The Protective Groom: Billionaire Marriage Brokers

by Lucy McConnell

  “How’d the meeting go, Sam?” Harley asked the guy in the navy suit with the fluorescent-green tie. The tie alone was obnoxious, but the guy’s voice was like listening to a Chipmunks’ soundtrack as he droned on about the possibilities of real-estate development in Arizona. The elevator opened on the third floor, and Harley dismissed Sam with an “I look forward to reviewing the numbers.” He got out and the doors shut.

  “What’s your take, Layla?” Harley asked the woman dressed in a sensible blue pantsuit.

  Layla gave her version of the same project Sam had discussed—though she was much more cautious in her estimation of success. She got out on the fifth floor.

  The elevator dinged when it hit the tenth floor, and Harley led the way to her office. “Jay, this is my husband, Noah; Noah, this is my assistant, Jay.”

  Noah offered his hand to Jay, sizing him up in the process. Five-foot-ten. Brown hair. Blue eyes. Ridiculously groomed facial hair. And a sensible tie. Good guy.

  Jay’s handshake was firm, yet not strong enough that Noah felt a challenge in his grip. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Baker.”

  “You too, Jay.”

  There was no explanation given as to why Harley was suddenly married, or why her husband followed her into the office, or why she wasn’t on a honeymoon. Noah shrugged. Don’t ask, don’t tell was a fine policy for him.

  The older woman who had taken Harley’s purse came in holding a tray with three cups and a pitcher of water with lemon slices floating in it, which she set on a side table.

  Harley’s smiled softened. “This is Madeline; she takes care of us all.”

  Noah shook her hand and smiled. Madeline had short blond hair with highlights, grandma arms, and a warmth in her soul that drew Noah right in. He took her hand between both of his. “Hi, Maddie, nice to meet you.”

  Madeline’s wrinkled cheeks turned pink. “No one’s called me Maddie in years.” She giggled.

  Harley’s eyes went wide, and she blinked several times.

  Noah slipped his arm around Maddie’s shoulders. “I’d love to have a tour of the building. Can I borrow Maddie for a while?”

  Harley nodded.

  There was a knock at the open door, and a six-foot-one man with jet-black hair and gray eyes barged in. Everything about this intruder, from the scowl on his face to the forward set of his shoulders, screamed danger. Noah automatically stepped between him and Harley, putting his hands up. His thoughts briefly flashed to the weapon strapped next to his ribs, but that was a last resort.

  “So you’re the bulldog?” the guy said, his eyes slanted with distain.

  “Morning, Jackson,” Harley said with forced enthusiasm.

  “Did you ask Layla to evaluate the Monroe Project?” Jackson fired over Noah’s shoulder. Jackson may have been her half brother, but Noah didn’t feel good about letting him near his bride.

  “I did.”

  Papers shuffled in the strained silence.

  “I told you, the deal is good.” Jackson made to step around Noah, and Noah moved to block him.

  Jackson glowered at Noah as if he had forgotten he was a person and not a couch or chair that simply needed to be sidestepped to reach his goal.

  Harley continued, her voice controlled. “I needed more information on an investment with that high of a risk.”

  “The offer expires at three.” Jackson shoved his hands through his hair.

  Noah rolled his right shoulder. He was more than ready to keep his new half-brother-in-law in check should the need arise.

  “You’ll have my decision by two.”

  “I’d better—”

  Noah stepped into Jackson’s personal space. “Or what?”

  Jackson glared, but didn’t come at Noah. “Or we all lose a lot of money.” He turned and stormed from the office.

  Harley sighed.

  “And if he’s wrong, you’d lose even more money,” said Jay.

  Harley came around the desk and took Jackson’s place in front of Noah. “I appreciate what you were trying to do there, but I can handle Jackson on my own.”

  “I’ve no doubt.” Noah rubbed his chin. Harley wasn’t one to back down. In fact, the only time he’d seen her out of her element was when he’d kissed her. Here she was, perfect in every way, and all he wanted to do was muss her hair and see if he could get a rise out of her.

  Harley poked him in the chest with her rather pointy finger. “I told you yesterday, I don’t need a babysitter. I’m a big girl.”

  Noah flicked his eyes downHarley’s impressive figure and back up before leaning close. “From what I can see, you’re more than a girl.” He winked and dodged back before Harley could smack him again.

  His evasive maneuvers were not necessary, as she rolled her eyes and marched back to her desk. “Get out of my office,” she commanded with a new level of amusement in her voice.

  Noah checked the situation. Jay was staring openmouthed at Harley as if he’d just figured out she was a girl. Madeline gave him the same grandmotherly gander his mom gave Addison, so he knew he was golden with her. “As you wish.” He bowed at the door before exiting. Flirting with Harley was almost as much fun as kissing her—almost.

  The two places the Wilsons felt Harley was safest were in her home and in the office. Or so Noah had been told. After seeing Jackson’s ugly mug come after Harley, he wasn’t so sure. However, he doubted the guy would be back before two, which left him time to meet with the head of security and get his bearings. Cocking his elbow out to the side, Noah said, “Shall we, Maddie?”

  Madeline grinned up at Noah as she took his proffered arm. “We’ll start with the kitchen. You’ll need to tell me what you like so I can make sure we have it on hand. I hope you have an appetite.”

  Noah looked over his shoulder to give Harley a someone-appreciates-me pout, only to see her bending over a schematic of some sort with Jay. His shoulders dropped, and he reminded himself that he wasn’t here to flirt with Harley; he was here to protect her from danger. A very real danger that could have repercussions throughout this bat-crazy family.

  Noah forced himself to stop thinking about Harley and listen to Maddie as she escorted him around the building and told him of her history with the Wilson family. She’d started out as Julia’s secretary. The line between friends and boss and employee blurred over the years as Madeline helped the children with homework or bought supplies for science projects, and Julia paid for Madeline’s boys to attend universities. She’d long since been out of the fast lane and instead settled into a happy role as an at-work grandma. “Of course, now that Harley’s married, maybe I’ll be a grandma again?” She lifted her eyebrows expectantly.

  Noah tugged at his sleeve, wondering if Maddie had read more in his gaze than he’d intended to reveal. “We currently don’t have any plans in that direction.”

  “Of course not. Not with Harley’s safety at risk.”

  Noah pulled Madeline to a stop. “What do you know about that?” The information was supposed to be kept quiet. Noah believed there were only a handful of people aware of the threat against Harley. He surveyed the immediate area. They were in the hallway with a small kitchen off to their right and more offices down the hall. Noah pulled Maddie into the immaculate kitchen.

  “I was the one that opened the first card. It’s part of my job.” Maddie reached for a glass dish on the counter and began arranging and rearranging the sugar packets it held.

  Seeing her nervousness, Noah leaned against the counter. “Can you tell me about it?” he asked in a soft voice.

  Maddie nodded, her hands still sifting sweeteners. “All deliveries, flowers, candies, and the like for this floor come through the kitchen, and then I make sure they get to the right offices. Well, this one didn’t have a name on the envelope, so I opened the card and read it.”

  “What did it say?”

  “It said, ‘Harley Wilson, don’t give up on me—I’m coming for you.’” Maddie shivered and set the sugars aside. “I was standi
ng here, staring at the card, when Mr. Wilson came in. He read the card and told me not to tell anyone about it. I asked him what he wanted me to do with the flowers, and he said I could keep them, but not to give them to Harley.”

  “How long ago was this?”

  “About a month. I couldn’t stand to even smell the flowers knowing they came from someone who may do Harley harm, so I threw them out.” She hesitated, her eyes darted to the doorway. “There were more after that. Mr. Wilson took the cards, and I threw out the flowers or candy, and we hoped it would be the end of it.” Madeline shook her head. “I shouldn’t have said anything, but you seem to really care for Harley—the way you stepped in front of Jackson, no one’s ever done that before. Anyway, I thought you’d want to know.”

  Noah pushed off from the counter. “I am glad you told me. Don’t worry, my first priority is to make sure Harley’s safe.”

  Noah expected that to be the end of their conversation, but Madeline crooked her finger, beckoning him closer. “Jackson ruled the roost here for a long time, and Harley is really good—good enough to knock him off his pedestal. I’m not saying he’s behind the notes or anything, but he shouldn’t be brushed aside because he’s family.”

  The information was like a flash of lightning illuminating the family picture Noah had seen at John’s house. The oldest sister was out of the country; Wyatt wasn’t involved with the family business. But Harley? Harley thrived here. If Jackson felt threatened by Harley, would he have her removed—by threat if possible, and by force if necessary?

  “How’s my girl?” asked Sebastian as he strode into the kitchen with open arms.

  Madeline pulled him in for a big hug. “Wonderful. How’s my boy? Are you staying out of trouble?”

  Sebastian gave her an innocent smile. “For most of every day.”

  “Oh, you!” Madeline gave him a little shove.

  Noah watched the exchange with interest. Sebastian had been confrontational at the wedding, but with Madeline, he was all charm. Perhaps he’d sobered up—literally.

  “Have you met Harley’s husband?” asked Maddie.

  Sebastian held out a hand. “I did. Good to see you again.”

  “Likewise,” Noah said. Sebastian’s grip was like a vice. Not one to back down, Noah applied pressure to a nerve, and Sebastian’s hand dropped quickly. “Do you work here?” Noah asked.

  Sebastian threw his arm around Maddie. “No. I just like to visit Madeline and Harley, of course.”

  “Of course.” Noah gave him a tight-lipped smile.

  “I’m surprised she’s in today. I expected the two of you to be on your honeymoon.”

  Madeline saved Noah from answering. “You know Harley, she can’t keep herself away from the office. She believes this place would fall apart without her.”

  “It probably would,” Sebastian intoned.

  Noah wasn’t sure what to make of his statement. Did Sebastian have something to gain if Harley wasn’t around? Ice climbed up Noah’s spine at the thought of this snake in Harley’s office.

  An old grandfather clock in the hallway chimed the hour. Noah shook off the cold and smiled at Madeline. “I think I’d like to talk with the head of security—can you show me the way.”

  “You bet. I know every inch of this building.” Maddie ushered him toward the elevators.

  “I’ll ride down with you,” said Sebastian.

  “Good. I’d love to see you to the door.” Noah regarded Harley’s open office. This time, he caught her looking and grinned as she ducked her head, obviously embarrassed to be caught staring.

  The elevator opened, and Noah motioned for the others to board first. He had a lot of questions for the security personnel—the first one was how often did Sebastian show up. The guy rubbed Noah the wrong way and had earned the top spot on his list of suspects.

  Chapter 16

  Harley watched Noah stifle a yawn as they rode home in the limo. Her mind replayed last night when he’d fallen asleep and his head rolled to the side. He’d been so relaxed, so at peace, that she’d dared study him. What she found was that she enjoyed the way he kept his hair military short and his firm and sensual lips beckoned to her. She’d slapped him for kissing her when in reality she should have slapped herself.

  Now that they were alone again, she did her best to banish thoughts of Noah’s hand splaying across her lower back, pressing her against his strong body and stealing her breath.

  She’d been watching him like a hawk all the livelong working day. Having a husband was proving to be more of a hindrance in her business than a help.

  “Tired?” she asked as she switched off her phone.

  “Not so much tired as feeling cooped up.”

  Harley tilted her head in question.

  “I’m used to being outside most of the day. What I could really use is a good long evening ride on Rebel Rouser.”

  Of course he’d name his horse Rebel. “You should have brought him. There are stables behind Daddy’s place.”

  His eyes brightened considerably, and Harley shifted her attention to her phone in an effort to mitigate the effect on her already galloping pulse.

  “You have horses?”

  “To be honest, I don’t know what he’s got out there right now. We used to ride a lot when I was younger, but then things kind of took off for Daddy and it phased out.” Harley ran her thumbnail along the stitching in the leather seat, trying to make sense of the loss she suddenly felt. They’d had a lot of fun together as a family before business boomed. Harley had enjoyed the rides.

  They arrived at home, not really finishing the conversation, and were greeted at the front door by Mrs. Hill. She wore her usual navy-blue pencil skirt and matching jacket over a starched white button-up shirt. Her salt-and-pepper hair was cut in an A-line that accented her warm blue eyes. Harley liked her efficiency, competence, and attention to detail.

  “Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Baker.”

  Harley stopped in her tracks, feeling very much like a jackrabbit facing down a shotgun. Noah bumped into her and grabbed her shoulders to steady the two of them. All day long she’d accepted congratulations and general comments wishing her well in her new marriage without it feeling personal. Walking through her front door with her husband in tow and being greeted by a new last name felt extremely personal—as personal as the light squeeze Noah gave her.

  Mrs. Hill continued, “Your wedding dress has been sent to the cleaners and then off to the preservationist. I have the menu for next week’s family dinner here.” She handed Harley a vellum sheet, which Harley skimmed.

  “You’ve done an excellent job. Wyatt loves Mrs. Winn’s orange chicken.” She stopped in the middle of the entryway. Sunday dinners were a Wilson family tradition. They alternated houses, each hosting a different week of the month. Since this was the fifth Sunday of the month, and they’d just had a wedding, they’d opted to skip it. However, Noah would be expected to attend, and Harley hadn’t considered him. That seemed rather heartless on her part, and so she asked, “Do you like orange chicken?”

  “I do.” Noah smiled a real smile—one that was relaxed and comfortable, not cocky and irritating. Harley liked it, and she liked the heat spreading through her chest and down her arms.

  “I like a lot of things,” Noah whispered in her ear before letting her go and sauntering into the entryway.

  “Wonderful,” said Mrs. Hill, who either hadn’t heard Noah or chose to ignore his tenderness towards her employer. “Since we aren’t using the main dining room this evening, I’ve had the gifts arranged in there.”

  Noah spun around, his eyes dancing. “Gifts?”

  “Yes, sir. There were a couple hundred delivered last night and a steady stream of them today.”

  Harley frowned, remembering the last gift she’d received and the way it had made a mess of her life. She hoped the music box had been burned.

  Noah rubbed his hands together. “Let’s get opening.”

  Mrs. Hill gave him an i
ndulgent smile and gestured toward the formal dining room.

  “I thought you were tired or wanted to ride a horse or something.” Harley hurried to keep up with Noah’s eagerness.

  “Maybe someone gave us a horse.” Noah wiggled his eyebrows. His previous air—of a man who’d been on the trail for a month without rest—disappeared and was replaced by the mischievousness that made Harley want to giggle like a schoolgirl. Which she would most definitely not. There will be no giggling!

  “I assure you, there are no animals in the dining room.” Mrs. Hill sniffed as if Noah had insulted her. “Each package has been thoroughly scanned and inspected by security.”

  “I’m sure they loved that job.” Noah picked up a medium-sized box wrapped in gold foil and tied with a silver bow. He shook it, listening as he did so, and then shrugged, handing it to Harley. “You go first.”

  Harley pulled the card out from under the bow. Using the letter opener offered by Mrs. Hill, she carefully slit the envelope and removed the card. “‘Congratulations on your wedding. May you have a life full of happiness together. The Hershels.’” Breaking the tape on the side, Harley removed the entire sheet of crackling foil wrap to reveal a box with a crystal vase. “It’s pretty.” She handed the card and the box to Mrs. Hill, who recorded the gift and the giver’s name into a spreadsheet on her pad.

  “I’ll pen thank-you notes and you two can sign them later on in the week.”

  Noah gaped at them as if they’d lost their senses in a poker game. “No offense, ladies, but you’re doing this all wrong.”

  “Excuse me?” Now Mrs. Hill truly was offended.

  Harley chuckled. Noah did not want to get on the wrong side of the head housekeeper. She’d never do anything unprofessional, but she could be icy.

  “Opening presents should be fun.” He looked back and forth between the women. “Like this.” Without reading the card, Noah tore into a gift with the enthusiasm of a child. Tearing at the long, skinny box inside, he ripped out ... a flat silver paddle with a scalloped end.

  Turning it over, Noah read the engraving, “‘Best wishes on your happy day—the McDonalds.’” He laughed. “What is this?”