coffee?”

“Hell yes.”

“Okay, you know where the kitchen is.” She walks off into the bedroom with a little attitude. She’s good for Lindsay, so I’ll let that shit slide. I should let her in on Brent, but I’m betting she wouldn’t believe me.

I get myself another cup and check my messages. They are suddenly blowing up. Shit. Stewart tried to attack Brent. He got off a shot to his arm, grazing it this morning as he left for work. I sent someone to watch Brent for his own safety. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that they don’t hesitate to attack people closest to you. My guy is coming to watch Katherine while I take Lindsay to my house for safe keeping. My phone rings while both girls are in the bedroom. It’s fucking Brent. Shit. I step out into the hall and look around.

“Hey, get her out of there. Take her somewhere safe, please—both of them. I know he’s going to come looking for her, and he’s not going to stop. Which means taking anyone out that’s in his way.”

“I will. I’ve got to go. I’ll message you. Take care.”

They both come out of the room, and I’m frozen to my spot. Lindsay looks incredible. She has on a pair of dark blue jeans that hug every inch of her slight curves. And her top is a pale blue that fits snuggly on her breasts. My mouth is watering, but I don’t have time to wait. He was driving around here last night, and she needs my fucking protection before she needs my cock.

“Hey, Katherine, why don’t you come with us?”

I can see Lindsay looks pissed off. I’m not sure why, but she lets me know where her mind is going and it’s not fucking good. “This isn’t some threesome thing,” Lindsay tosses out completely angry.

I drag her back into my arms, hating that I have to lie about it all including her brother, but her safety is the most important thing to me. “No, no it isn’t. Silly woman. I have an impromptu meeting today that I just took a call for. I’m going to be busy for a little while at the house, and I want you to have your partner in crime around.”

“Fine,” she mutters.

I wrap my arms tighter around her, then whisper, “I wasn’t planning on fucking my baby into you until tonight anyway. But I promise to make it up to you.” I suck gently on her earlobe. “You’re mine, and I promise to make you come over and over again for the rest of our lives.”