Surrendering to the Bodyguard

by Asha Daniels

  She couldn’t imagine the horror, the shame and knew this was the reason he’d lost touch with his humanity, his very soul. “Did you?”

  Cutter shook his head. “I would never betray my country in that manner, but what I did with Stacy, getting close, I deserved punishment.”

  She was suddenly very cold, shaking all over. “That’s why you can’t love me.”

  After swallowing, he closed the distance. “That’s why I shouldn’t have gotten involved. I allowed your life to be placed in jeopardy and I’ll never forgive myself.”

  “But you did nothing wrong.”

  “Maybe in your eyes, but in mine, I broke every rule I fought to rebuild. I know you can’t understand. I shouldn’t have accused you of being an accomplice. I had no right and no reason, other than I was afraid.”

  “You were afraid that by loving me you’d lost your instinct.”

  He nodded.

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “I don’t expect your forgiveness. I don’t deserve that or even your respect, but I do need your trust and I need you to listen to me very clearly.”

  She knew the tone of voice, the controlling look in his eyes. “Of course.”

  “I’m going to ask you to stay in this room, no matter what you hear,” Cutter’s voice was authoritative.

  “What? What’s going on?”

  Blip. Blip.

  A blue light swirled around the perimeter of the room.

  Jasmine jerked to her feet.

  Cutter held out his hand. “Just a visitor. Nothing more. I called in a favor with a friend of mine. There is something I must do. I will explain later. Just stay here. Can you do that?”

  The fear remained clawing at her insides, this time for the man she loved. “Okay. You will come back?”

  “Of course.” He turned to go then stopped, a deep exhale coming from his throat. “And Jasmine. I do love you. God help me, but I do.”

  She concentrated on the tapping of his shoes as he left the room. “I love you too.”

  What didn’t he want her to hear? Additional details from his past? How much more could there be? He was far too hesitant, as if expecting trouble. She dropped her head into her hands then thought about the single bag she’d brought with her. Perhaps Cutter was the one needing protection, if only from himself.

  * * *

  Cutter yanked the Glock from the top of his desk, slapping in a new magazine and sliding it into his waistband. Then he eyed the surveillance cameras on the laptop, studying the single vehicle as it approached. Everything was as expected, arrival within three minutes. He’d opened the gate, allowing his visitor to enter the compound, but would be prepared no matter how the conversation went. As he gazed at the approaching van, a dark SUV, he shook his head. Secrets.

  While he had no way of knowing what would happen, he was prepared. He exhaled, every thought centered around Jasmine, relieved he’d told her the truth. If the information regarding his incarceration was leaked to the press, he would be hard pressed to find another security job. He was indebted to Jeff for the man’s ability to ghost his past, hide his prison record. While he and Jeff had never become best friends, he would forever be grateful for the man’s help and guidance.

  Which made his decision even more difficult. Damning.

  He had no idea what he was going to say, but his heart remained heavy. As he walked to the front door, standing in wait, he allowed his memories of the past to flow, filter into his mind one last time. Then, they would be banished.

  “This entire time you were playing me,” Cutter yelled as the soldiers grabbed his arms, preventing him from reaching for his gun.

  Stacy laughed and lifted her glass of wine. “A toast. A brute with a brain. You finally get it.”

  “Why?”

  “You know why, my darling. I was never the victim. I run this entire organization and now, with your help, I’ve crushed my real enemies. I must admit. You were a very good little boy in every department.” She took a sip and closed her eyes. “I enjoyed fucking you.”

  “That’s all I was to you.” Cutter had known for several days that she was lying, but to what degree he’d only just learned. And he was going to end it here. “The police are on their way.”

  “And what do you think they’re going to find?” she purred and licked the rim of her glass. “You don’t have to answer. Allow me to explain.” She inched closer, her hips swaying back and forth. “You can leave us alone. I have no problem being alone with my lover.”

  Cutter knew exactly where she kept the gun and that she had every intention of using it. He jerked away as the soldiers dropped his arms, backing out of the room. They knew when to obey. “You won’t get away with this.”

  “On the contrary. I have enough evidence to make certain you’re exposed.”

  “What evidence? I gave you nothing.”

  She smiled as she sauntered closer, her eyes flashing. “Poor baby.” As she touched his face, raking her nails down his cheek, she leaned in. “You truly have no idea who you fucked with.”

  When she started to laugh, he did the only thing that he could do, the right decision for his country.

  Pop! Pop!

  Cutter had fed her enough lies to keep her interested, to keep her unsuspecting as to his real intent. The rest would continue to haunt him. Look beyond the obvious to the point of origin. Too bad the words and the thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. He sighed and opened the door. “Jeff. Good to see you, buddy. Come on in.”

  “You scared me half to death.”

  “Yeah? Me too.”

  “Where’s Jasmine?” Jeff smiled, his face full of tension. “Damn, I’m glad you’re all right.”

  “I’m fine and she’s safe. As you can imagine, I wasn’t going to bring her here. But I have her in a secure location. Come on. I think we both need a drink. Let’s go to my office.” Cutter didn’t wait for his answer. Holding out his arm, he followed behind his friend. “Whiskey? Cognac?”

  “Whiskey is fine.” Jeff remained standing after walking into the room. “You’re going to need to tell me where she is. With the security breach, it’s time we made other decisions.”

  “I will. I have the address. I thought we could talk through the rest of the operation first.” Cutter threw a look before plopping ice into two glasses, adding whiskey. The folder had been strategically placed on his desk, a single paper left halfway out.

  Jeff leaned over, giving a darted look. “You need to tell me exactly what happened.”

  “Yes, I do.” He moved back to his desk, handing Jeff a glass. “I do have a couple of questions.”

  “I’m sure you do. I’ve done everything I could to keep your name out of the FBI’s investigation, but they are aware of your past.”

  “Hmm… I understand you did everything you could, and I appreciate your efforts.” Cutter studied Jeff before taking a sip.

  Jeff did as well, his hand shaking. “What I found out about Senator Rush will likely damage his career, certainly his run for President.”

  “I can imagine. That is exactly what you are going for, isn’t it Jeff?”

  “What?” he managed after a pause.

  Cutter smiled and yanked the same piece of paper he’d allowed Jasmine to see into his hands. “I think this pretty much sums up everything; however, I couldn’t quite understand why you would risk everything including your career and your freedom to manipulate, even create a threat to a young woman who means nothing. I mean other than her stepfather is fairly famous.”

  “I don’t understand. What are you… What are you insinuating, Cutter?”

  “I’m not insinuating, Jeff. I’m asking. Or would you like for me to fill in the details?” Cutter swirled the liquid in his glass, waiting to see what Jeff’s reaction would be. Tears he hadn’t anticipated.

  “You don’t understand,” Jeff managed.

  “I think I actually do. I remember a story you told me a few years ago, not long after I’d be
en released from a prison cell. You were telling me about your life, a woman you’d fallen desperately in love with and one you recently lost. Do you remember that?”

  He shook his head several times.

  “I’m certain you do. You never told me her name, but you did say she was lost to cancer. You also mentioned that you had a daughter. I never asked you any questions because I didn’t want to pry into your life. Your daughter is Jasmine Rush. Isn’t she?” Cutter heard the anger creeping into his voice.

  Jeff swallowed and eased the paper down onto Cutter’s desk. “I never meant for anything to happen to Jasmine. I just wanted to get back at Winston. He threatened me. He fucking threatened me that if I ever told Jasmine the truth he’d crush me. Me! Her father!”

  “So, you created a threat in order to get closer to Winston. You knew he’d reach out to you because you’d do everything in your power to protect her, including hiring your best bodyguard. Isn’t that correct?”

  “I wanted to ruin the man. He doesn’t deserve anything the way he treated Madelaine. She was so innocent, so beautiful. Can’t you understand?” Jeff implored, reaching out as if to beg for forgiveness.

  “What I know is that you placed your daughter at risk, even hiring a gunman to do what? Kill me?” Cutter snorted and waited for an answer.

  There was none.

  “That’s exactly what you intended. You knew I’d try and determine what the hell was going on. You figured that out by my first call. Is that when you decided to have me killed? Hell, you were there, Jeff. You accompanied the hit man you hired to the cabin. Pretty damn brazen if you ask me.”

  Jeff leaned over the desk, his body shaking. “I wasn’t going to have him kill you. I swear to God!”

  “Right. I don’t believe you. Sins and lies, brother. Sins and lies.” Yes, he could see that Jeff was a broken man.

  His body heaving, the glass slipped out of his hand.

  Crash!

  Cutter reached for his gun and heard the slide racking on another gun, loading it to fire. Jeff’s gun. He took a step back, eyeing the pistol pointed at his face. “You don’t really want to kill me, Jeff. You merely want revenge on a man you believed stole a part of your life.”

  “Where is she? Where’s my daughter?”

  “She’s not your daughter, Jeff. You gave up parental rights before she was born, and you were paid very well.” Cutter took another step back.

  “Fuck you! You have no idea what’s it’s been like living without her, knowing you have a daughter who’s been treated like property. The monster deserves what he gets!” Jeff’s hand continued to shake as he took a step around the desk.

  “I don’t think this is how you want the situation to end. Think about Jasmine.” He was going to have one chance of disarming his friend. One.

  “You don’t know. You never understood. I gave you everything. A chance at life when no one else was going to.”

  “I know, Jeff. Give me the gun. Come on. We can work this out.” As he allowed one arm to drop, sliding behind his back, he held out the other, the move meant to distract. The last thing he wanted to do was kill his friend. But he would if necessary.

  “No. No! I’m sorry, Cutter. I’m sorry but I can’t allow you to destroy my life with Jasmine.” Jeff exhaled and placed his other hand on the gun. “I’m so sorry.”

  Cutter managed to grab his gun as a flash appeared out of the corner of his eye.

  Jasmine.

  “No!” she screamed, lifting her arm behind her head.

  And Cutter watched as if in slow motion, a knife pitched through the air.

  Jeff twisted his head then pulled the trigger.

  Bam!

  Chapter 12

  “Come in.” Jasmine glared at her reflection and sighed. Was she really ready for this?

  The door opened, a bright-eyed girl peeking her head inside. “You have a delivery.”

  “Mary, I…” Seeing the bouquet of purple roses, she froze, her heart skipping. This couldn’t be happening again. “Um, set them right there.” She looked down at her phone, her help line and resisted calling the cavalry.

  “Aren’t they gorgeous? You have a fan!”

  “Just beautiful,” she said with disdain. “Who sent them?” Of course, they were from Mr. Anonymous.

  Just like before.

  Just like when the nightmare had begun.

  “I didn’t peek. There’s a card. By the way, I’m so glad you’re back. Not the same without you. I have it on good authority that the guys were missing you too. Five minutes until show time.” Mary set the flowers on the dressing table and walked out, closing the door with a soft click.

  Yet Jasmine jumped, her heart racing, thudding against her chest. She rubbed her fingers across her lips before eyeing the roses. There was a card. Damn. She hesitated for a few seconds before finding the courage to reach for the small envelope. The saying would be the same. She knew it. Die. Die. Die! Would the nightmare ever go away?

  She held her breath as she eased the note from the small envelope, blinking several times before reading.

  To my lovely daughter

  I know things aren’t what they should be, but I hope to gain back your love

  I remembered these were your favorite. This time, I thought I’d let you know how important you are to me.

  Dad

  Daughter. Tears rushed to her eyes. Her father? He’d sent them to her? As she thought about the roses from weeks before, she realized the only man she’d ever known as her dad did care, in his own way. He had been paying attention to her career.

  She rubbed her fingers across the velvety petals, thankful to be alive. Her thoughts drifted to her biological father, a man she might not have a chance of knowing. But at least her feeble attempt at throwing the knife hadn’t ended in tragedy, although she was told her actions likely saved Cutter’s life. The entire experience had left her unsettled.

  Wasn’t that an understatement? Jeff Gammon was behind bars, requesting to see her. Maybe. Her father had given her letters left by her mother, explaining the situation. At this point, she hadn’t been able to digest them well enough to make any decisions. She powdered her nose and applied the perfect shade of lipstick. As she stood back, fluffing her hair, she was amazed to be standing here. Cutter’s reminders that everyone had a secret was certainly true enough. Blowing her reflection a kiss, she was as ready as she was going to be.

  The moment she walked out of the dressing room, she was flanked by two men in dark suits. She resisted laughing as she thought about various bodyguard movies. Maybe this meant she’d reached superstardom.

  She knew better.

  “You’re looking perfect,” Tyler exclaimed as he pointed his finger toward a stage hand. “Double check the sound. Everything needs to be perfect tonight.”

  “Large crowd?” she managed and scanned the various crewmembers, looking for one man in particular.

  “Honey, sold out as usual. By the way, we have a meeting with the record company tomorrow. Ten sharp. And good news. They’re prepared to offer a three CD deal.”

  “Great.” She would allow some level of excitement after the concert. She moved to the area just behind the stage, able to hear the jazzed crowd from where she was standing.

  Tyler rolled his eyes after flanking her side. “Don’t sound so damn excited. Your popularity is kick ass since the recent extortion attempt. You’re big news. Might as well capitalize on everything.”

  You mean like almost losing my life? Or do you mean almost losing the man I care about? She wanted nothing more than to spout off the vehement words, but she restrained. Tyler didn’t deserve her admonishment. Thank God, being chased by the press had eased down to a smattering. She bit back a grin. Cutter had a way with the various reporters, many calling him an asshole. “I’m happy. Stop worrying. I’ll be there tomorrow with bells on.”

  “How about just a smile?” Tyler winked and squeezed her arm. “Knock ‘em dead, sunshine.”

  “
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the stage, Danger!”

  The crowd roared, stomping their feet and clapping. Jasmine stood in the wings, her nerves on edge. She hadn’t been on stage in almost five weeks and it felt damn good to be back. Darting a glance into the audience, she was unable to focus on any of the faces, but she could swear she noticed his eyes, the man hired to perform an act. Still, the looming darkness was right there, smacking her in the face. You can do this. You can. No one is going to hurt you.

  A hand was placed on her shoulder, the grip warm and comforting. “You’re going to be just fine. I’ll be right here. Nothing is going to happen.”

  She tipped her head back, leaning against his broad chest and rubbing her fingers across his knuckles. “You always calm me down. I don’t know how.”

  Cutter lowered his head, the whisper dark, sensual. “Just imagine what I’m going to do later. I think a hard spanking is in order.”

  A chill swept down her spine, her pussy clenching. His firm hand, his control over her had increased, creating a dark and sinful romance. They were perfect together. “Promise?”

  “Only if you’re a good girl.”

  “I’m very good.” Purring, she smoothed down her dress and took a step toward the band. When she tipped her head, allowing her to drink in the man of her dreams, she winked. Dear God, could he look any sexier? Standing in tight black jeans, a white shirt and leather jacket, at her insistence, she wanted nothing more than to be whisked away for his usual brand of adventure. “Sir.”

  “Better.” After giving her a lust filled look, he moved into bodyguard mode, talking into his microphone and following just behind her until she stepped onto the stage.

  Jasmine glanced at the other members of the band, thankful things were getting back to normal.

  “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get going,” Johnny said then grinned.

  “Yeah. Yeah. Keep your pants on.” Even their rather adult conversation had ended in agreeing to work together. Pleasantly. Plastering on a smile, she jogged out to the center of the stage.