Bound to Me (The Harbour Series Book 1)

by Christy Pastore

I knew those legs. How fucking gloriously predictable. If ever there was a sign of good luck, this was it.

  A grin spread across my face. This will be fun.

  “Hello, Miss Ella,” I greeted her with a nod.

  Her blue eyes popped wide, but she played her part effortlessly. “Hello.”

  “Funny, you remind me of girl I know, her name’s Kate though.”

  “So you’re the one.” She straightened her posture, sliding her hair over her shoulder. “The one my brother hired as my babysitter while I’m in the city.”

  Jesus Christ. Now I was playing out various naughty baby-sitter fantasy scenarios in my head. I had to think about something, anything else other than the fact that I had literally and figuratively fucked the client.

  WELL, YOU’VE GONE AND done it now, Ella. My eyes travelled up his lethally hot body leaving me stunned. The smile on his face broadening as my eyes connected with his brilliant hazel ones that had the most beautiful thick eyelashes I’d ever seen on a man. His suit was ink black, and finely tailored. It was impressive to know that American men actually took pride in their appearance.

  Seeing him again took my breath away. Before I’d snuck out of his hotel suite, I took a picture of him with my phone. He looked so peaceful and a part of me felt bad for leaving without saying goodbye, but I thought it would be better that way. No one could have prepared me for this strange encounter.

  For a moment I was rendered speechless. I wanted to hold out my hand, and feel his touch again. He didn’t offer, and neither did I. Warmth climbed up my thighs and settled right where I didn’t need it to, just being near him again.

  Wildly raunchy thoughts swirled in my head, like champagne bubbles making me loopy and tingly at the sight of “not Will”—whose name I just learned was Alex—standing in front of me. He stood tall and confident at just over six feet, and even at my height of five foot nine, I felt small compared to him. My legs felt wobbly, but that was partly because of the sex marathon I’d had just a few hours ago—with him.

  The amazing, incredible, out of this world fantastic sex left me craving more, but I had other priorities. Mainly, my boutique, my brand—my business was my focus. Not men, especially not a ruggedly handsome man like Alex. Or one who had the stamina to drive me to five mind-blowing orgasms. He’d made a promise and delivered. If there was an award for world’s best orgasm, it would go to Alex. I thought multiple orgasms were a myth, but I was proven wrong four times over.

  “Ella arrived in the city earlier this morning,” Ronan announced, before taking his seat at the table. I barely registered the rest of what my brother said after he introduced me to Alex.

  My shoulders tensed, as I looked to Alex studying his expression. His lips twisted into a sexy smirk. I kissed the hell out of those lips the night before. I could still feel the scratches on my cheek from his silky dark, barely there stubble. He leaned back in his chair and the rich amber color in his hazel eyes glowed warmly. It made me feel all melty inside, like gooey chocolate sliding over a warm slice of cake.

  “Is that so,” he remarked, as his mouth curved into a slow, heart-stopping smile.

  Stop smiling at me, you handsome devil.

  “How are you finding the city, Ella? Have you had a chance to visit any local establishments?”

  Clearly he was trying to rattle me, and something told me he was going to enjoy watching me squirm knowing my little secret. Thinking fast I answered, “I’ve not seen too much yet, maybe you’d like to take me to lunch and give me a tour?”

  The smirk on his face turned to a full grin. “It would be my pleasure.” The sound of promise in his voice made me wet and needy.

  “Alex,” my brother said, as he rose to his feet. “You’re officially on the clock. If you’ll excuse me, I’m required to be on set in an hour. Thank you and welcome to the family.”

  I rolled my eyes at my brother’s comment of family. It was annoying and cute all at the same time. By nature, Ronan was a protector, and family took care of family. This is why I was required to have a babysitter . . . bodyguard while I was here. Now the insanely handsome man I thought I’d never see again was about to be thrust into my life full-time.

  My brother kissed me on the cheek, and said, “Go on about your day, and if you need anything call Holliday. My schedule is late tonight.”

  “I’m sure Alex can assist me with anything I need,” I tossed over my shoulder. “There’s no reason to bother your girlfriend.”

  “Very well, I’ll ring you later. Have a wonderful day.” I watched as my brother and Dean strode off, feeling the heat spread across my cheeks knowing I was alone once more with Alex.

  He stood there looking at me intently, and all I could think about was that incredible kiss that led to phenomenal sex. I’ve had lovers who have rocked my world, but they all paled in comparison to the way Alex moved through—dare I say—my soul. I’m completely snookered . . . or a more American expression—I’m fucked.

  GET YOUR HEAD IN the game, Alex. Jesus, I couldn’t think straight. Not when she was staring at me with those beautiful eyes. They were as blue as the waters on Lake Michigan. Again, I gawked at her legs, noting the skirt she wore was the same vibrant shade as her eyes. Not Kate—she’s the person I was supposed to look out for at all costs. My dick and my brain were in an epic battle of disagreement at the moment.

  “You’re looking at me in that same way you did last night,” I remarked.

  “Honestly, can you blame me?” she asked. Her voice was a bit shaky.

  I stepped closer to her, but she took a step back, stumbling into the wall. Her perfume drifted over my nose registering my dick to life. Fucking Christ.

  “Ella, I don’t bite.” At the realization of the double meaning, I cleared my throat and spoke again. “I mean . . . I’m here to keep you safe.”

  Pushing off the wall, she smoothed her palms down her skirt, and tossed her golden hair over her shoulder.

  “Listen, Alex . . . on second thought, what is your last name. We should keep our relationship completely professional.”

  “How do you propose we do that?” I laughed, looking at my watch. “We had sex less than eleven hours ago. I can still hear your moans and breathy whimpers in my fucking head.”

  Her eyes went wild, and she shifted on her heel. Silence curled around us, and I began counting the seconds it took her to formulate any kind of rational answer. Thirty-three seconds later, her reply came and it wasn’t what I wanted or expected to hear.

  “You . . . you could quit,” she offered.

  Cocking a brow, I strode towards her. My foot tapped the door, shutting the rest of the world out. This time she didn’t move a muscle.

  “Now you’re looking at me the way you did last night.”

  Beneath the delicate skin of her neck, her pulse thrummed. Her teeth grazed over her beautiful bottom lip, slicked with that cherry red color. Her sweet scent swirled around me, reminding me of how fucking good it felt to have her pinned underneath me—naked and wet.

  Inhaling, I leaned in closer. “Can you blame me?”

  She laughed and said, “You are a bit of a joker, aren’t you?”

  I smirked, tracing my finger under her chin. “If I remember correctly, it’s you who likes to play games.”

  Dropping to the nearest chair, Ella sighed. Her hands covered her beautiful face. “Oh, Alex.” The words came out muffled under laughter. “You have seen me naked.” The last word left her lips in a whisper.

  I sat in the chair across from her, leaning back enjoying her immensely.

  “Yes, and a lot more.”

  She pretended to be shocked, and the faintest bit of pink tinged her cheeks. “Naughty, but I’m being serious. I am quite sure this has broken some kind of ethical rule.”

  “Nonsense, now we’re just better acquainted,” I offered spreading my arms wide. But I was kidding myself, because I wanted to be more than just familiar with this stunning creature. And suddenly I found myself back in
the same place. This, however, was slightly different than my situation with Amanda, but still it was hard to ignore the signs.

  Ella started tapping her finger in an even rhythm against the top of the table. I stood up from the chair, and proceeded towards the door.

  “Come on, Ella,” I urged straightening my jacket.

  She blinked up at me. “What?”

  I jerked my thumb towards the hallway. “You mentioned something about me taking you to lunch.”

  “Oh, yes,” she laughed, and hopped up from the chair. “I’m famished. I could go for a burger and fries, minus the bun of course.”

  “I know just the place.”

  Taking her hand in mine, I led Ella towards the elevators. I shouldn’t have been so casual with her, but goddamnit, I couldn’t help it. I wanted to touch her.

  Client. She was the client.

  Technically, her brother is the client. She’s the project. Nice try.

  Mentally I kicked myself, I needed to stop thinking with my dick and get my head on straight. I could do this.

  Standing at the elevator, I released the hold I had on her hand to press the button. As I stared at the cool metal doors, I watched Ella’s reflection as she bopped back and forth on her heels. Fuck. She was entirely too cute for her own good.

  Cute?

  Since when did I use the word cute to describe women? Puppies are cute. Babies are cute. Women are sexy.

  I’m losing it.

  The doors opened revealing a couple kissing. We stepped into the car, and the hot and heavy pair was unfazed by our presence, keeping their mouths locked on one another. Not daring to look at Ella, I pressed the button for the lobby. I couldn’t allow my emotions to interfere with my ability to keep her safe. Despite the fact that we’d known each other intimately, while she was under my protection, things with her had to be as professional as possible.

  THE DUO SNOGGING DIDN’T bother to make room for us, leaving me no choice but to stand on the same side of the lift with Alex. With our arms brushed against one another, heat spread across my skin like a raging wildfire. The two of us snuggled close in a compact space. My hand still tingled from his touch. It was impossible to concentrate on anything other than him. He was here. Right next to me, looking gorgeous and smelling perfectly divine. All sense I had retreated from my brain as I stood there fantasizing about pushing him up against the wall and allowing him to shag . . . fuck the hell out of me.

  Shut up, Ella, you dirty bird.

  When the car reached the fifth floor, and the couple playing slap and tickle walked out, I stifled a moan of relief. Unsure if I was comforted due to the fact that they left or that I had Alex all to myself. I glanced at him, trying to get a sense of his thoughts. His mouth was pressed into a hard line, and his eyes remained forward, fixed on the numeric panel.

  The lift came to a halt at the lobby and Alex stepped out, his head turned left and back to the right. The unrehearsed movement was fluid. He motioned for me to walk in front of him, but I had no clue where we were going.

  “You lead the way.”

  “All right, but keep your pace with mine,” he instructed. His voice was firm not angry.

  I nodded, and did as I was instructed, keeping my stride with his as we passed through the spacious lobby. Something had changed his demeanor during the ride in the lift . . . elevator. Mentally I noted that I needed to brush up on my American English. If I intended to do business here, I should at least make the effort to know the proper terms.

  Once outside, his hand reached inside his jacket pocket, pulling out his sunglasses. As we approached the valet stand, he put them on, shielding me from seeing his gorgeous eyes that reminded me of glowing golden sunlight sifting through deep green leaves.

  Snap out of it, Ella. He’s your bodyguard.

  Straightening my shoulders, I hauled my handbag higher onto my shoulder. I vowed to lock all my scandalous thoughts away.

  “Oh, it’s a traditional English pub!” I couldn’t contain my smile as my eyes took in the ambiance of the bar. Colorful knitted scarves were draped over trophies and surrounded bronzed plaques. Rugby balls and footballs . . . soccer balls sat perched on high shelves with black and white team pictures in between.

  “This place is adorably fantastic.”

  “I thought you might like a taste of home.”

  “Where would you like to sit?”

  He pointed to the corner and said, “Why don’t we sit at that high-top table near the bar.”

  I slid into the chair, and began studying the menu. God, I wanted a pint of beer, but since I couldn’t have wheat of any kind I settled for a mineral water.

  “Are you going to have a pint?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “I don’t drink on the job.”

  This was beyond odd, less than an hour ago we were laughing about our situation and now he was acting as if we hadn’t had our tongues all over each other. Well not all over. I didn’t have the pleasure of having his cock in my mouth.

  “What’s going on with you?”

  A single brow rose, as he eyed me over the menu. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re behaving strangely.”

  “I’m trying to be professional and do my job.”

  My eyes narrowed, and I stared at him wondering what was with the hot and cold routine. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, a waitress approached our table with two glasses of water, told us her name was Meg, and then took our orders.

  “I’ll have the cheeseburger cooked medium rare, with bacon slices, no roll and American fries.”

  Alex opted for a large chicken salad with ranch dressing on the side.

  “Could I have a bottle of sparkling water, please?” I asked.

  She smiled. “Certainly, I’ll bring that right away.”

  Shifting her body, she turned to face Alex, shoving her barely covered tits in his face. “How about you, handsome, can I bring you something from the tap?”

  “Not today, water will be just fine,” he said, holding up his glass.

  “Sure thing, honey, if you need anything you just ask.”

  Even though she was flirting with him, he was uninterested. Does she have no shame? I could be his girlfriend. Meg returned with my sparkling water, giving Alex a toothy smile and a view of her goods.

  I rested my chin on my hand, studying my lunch companion—my bodyguard. Bodyguard, and what a body this man had. Illicit thoughts of our night surfaced again. God, I would give anything to have another go around with him. I liked every inch of him—broad shoulders, long legs and those sexy taut arms with thick corded muscles, but his back, inked with a badass tattoo of two snakes coiled together, was my favorite—okay, second favorite of his physical attributes. Alex was built, but not too big—his body was taut, well sculpted. No bulging beefcakes for this chick.

  For a moment, I envisioned the two of us tangled together in soft sheets. His defined muscles flexing as he fucked me into the mattress, driving me to another earthshattering orgasm.

  Have some class.

  This was a mistake. I should have pulled Ronan aside, and told him that I had familiar relations with Alex, but knowing my brother he might have flown off the handle. The handsome man sitting across from me did nothing wrong, and I wasn’t about to let him lose his job. Maybe a chat would lighten the mood.

  “How did you find this place?”

  “My brother and I used to hangout here. His office is around the corner.”

  “Oh, so you’re from New York.”

  “No, I moved here from Michigan. But we’d come to the city for business several times a year.” At the sound of laughter, his eyes darted towards the door. A couple of college co-eds entered the bar.

  “Michigan, yes, the state that’s surrounded by the Great Lakes.”

  His eyebrows rose. Certain it was because I’d impressed him with my knowledge.

  He leaned forward, and I kept talking, throwing out random facts about I knew about America. I
told him about the time I went to South Beach with a school mate and the strip club we stumbled into. He laughed before taking a sip of his water.

  “The owner wanted us to participate in Amateur Night.” I smiled at the memory. “I wonder what Sasha is up to these days? I should call her.”

  His eyes popped out of his head, and his hands gripped the sides of the table.

  “What is it? Is it me? Am I chatting too much?” I asked, feeling nervous knots zipping around my stomach.

  “Christ, Ella, no,” he said, scrubbing his hand over his stubble covered chin. So sexy.

  “Well, something is clearly on your mind. What’s the matter?”

  He leaned across the table, his hazel eyes fixed on mine. My pulse thrummed as I waited for Alex to speak. He rolled up to his feet and took a step towards me.

  “The matter is,” he hissed, as his warm breath fanned over my neck. “I can’t seem to think of anything other than the fact that I’d like to drag you back to my hotel room and fuck your brains out.”

  Oh, now we are getting somewhere.

  “Well, I wouldn’t object to the notion,” I admitted. Yes, I said it out loud. Keeping my prurient thoughts locked up didn’t last long.

  He lifted an eyebrow. “I can’t do that Ella.”

  “And why not?”

  Shoving his hands into his pockets, he expelled a deep breath. He stared at me for a moment, before answering, “I can’t, because you are my responsibility and bad things happen when I let my dick interfere with my job.”

  If his dick was involved, then he’d probably had a relationship with someone he was protecting. And bad things? What the hell did he mean by that statement? I doubted there was anything dreadful about Alex. He kept others safe, and that told me that he cared about people. Could he hurt someone? Obviously, yes, if necessary, he’s a bodyguard—it’s in his job description. I wondered why someone like Alex would choose this line of work. Had he been in a fight before? Maybe he’d lost control once? My mind spun with questions. For a man I told the evening before I didn’t care to know anything about him, I’d formed a laundry list of questions, that I now wanted answers to.