Innocent and Sweet

by Megan Slayer

  “I know.” She’d thought of that and hoped somehow her father wouldn’t eviscerate Kam for doing what she needed.

  “You will follow my instructions,” he said. “No arguing.”

  She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She wanted him as her lover and protector. Why couldn’t he be both?

  “I have rules,” Kam said. “First one being panties.”

  Panties? She froze. She’d forgotten about her lack of undergarments.

  “Naughty girls who want to learn about life and kissing need to wear panties in public. When we’re alone, the undies have to go.” He rubbed his nose along hers. “Understood?”

  Her nipples beaded again. He hadn’t touched her mouth, yet he overwhelmed her. She nodded. “Yes.”

  “Second rule. If you want lessons, you have to tell me and be honest. I’ll teach you whatever you want to know, but don’t bullshit me.”

  She shook her head. It sure seemed like her will belonged to him, but she refused to break the spell he had over her. “I’ve always tried to be honest with you.”

  He brushed his lips across hers. “I know, sweetheart.”

  All the times she’d longed for him to use her name… she’d never expected him to have a pet name for her. She liked the nickname. She let go of the strap of her dress and stroked his arm. She felt so small in his grasp. Minutes ago, she’d worried she couldn’t be enough for him. Now she wanted every experience he could provide. If she had some already, she’d know how to behave. Should she push for more? Hold back?

  “This is how you kiss. Tender, but claiming.” He feathered his lips over hers. Within seconds, he nipped her bottom lip.

  The scrape of his teeth on her skin excited her. She opened to him and forgot about her predicament with her dress.

  He swallowed her moan. Kam pushed the kiss farther and sucked on her tongue.

  She struggled with what to do. Other guys kept their kisses platonic. One of her ex-boyfriends didn’t want her to touch him when he kissed her. Did Kam? What did he expect?

  He tucked her to his chest and deepened the kiss. He feasted on her mouth, using every bit of her. She followed his lead. If he nipped, she whimpered and opened more. When he sucked on her tongue again, she gave in and touched his chest. Sparks shot down her spine, and heat centered in her pussy. She couldn’t breathe.

  Kam broke the kiss, then stood her on her feet. “Fuck, that’s hot.” Excitement like she’d never known coursed through her veins. The hotness was her. She’d turned someone on -- better yet, the someone was him.

  “Kiss-swollen lips, flushed cheeks and wide eyes.” He grinned. “That’s the sign a woman’s been properly kissed. Lesson one complete.”

  She reached for him. “I didn’t get a passing grade. I want another try. I know I can bump my grade up to an A.” She wound her arms around his neck. “At least offer me some extra credit.”

  “Get through this event tonight, and we’ll not only go back over lesson one, but we’ll move to lessons two and three,” Kam said. “Once we leave this room, we resume our roles. No question.” He caressed her ribs. “Remember, this is an event for kids.” He let go, then left her in the suite alone.

  Anissa touched her mouth. Her lips tingled. She’d never felt so wanted before. She bit back a whoop and spun on her heel. Hope blossomed in her chest. She’d chosen the right teacher. He’d give her everything she craved.

  Now to find ways to make him crave her, too.

  * * *

  Kameron stood outside her door and measured his breaths. The guys she’d had in the past were fools. They’d passed over a diamond in the rough. A diamond sure to wear him out, but he welcomed the challenge. Nothing good came without a price.

  John, the head of the Dunn security team, strode down the corridor. “Where were you?” he asked. “I summoned you. We could’ve had an incident.”

  “How? I was in there with the package.” He wanted to say “her,” but couldn’t. John would blow a gasket if he thought Kam had gotten especially close to Anissa.

  “In there? You know better.” John glared at him. The man knew security and how to keep someone safe, but little about relationships. John pulled no punches and didn’t play favorites. He did his job and could be a serious hardass.

  “She needed my help.” At least he could say he wasn’t lying.

  “She needs us as protection,” John said. “We aren’t here to bed her or be her best friend.”

  “I’ll protect her.” But he wanted to have her in his bed… across the hood of his truck, on the dining room table and anywhere else he decided to take her.

  “I assumed you’d gotten close. I’ve seen the way you look at Anissa.” John cocked his eyebrow. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

  “She’s special.” He refused to back down.

  “If she’s so special, then why did she request Julian protect her tonight?” John folded his arms. “You’ve been taken off this detail.”

  The hell he had been. Anissa wouldn’t have him removed.

  “Her father insists she have an escort tonight -- not just Julian. We need to bring in one of the boyfriends. Call… Evan. He seemed to like her. At least he liked her enough to go to the last event.” John nodded once. “Get him.”

  “No.” Kameron wouldn’t let this go without a fight. “He was paid to give her attention. He doesn’t care about Anissa.”

  “They’re all in it for the money,” John snarled. “That’s why they come. They want paid -- just like us. You’re only here and on her personal detail because you get the extra cash.”

  He’d agreed to protect Anissa because he wanted to get closer to her. Money wasn’t considered.

  “Doesn’t matter. I trust Evan and Julian. Evan’s not interested in her, but he’ll play ball. Julian’s married and devoted to his wife. Neither will compromise her, and both will be focused on the job.” John scrubbed his hand across his mouth. “Decision’s made.”

  John had piqued his attention. “They’ll be focused? On what? I’ve heard nothing about a threat.” What wasn’t John telling him?

  “Daddy Dunn pissed off an oil baron. Ever heard of Michael Gahan? He wanted to hook his son, Alex, up with Anissa. They want Daddy Dunn’s money and land holdings.” John sighed. “Julian will protect her, and Evan won’t touch her. They get paid, and she’ll be safe. Alex won’t be able to move in.”

  She might be protected, but he wouldn’t be happy. Anissa wasn’t a pawn for an oil baron, his son or a couple of dips looking to make a quick buck. Kameron gritted his teeth. He refused to stand for this bullshit. Anissa deserved better. She didn’t have tons of experience, but she’d think Evan cared. What if she asked Julian to help her with her lessons? Would he? Not if Kameron had a say.

  “Call Evan, and I’ll alert Julian. She needs to get going.” John turned on his heel.

  “I’m taking her.” No question.

  John paused but didn’t turn around. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me.” Kameron held firm. “No Evan. No Alex.”

  “She can’t go alone.” John spun around and stood face to face with Kameron. “You are her guard, not her boyfriend, and you can’t protect her if you’re too busy making eyes at her.”

  “I refuse to change my mind.” Kameron widened his stance. “Call Julian off. I’ll be her escort. It’ll look cleaner, and I’ll scare away Alex or anyone else trying to push in. Fewer people around her means I can focus.”

  “I can’t risk you getting hurt or fired because you’re thinking with your dick and not your brain.”

  “No?” Kameron snorted. “I’m not asking.” He left John alone in the hallway. Fuck this shit. Anissa needed him, and he’d let her down for long enough. Time to take what he wanted in order to give Anissa what she needed.

  Chapter Three

  Anissa dressed in the drabbest outfit she could find -- a simple blue sweater and black ankle-length skirt. She’d worn dowdy clothes for most of her lif
e. Looking so unappealing sucked, but she had duties. Being the daughter of a factory magnate who had a philanthropic streak meant she needed to make public appearances when her father couldn’t be there. Every time she stepped out of the house, she was judged on her choice of clothing. Too racy, and she’d be branded a harlot. Too boring, and she took hits for not being daring.

  She braided her hair, then glanced down at her boots. She should change, but why? Was anyone really going to look at her feet? Screw it. She’d rebel in her own little way.

  “Anissa?” Kameron knocked on the door. “Ready?”

  She paused. He’d called her by her name. She grasped the handle. “Almost. Are you coming in?”

  “Yeah.” He barged into her room. “I can’t remember how to tie this damn tie.”

  She stared at him. She barely recognized Kam without his leather jacket and jeans. “What are you doing?” she blurted.

  “Trying not to throttle myself.” He nodded to her. “You know how to do this, don’t you? Help?”

  “Sure.” She’d try, anyway. She hadn’t tied a necktie in forever. “I think it’s like…” She tightened the silk. “Over and around…” Something didn’t look right.

  “You’re making it too tight.” Kam grasped her hands. “Ani…”

  “Sorry.” The more she fiddled, the more she throttled him. His cheeks reddened, and his eyes bulged. She released the ends of the tie. “I’m sorry. It’s been a while. I forgot how to do this.”

  He gasped, then sighed. “I hate dressing up.”

  She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Here she was, trying to entice him, and instead she’d goofed. Only Anissa Dunn could take a moment of possible romance and botch it.

  “Why are you laughing?” He yanked the tie free from his collar. “You could’ve killed me.”

  “Not hardly. You’d have gotten it loose.” She covered her mouth with both hands. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know.” He stood in front of her mirror. “I can tie this.” He adjusted the silk. “But I thought you knew how.”

  “I forgot.” She sank onto the bed. “Why are you dressing up? Did you need help getting ready for a date? I hope she’s nice.” Kam could’ve chosen any other room to prep, though. Why torment her? He’d never date her. Maybe this was his attempt at a clean break. Make her think he was a jerk so she’d leave him alone? Her heart ached. She’d fallen for him. Seeing Kameron with another woman… again… would kill her.

  “Date? I’m taking you to the hospital event.” He adjusted his sport coat. “I’m your bodyguard, right?”

  “But you’re always in your other outfit.” She tucked her legs underneath herself. She didn’t understand what was going on. “Why are you changing things? You never deviate.”

  “I am tonight, and you know why.”

  “You’re changing course because I tried to kill you? I won’t ever again. It was a mistake.” She left her seat. “Kam.” She lurched forward to grab his arm but managed to stomp on his foot instead. “Sorry.”

  “Anissa.” He moved her off his foot. “Are you trying to break me?”

  “No, but I couldn’t. You’re wearing steel-toe boots.” She blinked back tears. Embarrassment washed over her. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know.” He met her gaze. “Just stop trying to help. Stay put.”

  She nodded. “Will you explain what’s going on? I won’t injure you. I promise.”

  He tipped his gaze to meet hers. “I don’t know why no one told you they’d changed your schedule, but I know when the change occurred. Your father was supposed to attend the opening, but he’s detained in New York. He asked for you to go in his place. Unfortunately, he wanted Evan to escort you because a man named Alex Gahan wants to make a play for you. If I’m right, your father wants Alex to step in and knows Evan won’t do dick about it.”

  “Because you’ll stop him?” She wiped her cheeks, but more tears threatened. No one wanted her.

  “You bet your ass I’ll stop him. I’ll stop all of them.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “Evan won’t give me shit, and Alex has no claim on you.”

  “I’ve never met Alex Gahan.” At least she didn’t think she’d met him. “And Evan’s nice. I wouldn’t mind going out with him.” He wouldn’t get grabby… if he even paid her attention.

  “He’s been paid to date you,” Kam said.

  Her heart sank. So her assumptions about Evan had been right. She hadn’t known for sure the guys filling in as her boyfriends were bought off, but it made sense. She knew she couldn’t be that repulsive. Kam was different -- wasn’t he? “What about you? Alex? Are you going to tell me a truth I don’t want to hear?”

  “No.” He didn’t let go of her. “Alex wants your father’s land, factories and money. I don’t.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I don’t need your money when I’d rather have you.”

  His tone sent shivers down her spine. “Me?”

  “Yes.” He stroked her back. “You’re not a commodity. You’re a warm, sweet, wonderful… sexy woman.” His voice turned husky. He spoke against her mouth. “One I’m honored to protect.”

  She grasped the front of his sport coat. “Thank you, but that doesn’t explain why you’re dressed up. To impress me?” She really hoped so. “Because I like the look.”

  “I’m glad you do, because I’m escorting you to the hospital event. We’re late, by the way.” He tucked her to his side. “Shall we?”

  “Huh?” Going with her? He’d never done that before. “Oh, you’re coming along to protect me from Alex. I’ll be fine. I know how to handle myself.”

  “I’m going because I’m not about to let anyone use you.” He let go long enough to place her arm around his forearm. “Tonight, I’m your boyfriend, and things are serious. We’re talking marriage.”

  “We are?” she blurted.

  “Yes.” He placed his hand on hers. “Let’s go.”

  He had her swept up, but she wasn’t complaining. She didn’t understand why he’d gone to such lengths to pretend to stake a claim, but she had him for the night -- just like she’d always wanted.

  * * *

  Kameron escorted Anissa through the house to the ground floor. Her questions would annoy him, but he couldn’t let his guard down and tell her the truth right now. There were too many eyes watching and ears listening in. He’d be lucky if they had privacy in the back of the limo.

  He led her to the car, then nodded to Julian, who stood beside the rear passenger door. “I’ve got this one tonight,” Kameron said. “You’re free.”

  While Anissa climbed into the back of the vehicle, Julian grabbed Kameron’s arm. “Are you sure?”

  “Of course.” The dick would have to question him.

  “I’m on this detail.” Julian squeezed Kameron’s bicep. “She’s the boss’s daughter. You’ll lose your job if he even thinks you’re putting the moves or anything else on her.”

  “I’m filling in as her boyfriend. This is a show,” Kameron growled. “They want to palm her off to an oil baron’s son or that dumbass Evan. Neither man will treat her with dignity.”

  “How do you know? Being the wife of an oil baron’s son sounds like the perfect gig for her. He’ll give her experience, a life of luxury, and once they have a kid, she’ll have plenty of time to do whatever she likes. She’d be crazy to pass that up.” Julian let go. “God knows she could use the experience with a man. She can’t kiss for shit.”

  “How the fuck do you know?” If he found out she’d practiced with Julian, he’d destroy his fellow security agent.

  “She kissed me to say thank you one night, and she’s too timid.” Julian shrugged. “She needs to get out more.”

  “She’s fine the way she is.” The bastard. “You are married, and she’s off-limits, remember?”

  “The girl has no clue. I feel for the guy she’s foisted on to,” Julian said. “She’ll probably strip his dick and leave teeth marks.”

  “Enough.” He glared
at Julian. “Treat her like a human being and the daughter of our boss. She deserves respect.”

  “Oh, my God.” Julian laughed. “You like her.”

  “I’m doing my job.” If that job required him to fall for Anissa… then fine. He already loved her. Being close to her wasn’t a problem. He ducked into the car and slammed the door. Anissa stared at him. She’d moved to the far end of the seat and huddled against the wall. Kameron hit the button to lock the doors as the car lurched forward. “What’s wrong?” he asked. He scooted toward her. “Anissa?”

  “I heard what you said,” she murmured. “It’s a show. A farce. I’m being played. I’m about to be palmed off.”

  “Sweetheart.” Damn it. The situation had gone off the rails. He wanted to touch her but held back.

  “Am I just a job?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Then why lie? Why be fake?”

  “It’s the only way I can be with you in public.” He draped his arm around her and tucked her to his side again. “Damn it. You’re not listening to me.”

  She half-shrugged. “I’m not sure what to think.”

  He rested his forehead against her hair and whispered into her ear. “I’m not losing you to some jackass who doesn’t appreciate you. If playing the role of your boyfriend tonight keeps the asshat at bay and gives us time to do what you’ve asked, I’ll do it. If he thinks we’re getting married and backs off, then it’s worth the hassle, but honey, you’re not a problem.”

  She stared at him. She parted her lips, and her breath hitched. Her cheeks flushed.

  “I believe you wanted to learn to kiss.” He tipped her chin. “Gonna keep trying until you impress your teacher and pass?”

  “I hate to fail, but I’d rather take my time and learn to kiss properly.” Her eyes shimmered. “Guess that’s your cue, teach. I want to spend time with you, too.”

  “Good.” He feasted on her mouth. He could kiss her and never get tired. The weight of the moment pushed down on him, but he didn’t mind. Yes, he could be smack in the middle of losing his job, but if he got the girl, the job wouldn’t matter. He tasted mint on her tongue. The woman intrigued and intoxicated him. He’d never get her out of his system.