Her Protector Billionaire Groom

by Taylor Hart

  “As your brother that you can’t get rid of, visiting for the holidays. Kind of a bum, really.” He sighed. Good thing he hadn’t had a chance to meet the senator tonight. There had been so many people around, and he knew that with a couple of changes to his own appearance, he would be golden.

  “You? As my brother?” she sputtered out.

  He flashed her a fake grin. “You can tell your senator boyfriend that I’m couch surfing for the holidays. I’m too broke to find a hotel because I don’t have a job. Just couldn’t ever settle.”

  “I’m not doing that,” she said, her lips flattening into a straight line. Then anger flashed in her eyes. “I shouldn’t even be here. I should be bugging out of California, and Carlos should be dead.”

  He didn’t argue with her, just moved on. He’d managed targets hundreds of times, so he wouldn’t get stuck on this one. “Killing Carlos is off the table now.”

  She glared at him. “No, it’s not.”

  “But taking him down is still an option. You are on the inside. You’ll be part of the team working against him.”

  “So I’ll be wired?” Tears shone in her eyes again. “Just like my father,” she whispered. She turned away from him, running a hand through her hair. “After Carlos’ father killed my mother, we ran. We waited and we believed in a system that would get justice for my mother. And now my father is dead.” She turned back and faced him. “How are you going to prevent me dying?”

  Parker fumbled for words. None of the information about her mother had been in the file. “I won’t let them hurt you.” And he meant it.

  She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “This can’t be happening.”

  His pulse quickened, and he thought about what would happen if she didn’t agree. “I know it’s not ideal.” It wasn’t good, because all other possibilities left about a ninety-nine percent chance she would get herself killed. “But it’s the only way to get justice. Can’t you see that?”

  “No!” She stomped into the kitchen. “The only justice I want is to see Carlos Fuentes dead.”

  Chapter 11

  Ari wanted to throw something, so she picked up a glass in the sink and chucked it at the wall. It shattered, and shards flew everywhere.

  Parker waited by the opposite wall, his arms folded.

  She reached for the next glass in the sink and pulled her arm back. Parker shifted away from the wall and stalked toward her. Did he have to be so good-looking? She held the glass back, but she wouldn’t throw it—not while he was standing there.

  “Do it,” Parker dared in an even tone.

  It unnerved her how the man looked so calm. After all these years, curiosity got the better of her temper, and she put the glass down, suddenly feeling light-headed. She grabbed the edge of the sink and closed her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Dad always used call them rage headaches. I get them when I haven’t eaten.” She sucked in a breath.

  “Ari, are you alright?”

  How long had it been since someone had called her Ari? Her whole body shook, and she tightened her grip on the counter. Carlos should be dead. Dead! “No, I’m not all right. And you shouldn’t call me that.”

  He was next to her, putting his hand on her back. “When did you eat last?”

  She shrugged, and her mind felt fuzzy. “I … I’ve been busy. I think I ate a protein shake three days ago.” She felt herself starting to pass out. It hadn’t happened often, only when she didn’t take care of herself.

  “Whoa.” He supported her with his body. “Dang, girl.” His arm scooped her up beneath her knees so he was cradling her.

  Her eyes rolled back, and then she was out.

  Chapter 12

  “Ari! Ari!” Parker laid her on her bed and now was shaking her as hard as he dared. The woman hadn’t eaten in three days? He put his hand to her forehead. No fever. He scanned her body, admiring her stunning silver dress, drinking in her long legs and … He couldn’t think about how attracted he was to her.

  He stepped into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, and he wet his fingers before rubbing the moisture on her lips. “Wake up, Ari.” When had she started passing out? The girl he’d known was strong and could run ten miles without getting winded.

  Her eyes flashed open, and she cringed. “Headache.” She held her head.

  He helped her sit up. “Drink. You’re probably dehydrated. When did you drink last?”

  She took a sip, and he couldn’t help but smell her. She smelled so good. And he wanted to kiss her again, too, but that would have to wait. “A glass of champagne at the party,” she mumbled.

  Sliding her over gently, he sat on the edge of the bed and held the drink to her lips again. “Drink. That’s your problem. You haven’t eaten or been drinking, and then you had alcohol. Bad move.” He chastised her in a low voice, as if she were a child.

  She sipped, then a soft smile filled her face. “You’re … a man now.”

  It took him by surprise, that she was looking at him that way. He couldn’t stop the smile. “So they tell me.”

  She blinked. “Thank you.”

  Their eyes met, and memories filled him. He couldn’t believe how blue they were. “The contacts make you … I miss your eyes.” Their real color, deep green, had always reminded him of pine trees at Christmas.

  She nodded. “Sometimes I don’t recognize myself in the mirror.”

  Dang, the woman was gorgeous. Unable to stop himself, almost to prove to himself that she wasn’t an image or a dream, he tenderly reached for her hair, fingering the blond strands. “I miss your red.”

  She took his hand. “I’ve wished so many times I didn’t have to leave that way. I wished I could have explained it all to you.”

  The moment felt surreal, like something out of a movie, not really his life. He’d never dealt with that night—not in a forgiving way. It’d always just been this nail stuck halfway in a plank, waiting to stab him in the bottom of the foot over and over again.

  Abruptly, he stood, kicking back into agent mode. “I’ll make you some eggs and toast.”

  “Wait.” Her lips turned down. “I want to punish him, Parker.”

  “You will.” Determination pulsed through his veins. “We will. We just can’t kill him.”

  Her eyes closed, and tears leaked down her face.

  He moved back to her, unable to resist taking her hand again. Her eyes were so vulnerable, reminding him of everything she’d been through. “Look, you can run, now, and maybe you’ll get a chance to kill him again, or you can stick with the plan and help us nail him to the wall with the law. If you stay, we’ll get justice for your father. I promise.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Okay.”

  “Now, eggs.”

  “I don’t have any food,” she whispered.

  He frowned. “I’ll find something.” He made his way back to her kitchen.

  She was right. There was nothing in the fridge except for some old sour cream and salad dressings. He opened cupboards, but those were empty, too. He returned to her room. “I’m going to get some food and some clothes. Give me thirty minutes.”

  She turned onto her side and closed her eyes. “I still can’t believe you’re here. It’s like a dream.”

  Even though he wanted to know more about this woman, he needed to keep a clear head. She was an assignment now. “I’ll be back.”

  Chapter 13

  Ari was startled awake by loud banging on the door. “Sabrina!” she heard from the other side.

  Jose.

  She sat up too quickly. Her headache raged, and she put her hand to her temple and cursed. Now she had to go to Santa Monica with him and put on an act all week. How would she do that? How could she spend so much time around Carlos and not kill him?

  Another round of banging.

  She threw off the blanket that was covering her. She usually kept that blanket in the hall closet, so Parker must have gotten it out. Where was he? How long had he been
gone? She unlocked the door and pulled it open.

  “Oh.” Jose’s eyes raked over her.

  She put a hand to her hair, knowing it would be mussed up, and she tried to smooth her dress. “Hey.” She plastered on as much of a smile as she could muster.

  “Mi amor.” He stepped quickly into her apartment and put a hand on her face. “You are sick?”

  She stepped back, trying not to cringe. “Yes, and tired.”

  Jose took over, putting an arm around her and ushering her through her living room. “You are going back to bed.” His eyes darted around the room, and she thought her apartment must be a huge contrast to his huge mansion on the hill overlooking the water. He stopped at the kitchen, then looked at the glass shards by his feet. “What happened?”

  Her heart rate kicked up a notch. Parker would be coming back anytime. She only shook her head, trying to look too unwell to answer.

  “It’s fine.” Jose turned to her and looked at her lips.

  She realized what this was. He wasn’t concerned about her—he wanted other things tonight. Instinctively, she coughed and put her hand over her mouth. “Ah, I’d better get to bed.”

  He pulled away, then gave her a quizzical look. “You think you are getting too sick to come to Santa Monica this week?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  He followed her tentatively as she headed to her room. Jose was a huge germaphobe, she knew. That would keep her safely away his advances right now.

  She coughed again and slipped back into bed. “Thanks for checking on me. I’m sure I’ll be okay. I’ll drive to Santa Monica tomorrow.”

  He grinned and pointed at her. “I will make sure they have your room next to mine.”

  A wave of revulsion churned her stomach, but she smiled. “Thank you.”

  He hesitated. “Mi amor, let me get you some tea.”

  “No, I’m fine.” Go away.

  “No arguing. I’m staying and taking care of you.”

  Ari lay there, feeling helpless. She didn’t have to worry long, as another round of banging on the door began just then. She knew who it would be, and she hopped out of bed.

  Jose gave her a suspicious look. “Who would be coming so late?”

  “I don’t know.” She widened her eyes, trying to look innocent.

  Parker didn’t even wait for her to get to the door. He just opened it. “Sis! What’s up?”

  To say that Parker looked different than before would be like trying to compare a tomcat and a tiger. The man wore casual white shorts and a tacky yellow shirt covered in palm trees. A pair of sunglasses was perched on his head, and she didn’t know how he’d done it so quickly, but he’d dyed his hair blond, too. Combined with his deep tan, it made him look like a surf bum.

  “Bro?” She didn’t know what name he was using.

  Parker put down what he was carrying—a couple bags of groceries in one hand and a duffel bag in the other. He rushed at her, picking her up in a bear hug and letting out a loud growl. “Sis!”

  She laughed giddily. Truthfully, she felt ridiculous. She’d seen Parker greet his brothers just like this in high school.

  He set her on her feet and looked her up and down. “Oh, wait. Uh, sorry, were you guys …?” He broke off and then gave Jose a pointed look. “Dude, my sister? If you’re here right now, you’d better be ready to marry her!”

  Jose stammered. “Excuse me, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you.”

  “Kidding!” Parker said, reaching out and smacking Jose hard on the back. He erupted into high, off-key guffaws.

  Ari chuckled nervously. She’d never seen Parker act this way.

  Jose let out a small, tight laugh. He put his hand out. “I am Jose Sanchez.”

  Parker shook the offered hand and nodded to the groceries. “Nice to meet you.” He put a hand to his chest. “Parker Cope. Excuse me, I better get these put away. I brought cookie dough, and my sis doesn’t like it if I leave it out too long.” He grabbed the groceries and then whizzed past them, giving her a knowing look.

  Jose’s eyes widened. “He is staying?”

  Ari put up her hands and shook her head, as if she were just as surprised as he was. “I don’t know.”

  “‘If you like piña coladas!’” Parker belted out the familiar song. She peered into the kitchen and saw him drumming on the countertop. “‘And getting caught in the rain’”

  “Parker!” She laughed, taking care to avoid the glass as she walked into the kitchen. “It’s late. You have to be quiet.” She lowered her voice. “What are you doing here?”

  He pulled a pan out of a cupboard and cracked a couple of eggs against the rim. “Sorry.” He grinned at her, looking so relaxed, so handsome. The picture of what a brother might have been. “I guess it is late.”

  Jose walked into the kitchen, pointing to the floor. “Why is there glass all over?”

  Her eyes met Parker’s. When she realized he was letting her take the lead on this one, she threw up a hand. “Oh, I dropped a glass when I got back and wasn’t feeling well.”

  Parker tapped at his phone to turn on the piña colada Song. “Probably because you haven’t eaten, have you?” He wagged a finger at her, scolding. “You never take care of yourself. Good thing I’m here. I’m ready to cook. To watch movies. To par-ty!”

  Jose was bewildered and confused. “I didn’t know you had a brother.”

  Following Parker’s lead, Ari shrugged and softly punched Parker in the arm. “Yep, can’t get rid of him.”

  Parker pretended to flinch, like her punch actually hurt, and rubbed his arm. He pointed to her. “Don’t mess with me, sis. I’ll put you over my shoulder and spin you until you barf. Remember that?”

  Of course she didn’t, but she laughed with him. “Seriously, how long are you staying?” she asked casually.

  “Are you serious? It’s the holidays! I’m not about to let my only sister spend Christmas alone.”

  Jose grunted. “Too bad your sister will be gone all this week.”

  Looking startled, Parker cracked another egg and then started beating them in the pan. “Oh yeah? Where’re ya going?”

  She took a bite of licorice. “Santa Monica.”

  Parker laughed really loud. “Sounds good to me.” He stirred the eggs and pulled a spatula out of the drawer as if he’d always cooked here. “The beach, surfing … It’s probably a swanky place.” He turned and put his fist out. “We’ll totally spa day it.”

  She laughed and fist-bumped him, liking this fun-loving Parker. He was so different from the Parker she’d watched over the past couple of months. And his plans took all of the pressure off of her having to spend time alone with Jose.

  Jose coughed.

  “Are you sick, sweetie?” Ari feigned concern and touched his shoulder.

  “No,” he growled.

  With her hand on his back, she ushered him through the apartment. They stopped at the door and she lowered her voice as if she wanted to speak to him privately. “Sorry. I had no idea he would be here, but you’re okay if he comes with us, right?”

  Jose looked horrified. “Why would he come?”

  Worry pulsed through her, but she leaned in and kissed the side of his lip.

  He twitched at the contact. “Are you still sick?”

  “Actually, since you got here, I’ve felt better than I’ve felt all night.”

  At this he grinned and leaned in. She didn’t allow him to deepen the kiss, but he’d put his hand to her waist and she could tell that he wanted to.

  “Come to my place tonight,” Jose murmured in her ear. “Then we will go to Santa Monica together.”

  She frowned. “My brother is fragile. I don’t want to leave him here alone.”

  “Food’s ready!” Parker called out.

  Jose’s scowl deepened. “He doesn’t seem fragile.”

  Her mind whirled with possibilities. “See, he actually just hooked up with a past girlfriend, but obviously things didn’t work out.” She sigh
ed. “This is what happens right before he crashes. He shows up, cooks like crazy. Then he crashes. Like … really crashes.”

  “So it gets bad? Where does he normally live?”

  “Nevada, and I’m glad he came, because he has a gambling problem. If he was alone at home right now, it would be really bad.”

  “Hmm.”

  Jose would probably have Parker checked out. She needed to remember to tell Parker what she’d said so the FBI could lay a false paper trail. Her father had been frantic about making sure their pasts matched, and she’d grown up living a cover story. She kissed Jose again. “I better go.”

  Jose wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed. Just when those hands started roaming to places they shouldn’t, Parker coughed. “Sis, I’m hungry.”

  She tugged back, her eyes meeting Parker’s. Gone was the fun brother, replaced by a man who looked like he wanted to throttle Jose.

  Luckily Jose didn’t seem to notice. “I can’t leave him alone,” she pleaded as she opened the door. When he didn’t budge, she pushed out her lower lip; she knew he liked her to show submission.

  He sighed and let her loose. “I shall go, then.”

  “He won’t be a problem at all in Santa Monica. I promise. He’ll get sad and depressed and moody, and he’ll just stream action movie after action movie and eat pizza.”

  Jose let out a long breath, walking out of the apartment. “Fine.”

  “Thank you.” She blew him a kiss.

  The side of Jose’s lip turned up. “Good night.”

  Chapter 14

  Parker waited at the little table. He’d set two places and put eggs, toast, and bacon on each plate; a fresh bowl of strawberries sat in a bowl in the middle of the table. His fingers drummed against the countertop while he wondered if he would to have to watch Ari play kissy face with that thug all week.

  “Hey.” She walked into the kitchen, staring at the floor.

  “I swept up the glass.”

  “Oh, thank you.” She sat.