His to Protect: A Second Chance Billionaire & Virgin Romance

by Vivien Vale

  He nods and gets his own gear into a bag.

  Suddenly, he stops, and I sense him behind me. He’s so close I can feel his warm breath on my cheek.

  “I don’t want to fight,” he murmurs into my ear.

  I give an involuntary shudder.

  “I don’t either,” I mumble and turn to face him.

  “Good,” he’s grinning now. “Then let’s not.”

  I nod.

  Before I can stop him his mouth is on mine. This time it’s a light, quick peck.

  “Have you radioed the pilot?”

  I shake my head.

  “I’ll do it while you finish packing.”

  Gone is the Ford who barks orders and fears an attack behind every corner and under every rock. But he’s probably wanting to radio the pilot for security measures, and I sigh at the thought.

  If I leave him to it, he’ll feel like he’s doing his job.

  What’s the harm in that?

  None.

  Before I find Ford, I went to my nurse and leave her instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. Fingers crossed, everyone will get along just fine for a few days without their daktari.

  I smile at myself.

  I’ve been here too long already that I’m starting to think of myself as a local.

  As I stride through the village looking for Ford, I acknowledge my feelings. I like it here. I may not want to leave.

  What about Ford?

  He hasn’t said anything about long term. It’s probably too early. But if we were to stay together, would he stay here?

  Would this be too boring for a man like Ford after a few weeks?

  So many questions and so few answers.

  Ford waits for me by the pick up truck.

  “Perimeter checked and secured?” I joke and ignore the look he gives me.

  “Off to the airport,” he says and climbs aboard.

  It’s not a long drive, but a hard one.

  The truck seems to have almost no suspension and the road about a billion bumps. Thankfully, I had very little for breakfast, otherwise I might be wearing it again.

  “Can’t you drive any gentler?” I ask jokingly at Ford who only grimaces.

  It’s quite noisy inside the cabin. I make a mental note to check out the cost of a new pick up truck. Surely, we must be able to rustle up some money to replace this old rust bucket.

  Ford parks it at the airport and helps me out. He smiles at me, and I’m please he’s coming along this trip.

  It wouldn’t feel right to do it on my own.

  Funny how quickly I’ve got used to him.

  The pilot is waiting by the plane. Involuntarily, I shiver at the sight of the size of the aircraft.

  Had it always been this small? Was that rust on the right wing?

  “Hey, my man,” Ford greets the pilot and hands him our bags.

  It doesn’t escape me that the pilot is eyeing Ford off. When he returns to get us on board, he turns to Ford.

  “No stunt getting into Nairobi,” he mutters. “You not jump out of plane or you arrested.”

  I look at Ford who only shrugs.

  Obviously, there’s a story behind the comments of the pilot, but I don’t pursue it. If Ford doesn’t want to enlighten me, so be it.

  As soon as we both have our seat belt fastened, the plane gets ready for take off.

  I kept my eyes glued to the window as the dry countryside zooms by faster and faster. In the distance, I see elephants, giraffe, and a group of lionesses lying under the shade of a tree.

  I swallow the lump that always forms in the pit of my stomach as the plane lifts off the ground. Suddenly, I feel Ford’s hand on my thigh.

  “Look,” he whispers into my ear and points out the small window.

  I strain to see what he’s pointing at.

  “What?” I finally ask since I’m not sure what I’m meant to be looking at.

  “Look at how amazing this country this.”

  My eyes find his.

  He’s grinning from ear to ear. I don’t think I’ve eve seen him so relaxed.

  “I mean I know it’s dry and has its problems. But at the same time, it’s fucking beautiful, don’t you agree?”

  I chuckle.

  His trick is working, and I already feel better.

  The plane levels off, and I take a deep breath. This trip is going to be a lot better with Ford coming with me. I could get used to him by my side.

  The question is, could Ford get used to being by my side, or will he tire of me and my lifestyle?

  We haven’t had the conversation about our future. We haven’t talked about anything involving us.

  I sigh.

  Why dwell on something that may or may not be a problem?

  It’s time to just enjoy the moment. There’s plenty of opportunity to think about possible problems and how to solve them another day.

  26

  Adelaide

  I close my eyes and brace for the impact.

  As soon as the two wheels hit the ground, the aircraft lurches from side to side before the pilot regains control and we start to slow down considerably.

  We’ve gone from a few hundred miles to just a few miles.

  I glance at Ford. His calmness personified. From what I know, nothing upsets him.

  When he catches me looking, he takes my hand and gives it a little squeeze.

  “Made it,” he says and leans forward to kiss me.

  Being the only two passengers in a small plane, it takes little time to disembark. After the pilot hands us our bags, we’re on our way. I pay for a taxi to take us to our hotel.

  The expense is worth it because I reach my destination quickly. I’m no good to anyone if I fall in a heap.

  What’s the point of walking to our hotel and collapse with sheer exhaustion?

  When the taxi stops outside the Sangkara Nairobi, I quash any doubt in my mind.

  So it’s a five star hotel. Sure, it’s expensive. But heck, I’m worth it.

  It’s not as if I waste money on anything extravagant any time of the year.

  I’m not using funds provided by Doctors Without Borders. I’m using my own money for the little luxury of a good hotel. Since I don’t come to town often, and I’ve worked hard over the last few months, I think I deserve the treat.

  Unlike my peers, I haven’t bought a new dress in forever; neither have I been shoe shopping or putting any money through the pokies.

  “You coming or you’ve grown roots in there?”

  Ford’s voice rouses me from my navel gazing.

  I’m not sure whom I’m trying to convince by justifying my actions, myself or someone else?

  “Coming.”

  When I go to the cab’s trunk to pick up my bag, I see Ford’s already got it.

  We enter the grand entrance side by side and walk toward reception.

  Large wall-to-ceiling glass front doors in gold and brass fittings gives guests the feeling that the hotel’s different.

  In today’s market you have to stand out—be different.

  “We’ve booked a room,” I say to the young woman behind the marble counter looking very efficient.

  “Ford and Adelaide—”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong. I’ve got you in one of our deluxe suits.”

  At the mention of Mr. and Mrs., my cheeks flush. Wow.

  Did we look like a couple already? And not just a couple but a married couple?

  “Ehm sorry to interrupt,” Ford says, and I look at him. “But it’s not Mr. and Mrs. It’s Mr. Armstrong and Ms. Johansen.”

  “Sorry, Sir,” the girl mumbles and keeps her eye on the computer screen in front of her.

  His words are like a slap in the face.

  Why did he go to the trouble of correcting the girl? Did it really matter how we checked into the hotel? Was it a security measure?

  I decide it’s not worth my time to dwell on such a menial thing. If it’s important to him we’re not seen as married, so b
e it. His loss, not mine.

  I thought it had been a nice touch to be called Mrs. Armstrong.

  Of course, we never actually talked about our future.

  Come to think of it, we talked of no future at all. Ford never wanted to talk about us, or where we’d be in say six months time. All he ever wants to talk about is security measures; perimeter checks and ways to keep me safe.

  Was the reason he didn’t want to talk about us simply because he didn’t think there was an us?

  All the thinking makes my head hurt.

  With a sigh, I take the room key and let Ford lead the way.

  The fairy tale seems to be drawing to a close already. It certainly didn’t last very long. And I wish he’d stop with the scanning and the looking on his waistband. He’s attracting more attention this way than pretending to be my partner.

  “You shouldn’t have paid with your credit card,” he hisses in my ear as we leave the reception area.

  It takes me seconds to realize what he just said.

  “Why?” the doors of the elevator close, and I face him.

  “Because it’s got your name on it.”

  He sounds as if he’s talking to a three-year-old child.

  His manner since arriving here is getting on my nerves. I regret the decision to let him come. Okay, he still would have come no matter what I would have said, but that doesn’t mean I don’t regret it.

  “Dah,” I groan, and I’m pleased the door is open for us.

  Once inside the room, I do my best to ignore him. That wouldn’t be difficult, with the huge ever so inviting, king sized bed. Not to mention the white leather lounge in the living room area.

  But I go over the white bench top first, picking up the folder with the necessary hotel information. I flick through it, and I know what I’m going to do then.

  “We can’t get the supplies till the morning,” I half turn to Ford as I’m speaking. “So I think I’ll go and treat myself to a spa.”

  I shut the folder with a soft thud and walk toward the door.

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Ford is suddenly by my side.

  I’m not quite sure how he does this—materializing next to me, seemingly without moving from one spot to the other. It freaks me out.

  I can’t help but think, if he has these skills, surely any potential kidnappers or con artists will know the same tricks. And then, what?

  “No.”

  I put as much emphasis into the word as I can.

  He rolls his eyes. He’s about to start with the lengthy explanation, but I hold up my hand to stop him.

  “There’s a spa right here in the hotel. I’ll be fine. I promise I won’t go with anyone else to look at their pet poodle or monkey.”

  Ford didn’t laugh.

  I leave the room without another word. The massive space suddenly seems small and less attractive than when I first entered it.

  I definitely like the Ford I’ve got to know in our village better than the one I’m seeing in Nairobi, I thought.

  As I take the lift, I wonder why Ford is the way he is.

  Sure, he takes his job seriously. But there must be more to it. I take my job seriously too, but I don’t go overboard the way he does.

  He seems to sense danger everywhere we go.

  Even in our little village, he saw shadows where no one else did.

  Okay, so no one was actually looking for any danger.

  Was that the main difference? We didn’t go looking for danger so it won’t find us?

  But why does Ford believe I’m at such a risk?

  I shake my head. None of this makes any sense to me.

  The nice young woman at the spa directs me to a changing room.

  “Nice robe in there for you,” she says with a big smile.

  I thank and follow her direction.

  In the small cubicle, I get undressed. Once I’m in the thick, soft robe, I exit.

  Another young woman greets me.

  How many people did this place employ?

  She leads me through a long corridor into a room. I notice my step slows as I watch her disappear. My body feels tense, only easing up after I tell myself I’m being silly.

  There’s no danger here. I mean, no one knows who I am or that I’m here.

  Ford’s anxiety has rubbed off on me.

  That’s not a good thing.

  As I lower myself into the black leather chair to have my nails done, a facial applied and my feet rubbed, I vow to enjoy my stay here in Nairobi without believing the worst is going to happen.

  And then it hits me. Maybe danger follows Ford because he envisages it.

  Didn’t I read somewhere about the power of the mind—If you imagine something it’s likely to happen?

  As soon as I return to my room, our room, I’m going to share this tidbit of information with Ford and see what he’s got to say.

  27

  Ford

  The hot water massages the tense muscles of my neck and shoulders before slipping down my spine like a rushing river.

  As soothing as it is against my body, it does nothing to relax my fucking mind. My thoughts race just as swiftly as the water from the showerhead—and it’s all in regard to Adelaide.

  Having her back in my life—and the nights we’ve been sharing—is tossing me about like a ship in rough tides.

  It’s a ride I’m more than willing to weather, but I’m not sure if it’s one I deserve to.

  My fingers slide along the wall as they curl into a fist. I lean forward enough to lean my forehead against the cool tile.

  I’m so focused on thinking about Adelaide that I don’t hear the slide of the glass.

  Her hands slide up along my back, and my body clenches at her gentle touch. Slowly, they move under my arms and over my chest as she presses her bare tits against me.

  “You looked lonely, so I figured I’d join you,” she says playfully.

  The sound of her voice. The feeling of her body. It’s more than I deserve.

  I stand and turn to face her.

  The smile she wears quickly fades. In its place is a look of concern.

  Adelaide’s hands move up through the hairs of my bushy beard and rest against my cheeks.

  “Ford, what is it?” she pleads.

  Her thumbs gently caress my skin with tender affection.

  “It’s nothing, really,” I lie.

  “Don’t do this, Ford. Don’t shut me out.”

  My hands reach up and take hers in them. I bring them to my lips and kiss them.

  Her smile slowly creeps back to her lips, but she still looks at me with that same overwhelming concern.

  “I don’t mean to shut you out, Addie. I just have things I need to sort before I share them.”

  She nods, understanding my request, and leans up to kiss me.

  At first, it’s as tender as the moment we’re having.

  It’s sweet.

  But the fire inside takes over, and the kiss deepens.

  Our lips part enough for our tongues to reach out and meet.

  I feel her hands slip from my grasp and slide down the ridges of my abs until they wrap around the base of my cock. Her touch has me throbbing in her hand—it makes her smile into our kiss.

  Adelaide strokes along the length of my cock and pulls a hungry growl from my lips.

  We turn, and I push her up against the side wall of the bath. With one hand, I pull and rub her hard nipples. The other slides down in between her supple thighs.

  She’s dripping wet—and it’s not from the shower.

  My fingers effortlessly slide in between her wet pussy lips and up to her swollen clit. A flick against it entices a sharp gasp of pleasure from her. I slip her clit between my two fingers and massage it against the length of them.

  Adelaide moans just as I hoped.

  She strokes my cock faster and grips it tighter.

  My fingers slide down from her clit and delve inside her.

  Our lips part s
uddenly as her breath catches in her throat.

  Her azure eyes meet my own.

  The intense desire I see, which mirrors my own, is palpable.

  I feel a fresh surge of warmth and wetness around my fingers. It arouses a new hunger within me.

  I drop to my knees before her and look up. She nods in approval.

  I lift her leg up over my shoulder, and I’m rewarded with the view of her wet pussy spreading for me.

  I growl with a hunger that comes from deep within without meaning to.

  Adelaide’s fingers move through my wet locks, and she guides my swollen lips to her waiting pussy.

  My hot tongue reaches out for her clit. The tip slides just under the base of it before swirling around it.

  She pulls against my hair with a firm tug. My lips wrap around her clit at her behest, and I suck on it vivaciously.

  Again, my fingers find themselves sliding in between the folds of her wet pussy and thrusting deep into her. With every thrust, her hips move to meet them.

  Her moans become louder. She calls out my name in throaty whispers.

  Against my shoulder, I feel the muscles in her thigh trembling.

  My rough hand slides along her toned stomach, and I can feel her breathing hitch as her stomach clenches.

  She moves closer and closer to the precipice of release.

  Then, suddenly, she explodes in a shaking climax all over my lips and tongue. I feel her wet juices slip past my lips and weave itself into the strands of my beard.

  Had it not been for her death grip on my scalp—or her leg over my shoulder—I’ve no doubt she’d fall over from weakened knees.

  I kiss the inside of her thighs—letting her come down from her high—and feel a tug of her fingers.

  I stand, and she grabs me by the face and pulls me into a demanding kiss.

  “I need to feel you,” she says frantically. “I need to feel you inside me. Now.”

  Swallowing hard, I give her a nod.

  I don’t have the ability to articulate my mutual need into anything that would make sense. And words would feel inadequate regardless.

  My rough hands lift Adelaide off the bath, and her soft legs wrap around my waist.

  I pin her firmly against my body and the tile wall behind her. With a move of my hips, my cock effortlessly finds its way inside her.