"That's because this mare is well-trained. If I were riding any other mount, we would have a problem."
"I'll remember that."
Yes, but how long would he remember? All the way until he left? The thought saddened her. "So… While we're in town, I thought I'd pay a few visits, if you don't mind."
He shrugged when she looked over. "That's fine with me. I'm going wherever you are."
"So, you don't want to know, or talk about it?"
"I didn't say that. I just mean, whatever you want to do is fine. My job is to follow you. It doesn't matter where you'd like to go."
She yanked on the reins as her shoulders tensed, but automatically corrected herself and relaxed. "Look, I think we should talk about what happened."
"Besides the kiss, nothing happened. And we shouldn't have even done that. Look, it's better if we don't talk about it. Let's just pretend it didn't happen. As we already said, we can't get distracted, and the closer we get, the harder it will be."
Juliette couldn't argue with him. He was right. The closer they got to each other, the harder it would be when he left. She was already so attached, it would be difficult to see him leave, and if she fell in love—impossible.
She smoothed out her features, hoping Devon couldn't tell how she really felt. She swallowed hard. "I understand. We'll just pretend like it didn't happen."
She urged her horse forward, hoping to get away in case tears filled her eyes, but her mount just shimmied under her. She flicked the reins again, but her horse merely whinnied and stamped nervously. "Come on, girl."
"Juliette!" Devon lunged forward, reaching for her reins, but before he grasped them, her mount reared.
Juliette screamed and leaned forward, barely holding onto the saddle as her horse touched down and shot off like a bullet. She heard Devon yell, but couldn't see him. She couldn't even see where she was headed. Instead, she clung low to her horse, praying however this uncontrolled steeplechase ended, she wouldn't be on the ground with a broken neck.
Branches scratched at her face and pulled at her clothes. Her lungs heaved, unable to get enough air. All she could hear was the thundering of hooves and the echoing thunder of her racing heart. "Stop! Stop, Betsy, stop!" she cried.
Betsy jumped over a rock, nearly unseating her, but only with sheer determination was she able to cling to the animal.
Her eyes squeezed tight. She prayed, her panic making even that nearly impossible.
She heard another set of hooves before Devon yelled, "Whoa!"
She opened her eyes as Devon reached for her reins. He took hold of them and efficiently stopped the horse. "Are you all right?" He dismounted, with the reins still in his hand, and reached up to her, pulling her down from the saddle and into his arms.
Her legs gave way beneath her, and he picked her up, carrying her several feet away until he slid to the ground with her in his arms, cradling her in his lap like a child.
She shook violently. "I could have—I almost—if you hadn't—" she continued to babble, unable to form complete thoughts. She didn't even know what she was trying to say.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. "Shh. Shh. You're all right. You're safe. I've got you."
Her heart raced, and she knew she was panicking, but she couldn't bring herself to stop, to slow down, to take deep, even breaths. Concentrating, she finally managed to suck in one large lungful of air.
"That's it. Just like that, nice and easy. In and out."
She followed his commands, sucking in air, and forcefully expelling it, until her heart rate slowed, and her body ceased shaking.
"Good. That's good." He stroked her back, allowing her the time she needed to calm down. "Are you all right?" He finally asked again.
She shuddered one last time, but nodded her head, her right ear rubbing against his chest as she curled into him.
"Are you injured?" As if he couldn't wait for her answer, he moved his hand from her back to her shoulder, feeling his way down her arm and back up slowly, testing for injuries.
She closed her eyes, his touch sending a new type of thrill through her. His caress made her feel exhilarated, like she was out of control, flying, the same as she'd felt on the horse. She forced herself to answer his question. "I'm not hurt."
He gave her a small squeeze. "Thank heaven."
"I don't understand what happened." Her mind was still jittery, but she thought over the last few minutes, replaying the situation in her mind, and still couldn't understand. Her horse hadn't wanted to move.
"There was a snake."
Her back jerked straight. "There was? I didn't see it."
"It hid under a bush, but it was there. I saw it when your horse took off."
She frowned. "That makes sense." She paused before admitting, "I didn't know if I was going to make it," she said, softly.
"I don't know how you held on as long as you did. Especially since you said you didn't have much experience."
She didn't know how she'd managed to do that, either. The more she thought about it, the more she realized how lucky she was. She could've broken a bone, her neck, lost her life. She looked up and met his eyes, not shying away even though their faces were only inches from each other. "Thank you for coming after me. I'm not sure how much longer I would've lasted."
"I'll always come after you."
And just like that, with a few words, the sadness and fear she felt earlier rushed back. He'd come after her, because it was his job. She looked away, but his fingers went to her chin, gently urging her face back toward his. "I mean that. I'll always come for you. I'll always protect you."
It still didn't make her feel better, but instead of arguing, she tried a small smile. "Thank you. I appreciate that. It's nice to have someone here, looking out for me. At least, for the next little while," she added.
His eyes bored into hers, and he seemed to be thinking something over. "What if it wasn't just for a little while?"
Her breath clogged in her lungs. "What do you mean?" Her voice sounded small.
"I mean—" he wrapped his arms around her again "—what if I stayed after all this was done to see what's between us?"
Juliette froze. Was he really saying what she thought he was? Part of her wanted to shy away from the question, shy away from being hurt by another man who was important in her life, but she knew if she wasn't honest now, she might not ever have this chance again.
She turned more toward him, and slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. He stilled under her touch, as if he was feeling the same thing she had when he stroked her arms. She tilted her head toward him a fraction, and his eyes tracked to her lips. "I think if you stay, there's something you should know…"
"What?"
"I think I'm becoming addicted to you."
His eyes heated. "Is that so?"
She bit her lip and nodded. "I'm afraid so. Devon, I want to see where this goes." She'd never been one to hold back her feelings. If she saw something she wanted, she went after it, and right now, she wanted Devon.
She leaned toward him, but before their lips connected, he reached up to her shoulders and stilled her progress.
"What's wrong?"
His gaze shifted away, refusing to meet hers. "There's stuff you don't know about me. Stuff you wouldn't like. I shouldn't be doing this."
She placed her hand on his cheek, forcing his eyes to hers. "We all have a past. Mine isn't spotless, either."
"Yours is spotless. You were found innocent."
His admission gave her the jitters, but she pushed them aside. "No one is perfect, Devon. I don't expect you to be, either."
"You deserve someone good."
She gave him a small smile. "You are good." He shook his head, and she continued. "You are. You can't tell me anything different. I've gotten to know you since you've been here, and all you've done is help me, protect me, and keep me safe. Sure, we're paying you, but I know it's more than that. I know you care." Her eyes dared him to deny it.
>
He tucked hair behind her ear, and cupped the back of her head. "I do. More than I should. I don't deserve you."
"It's not for you to decide what or who I deserve. That's my choice." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I choose you."
As if her words were his undoing, he groaned, and pulled her forward, his lips fastening to hers. His actions told her more than words ever could. He wanted her, needed her, desired her, and he couldn't fight it anymore.
And neither could she. She opened herself fully, holding him, caressing him, kissing him with every ounce she felt inside.
Their first kiss had scorched her, had filled her with heat, but there was something more here, something more intense. Her heart trembled, and she opened it, letting him in, trusting him fully. She loved this man. There was no sense in denying it, no sense in pushing it away. She didn't believe in lying to herself, and she wouldn't start now.
As if sensing the change in her, he kissed her, softer, deeper, even more tender.
Tears welled beneath her closed eyelids as a tidal wave of emotions overwhelmed her. Never had she felt more loved. Never had she felt more wanted. It was like her soul was wide open, and he lovingly caressing every inch of it.
He placed one last kiss on her lips, before kissing her jaw, and down her throat to where her neck met her shoulder. He gently nipped, caressing her skin with his tongue, as she shivered.
She moaned when he lifted his head. "How are we to remained detached until this is over?"
He shook his head. "I don't think that's going to be possible."
"But what about the risks? We need to keep our heads clear."
"I don't think that's possible anymore either, do you? Even if we're not touching each other, we'll be distracted. We'll need to make other arrangements."
She shook her head strongly. "I don't want another guard."
He chuckled roughly and smoothed her hair. "Sweetheart, no one else is coming near you."
Her heart fluttered at the endearment. "Then what do you suggest?"
He sighed. "I'll set traps around the house, and let everyone know in case they come to visit. That should give us fair warning, if anyone comes near again. Also, we'll have to be more careful."
Juliette wasn't sure how they could be any more careful, but she nodded, trusting him. "We'll do whatever you think is necessary."
"Don't worry." He gave her another soft kiss. "We'll keep you safe."
She had no doubts about that.
Chapter 10
As the days ticked by, Devon became more restless. He'd set his traps around the property, notifying Sawyer, Ronan, and the rest of the owners about them, but other than that, it'd been quiet. The waiting frustrated him, but his time with Juliette was amazing.
They practiced her self-defense skills during the day, and laughed and read together after dinner, until finally holding each other by the fire in the evening.
She was doing something to him, opening places inside of him he thought no longer existed. His life has been hard. He'd never known his father, and his mother had abandoned him at a young age. He'd been forced to turn to a life of crime. It started out by simply stealing food to stay alive, but as he'd gotten older, stronger, he'd done even more.
That was how he'd met Juliette's brother, Sam. Devon knew him before he'd turned to robbing banks, when he was still doing smaller jobs. They'd worked together a time or two, hustling people to get their cash. Devon had been satisfied with that, stealing just enough to get by. But for Sam, it hadn't been enough. After that, he'd moved on to bigger targets, but by then, he and Devon had parted ways.
In fact, he got caught for his petty crimes soon after Sam robbed his first bank.
He should've gone to prison, but instead, he'd been given the choice to work off his debts, to use his skills to catch criminals. Devon hadn't hesitated.
He might've worked with others in the past, but there was no relationship there, no friendships, no family. They'd been nothing more than associates, and now, they were the people he hunted.
He'd stayed on, continuing to work even after he'd served his time, but soon after, he'd realized it didn't satisfy him. That's when he decided to become a bodyguard. Keeping people safe filled him with a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and that was what he wanted to do. He was able to pick and choose which clients he took on, discarding the ones with shady backgrounds, the ones that didn't deserve protection. People like Juliette, the innocents, they were the ones who gave him purpose.
He didn't like to think of it as redemption, but if he earned a portion of that through his actions, he'd take it. In this case, he wanted the job over with, wanted to be certain Juliette was safe. He'd come to care for her in such a short amount of time that the thought of her being injured, or being taken advantage of, scared him.
The mine needed to be cleared out, already.
His ear cocked at a sound, and he realized there was a horse approaching the house. Juliette's eyes flew to his, and she nodded, before racing up to her room and barring herself there. She knew the drill.
He rose from his chair, unholstering his gun as he approached the door. He opened it, giving himself a clear view of the visitor as he dismounted from his horse. Devon categorized the man in one second. Soft, gentle, and no threat.
But looks could be deceiving, so instead of putting away his weapon, he held it down by his side. "Can I help you?"
The man hadn't seen him before that moment, and jumped at Devon's words. Definitely not a threat.
The clean-cut gentleman pulled down his vest, straightening his appearance. "I'm here to see Juliette."
Devon shoulders hunched. "Who are you?"
"Thaddeus Elkridge. I’m Juliette's suitor. And you are?" He eyed Devon, obviously finding him wanting.
"I'm Juliette's bodyguard."
"Her bodyguard? Why does she need one? And why you?"
Devon could see the man's jealousy, and it irritated him. Who was this man to Juliette? And why did Mr. Elkridge feel as though he had the right to ask for information? What had gone on between him and Juliette?
Questions burned through Devon, but he pushed them away. "I'm not at liberty to say."
The man walked forward. "I want to speak with Juliette," he demanded.
Devon stopped the man with a hand on his chest. "I'm afraid that won't be possible."
The man swatted at Devon's hand, and Devon let it fall to the side. "The devil you say! Where is she?"
Devon's eyes narrowed, and he frowned. "That's none of your concern."
The man's chest puffed up. "Now, see here —"
"Mr. Elkridge?" Juliette tentatively stepped out the front door, but when she saw both of the men, she came out more confidently. "I thought that was you. What are you doing here?"
The man glared at Devon before looking back at her. "I hadn't seen you in a while, so I thought I'd stop by and see how you were."
"Oh. That was thoughtful of you."
"I also wanted to return this." He walked to his saddlebag and pulled out a book, before handing it to her. "Thank you for letting me borrow it."
Juliette reached out and took the book, her fingers brushing against Mr. Elkridge's hand, and Devon wanted to jerk her away from him. However, he knew, no matter their relationship, he never had the right to control her.
"I would like to stay and talk with you, if that's all right." He glared at Devon. "But I'm not sure now is the best time."
Devon pressed his lips closed, refusing to take the bait.
Juliette smiled sweetly. "I appreciate the thought, and your kindness, but you are correct. Now might not be the best time," she agreed.
Devon wanted to smile in triumph, but he buried the impulse. Mr. Elkridge didn't look happy.
"When would be better?"
Juliette fidgeted with her book. "I apologize, but I'm not quite sure. Things are a bit—” she fluttered her hands, as if trying to find the right word "—tricky right now. I'll send you word once e
verything is resolved."
The man ground his teeth together so hard Devon could hear the sound. "Miss Davenport, may I speak with you privately for a moment?"
Juliette looked to Devon uneasily, but then nodded. "Yes." She glanced at Devon again as if wondering if he'd stop her, but he wouldn't do that unless she went out of his eyesight.
Devon watched as Juliette led the man a short distance away, making sure to give Devon a clear view of them. He almost wished she'd gone somewhere more private, so he was forced to follow them and interrupt their conversation. But there was nothing he could do about it now.
He clenched his hands, watching as the two spoke softly to one another. The man even placed his hand on Juliette's arm, fueling a fire of jealousy Devon had never felt before. No man should be touching her, or speaking with her so intimately. Every instinct clawed at him to go to her, to throw her over his shoulder, and take her back into the house, where he could kiss her and show her to whom she belonged.
But that wasn't civilized, and it certainly wasn't what she wanted. No matter what, he had to rein back that beast in himself. If this was the type of man she wanted, a sophisticated, cool, boring and safe person who could give her the same kind of life, she was going to be disappointed in him. Because no matter how hard he tried, he'd never be like that.
Their conversation tapered off quickly, and Mr. Elkridge finally climbed up his horse and rode away.
Juliette slowly made her way back to him and met his eyes. "What just happened with you?" she asked.
"I'm not sure what you mean." But he knew exactly what she'd meant.
"You weren't going to let me see him. Why? You said I could have visitors. I'm not a prisoner, am I?"
He growled. "Of course not. This is your home, not a prison."
She frowned. "Then why not let him see me? Were you worried about my safety?"
He ground his teeth together. He wasn't going to lie to her and say the man was a threat, but he was loath to admit the truth. "No. I knew he wasn't a problem."
"Then why?" She asked, exasperatedly.
His lips firmed, and he looked hotly into her eyes. "Because you're mine.”
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