Uncontrollable Bachelor (Bachelor Tower Series), стр. 13
Jace stepped further away. “We’d better get going. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be in the park after dark.”
No matter how comfortable I felt in his arms, Jace was right: this was no place for me. It wasn’t being mugged that worried me. It was my own feelings running out of control. “I should get back home anyway.”
“Already?” he asked.
“We’ve had our ice cream,” I replied sarcastically.
Jace looked down at me. But he didn’t try to get me to stay longer. No pleading eyes, not one word about the night being young. Instead he grabbed my hand and led me back out of the park.
You know it, too. We’re playing with fire and the only guarantee is getting burned.
Once was enough for me. I didn’t need to go through that hell again. Whoever that stranger was, he had just stopped me from making a huge mistake. I had been so close to asking Jace to make love to me. Now the only thing I wanted was to go home.
Chapter 5
Jace
I had fucking warned him, but Carlton apparently didn’t heed my advice. He’s lucky I didn’t call him out in front of Shannon. The only thing that held my tongue was the fact I still couldn’t figure out why she needed protection in the first place.
If Carlton hadn’t still been lingering, I would’ve suggested Shannon and I find a more private place to continue what we’d started. But I knew there would be yet another interruption. I needed to put a stop to those.
Carlton walked into the bar and took the stool next to me. “Don’t bother saying it. I told you, I’m paid to watch her.”
“And slamming into us is part of your job as well?” I knew it wasn’t. Carlton needed to learn I’m not one to fuck with anymore.
“You were blocking my view. I was just making sure she was…safe.”
“If I didn’t want information from you, I’d knock you on your ass,” I said.
Carlton chuckled. “I see you’re still using your old tactic: crush anything that stands in your way.”
“You say that as though it’s a bad thing,” I said, downing the last of my beer before ordering another. My cock still ached for Shannon, and it was going to take a lot of alcohol to numb her effects.
“It’s bad if you’re involved with my client.”
“I thought she didn’t know,” I glared at him.
“I mean the Hamels. And she doesn’t.”
“I’m not so sure about that. She had a very questioning look in her eye. You might not be as good at your job as you believe.”
Carlton laughed. “Trust me, I am. I’ve been watching her for the past three years.”
“Carlton, I need to know. What happened?”
“Maybe you should sit down with Mr. Hamel and ask him,” Carlton replied.
I laughed. “He’s not going to tell me anything except to fucking get lost.”
Carlton didn’t even crack a grin. “If you had a daughter, would you want her to date someone like you? I know I wouldn’t.”
I might not like what he said, but I respected Carlton for having the balls to say it to my face. “I would never hurt her.”
“Intentionally, no. But Jace, your lifestyle doesn’t match hers.”
It was clear what he meant. I wasn’t looking for anything long-term. Hell, I didn’t want something short-term, either. Shannon would never go for casual sex. That’s one of the things I loved about her. She had her values and didn’t waver on them. I’m the same way, but I’m not driven by kindness and compassion. They say opposites attract. But it doesn’t mean they should be together.
“Since she and I are going to spend time together, it’d be easier for me to keep her safe if I knew what the threat was.” If Ralph knew I was seeing Shannon, my name would probably be on the list as well.
Carlton stared at me before finally giving in. “No one can know what I’m about to tell you.”
“You can trust me.” At least regarding this.
“Shannon was dating a guy overseas. They met during one of her assignments. I don’t know if you want to call it love, but whatever it was, he wanted to marry her. She declined his offer and that’s when it started.”
She was easy to love. I’m sure many men have fallen for her. It makes me happy to know she shot them down. I wonder if she’d have said no to me, too.
“It doesn’t explain why she needs your protection.”
Carlton added, “He wasn’t just anyone. He’s a prince. When she refused him, he reached out to Mr. Hamel and tried to…purchase her.”
What the fuck! “I’m sure Ralph had a few choice words for him.”
“He did. But the prince swore she would be his, one way or another.”
Damn. I’m not the nicest guy, but when a woman says no, it’s no.
“And you think this is a viable threat? You said this was three years ago and Shannon, to my knowledge, is still single.”
“We’ve intercepted quite a few attempts to…”
“Talk to her?” I asked.
“I wish it was that simple. Her last trip they tried to kidnap her.”
My heart was pounding and I felt sick. Shannon actually was in danger and I was out for a stroll in the fucking park with her. “She needs more security.”
“She has plenty. Normally she runs in a very tight circle of friends. You, on the other hand, come with your own set of risks. I’m only sharing this with you because I have a feeling you’re planning on seeing her again. If you are, then I need you