Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 103008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
“I’ll show you to your room.” Gideon leads me to modest servant’s quarters while Iris checks out the security system.
I take in the double bed that takes up most of the room and the chest of drawers underneath a wide window that looks out over the backyard and pool.
Gideon watches me for a reaction. “It’s not much.”
“Anything is a palace after living in barracks.” Hell, this is a step up even from the shitty apartment I live in now. I turn to him. “Okay, level with me. This assignment is kinda …”
“Kinda what?”
What’s the right word without saying complete bullshit? “I guess I don’t understand it. You could get any low-grade security firm to deal with this break-in, keep tabs on the guy, and hire three full-time bodyguards for what you’re paying Trav. Why hire ex-military guys who thrive on action to babysit a pop star?”
Gideon puts his hands in his pockets. “Well, one, Trav is my cousin, and he was originally going to give me some names of companies who could help me, but then he said he might have a guy who’s interested in the money. And two, Harley doesn’t want an entire team surrounding him. He has trouble trusting people. I’m sure it’s a lot more low-key than you’re used to, but think of it this way, it’s easy money.”
“This break-in. How serious was it?”
“The guy is a delusional fan who read into a single look and a simple sentence Harley said to him. He thought he had a ‘connection’ with Harley, so he followed him home, jumped the fence, and … okay, the knife thing is fuzzy. Harley still doesn’t know if it was an intimidation tactic, threatening, or if this guy really was genuinely admiring Harley’s knives. No one was hurt, but Harley has refused full-time security up until now because he had always felt safe here. That asshole took that away from him, so it doesn’t matter that he wasn’t actually hurt.”
“I understand.”
Gideon looks doubtful, as if he doesn’t believe me. “Harley’s trying to appear strong, but he hasn’t left the house since it happened. He hasn’t slept. He’s not the type of guy to accept pity, but he won’t take condescension either.”
“I’ll keep it in mind to stay neutral and only speak of facts when it comes to the break-in.”
“I would go wake him up to meet you right now, but with how little sleep he’s had, I’m reluctant. He’s supposed to be writing songs for his new album, but he can’t think when he’s had no sleep.”
“It’s fine. I have some stuff in my car, but I might go home and get some more clothes and belongings. I packed light. Iris … uh, Isaac can stay with Harley while I’m gone.”
“Sounds good.” Gideon gestures for me to go first, and we make our way back through the house.
We don’t make it to the front door.
Gideon and I both freeze in our steps at the sight of what’s happening in the foyer.
A guy around five nine or ten with brown hair points a gun at Iris.
Iris is calm, his hands up, and he doesn’t appear to be worried, but Iris is always cool under pressure. Frighteningly so.
The guy’s back is to us, and I don’t think he heard us come in. His hands shake, which makes me nervous considering the safety on his gun is off, and he’s clearly not in control.
Tactical instincts kick in.
My first guess is the fan who attacked Harley a few nights ago has broken his restraining order and come to finish what he started.
It all happens so fast.
I move quickly and with precision.
The loud “No” coming out of Iris’s mouth barely registers as I rush the assailant and tackle him to the ground.
In the blink of an eye, I have the guy on his stomach on the tiled floor with my knee in his back and his gun in my hand.
Then laughter pierces the room. From both Iris and Gideon.
The guy beneath me groans.
“First day on the job, and you’ve already broken the man you were hired to protect,” Iris says.
“W-wait, what?” I stare down at the guy. His head is turned to the side with his cheek pressed against the floor. I can’t make out any of his features except for the ginger scruff on his face.
Gideon steps up beside me. “Nolan, I’d like you to meet Harley Valentine.”
Aww, fuck.
Chapter Three
Harley
“Harley, this is Nolan Reins and Isaac Griffin,” Gideon says. “Your new bodyguards.”
The heavy weight on top of me lifts, and I let out a grunt.
“Good work, Rambo.” Even I can’t tell if my words are sarcastic or genuine.
On the one hand, Hi, random stranger on top of me. How about buying me a drink first before pinning me under your hard body? On the other, I should be thankful my new bodyguard can take down a guy with a gun. Even if that guy is me.