by Denise Carbo
Stepping farther into her room, the privy light she had left on cast a glow around him. His chest was bare, and his jeans unsnapped. He must have hastily pulled them on. Had she screamed?
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She blinked at him and then looked away. “Um, no, but thank you. It was just a silly dream.” She stared at the rumpled bedding at the foot of her bed.
“You’ve been through a lot lately. I’d be more surprised if you didn’t have nightmares.”
Tears pricked the back of her eyes. She dragged the pillow into her lap and hugged it to her chest.
“Would you like some water?”
She gave him a tight nod and peeked up at him through her damp lashes. He turned and strode into the kitchen. From the bed she had a clear view. Bethany watched him turn on the light above the stove before opening her cabinets to find a glass.
Heaving a deep sigh, she glanced around her room. Fear rose as she searched all the lengthy shadows. She would be sleeping with a light on for the rest of the night.
Davis returned from the kitchen and handed her a glass of water.
She smiled and whispered, “Thank you,” before taking a drink. She reached to place the glass on her nightstand, but he took it from her hand and placed it there himself.
He bent and grasped her bedding, pulling it up over the bed to cover her. She stared at the top of his head as he reached across her to tuck it around her. She couldn’t recall a single instance of anyone ever tucking her in bed, not even as a child.
Glancing at her briefly, he stepped back from the bed. “Can I get you anything else? Anything I can do for you?”
“No, thank you. I’ll be fine.”
He absently nodded and looked around the room.
“Goodnight, Davis.”
“’Night.”
As soon as he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him, she lunged across the bed and snapped on the light on her nightstand. Staring at the door, she listened for his return. He was sure to notice the light, but would he understand her need not to be left in the dark, or would he think something was wrong?
The creak of the sofa bed brought a sigh of relief.
She leaned back against the fabric of her headboard and pulled the bedding back over her body. It was doubtful she would get any more sleep tonight.
****
“What’s your schedule for today?” She flitted about the tiny kitchen making tea. She hadn’t spoken to him this morning except for a quick good morning when she had emerged from her bedroom.
She had yet to look at him, either.
Bethany paused a moment with her back to him, and then continued to pour herself a cup of tea. He admired the way her black leggings hugged every curve before disappearing under a purple top. His gaze lingered over the shape of her ass, which was revealed to him each time she stretched to reach into the cabinet over her head.
“I don’t have anything scheduled. Technically, I’m still on holiday, so I don’t report to work until next week.”
Bethany turned around, glanced in his direction briefly, and leaned against the counter sipping her tea.
“Good. That makes it easier.”
“Makes what easier?”
“Protecting you.”
“For how long? I want to know the amount of time you have appointed yourself my bodyguard for. This cannot continue indefinitely, so what is the time limit? You certainly cannot follow me to my job at the company. There are security issues involved. You do not have the proper clearance to be in my department. Besides, you are here to report to the council—not be my personal bodyguard. I hardly think Malcolm Donovan would approve.”
Bethany straightened and set her cup down on the counter. “In fact, perhaps we should give him a call and get his perspective on the situation. I am sure he could make you see reason.”
“Be my guest.” Davis walked over to the kitchen and held out his cell phone to her. She glanced at the phone and then up to his face. He leaned toward her. “I should mention that I spoke to him already this morning while you were in the shower.”
One pale blonde eyebrow arched. “And?”
“Something you should know about Malcolm is he takes his responsibilities seriously.”
“I never doubted he did, but I am not one of his responsibilities.”
“Ah, but see, that’s where you’re wrong. Ever since you were a guest of our clan, he extended his protection to you. It didn’t end simply because you left.”
“As admirable as that is, I am not part of his clan. He has no obligation to me, nor is any needed. I am not in danger.”
He shrugged. “Feel free to argue with him. Although, it’s not an approach I would recommend. He doesn’t care to be questioned over his decisions.”
Bethany walked out of the kitchen area. “You didn’t answer how long.”
“For as long as I believe you’re in danger.”
She whirled back to face him. “That’s unacceptable. There needs to be a time frame. If there are no further attempts on my life in the next day…two at the most, then you must consent to end this.”
Davis folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against the counter. He fought the urge to smile. With her blonde cap of hair swirling about her face, she looked like an angry sprite. He didn’t think she would appreciate the analogy though.
“How about this? I will agree to revisit the conversation.”
Bethany wanted to continue discussing the matter, but instead she gave him a reluctant nod. He wasn’t going to back down, and there was no point in arguing any further. However, if he didn’t become more reasonable when nothing else happened, she would be the one calling Malcolm Donovan. Facing that giant was preferable to enduring more restless nights and Davis following her every move. She couldn’t handle the stress and frustration.
“How about we work on some of those self-defense moves I promised you?”
She glanced at him beneath her lashes. “Do I get to hit you?”
A slow smile spread across his face. “You can try.”
Chapter Ten
“The number one rule to remember is do not engage unless you have no other options. Hide, run, get help first, or in your case, fly. If none of those options are available, then, and only then, do you confront your attacker. Understood?”
“Trust me, I have no wish to fight anyone. But I would like to know how to defend myself if I'm ever in a dangerous predicament again.”
Davis placed the gray-tufted ottoman on the matching chair and picked both up with ease. He placed them against the wall with the other furniture already positioned there out of the way. “Watch their eyes. People often telegraph their intention before they make a movement. If their gaze focuses on a certain area, get ready to defend yourself.”
Bethany nodded and knelt to roll up her lavender area rug. Davis scooped it up and dropped it on the couch. Her living space was small, and even with everything shoved against the walls there wasn’t much space to maneuver. She hoped he wasn’t planning on anything too acrobatic. She didn’t want to alarm her neighbors with the sounds of fighting or breaking furniture. Not only could she not afford to replace any damaged pieces, but she didn’t relish the thought of anyone knowing Davis was attempting to teach her self-defense. Or the fact he was temporarily staying with her. Of course, if she didn’t convince him to abandon the idea she was in danger and in need of his protection soon, then her neighbors would begin to suspect something was going on when he followed her around everywhere and didn’t leave to go back to his suite.
“Are you listening?”
Davis stood with his hands on his hips, facing her. She gave him an absent nod. “Of course, you said to watch their eyes.”
“Then why are you staring at the floor instead of watching my eyes?”
Bethany blinked and shot her gaze up to collide with his own. His hazel eyes were pinned on her. Did he plan to rush her with no instruction? What did he expect
her to do? He was twice her size and could no doubt squash her like a bug. “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were starting.”
“Any opponent you may have will not wait for you to get prepared. You need to be on guard and watchful. Observe your surroundings at all times and be ready.”
She nodded, straightened her shoulders, and widened her stance slightly all the while keeping her gaze on his.
“Not only are the eyes important to give an idea of any move they’re planning, but it’s also a vulnerable spot on the body. Along with the throat.” Davis stepped toward her, and Bethany leaped back. “Relax. I just want to show you.” He took her hand in his and turned it over. “Use the heel of your hand.” He traced a finger over her palm and along the edge. A shiver danced over her skin. She shook it off and focused on his words.
“Using the heel of your hand to strike at the eyes, throat, or nose will cause damage to your attacker while making it less likely to incur injury to your hand.” He gently folded over her fingers and pulled her hand toward him to demonstrate hitting the vulnerable spots on his head.
Davis loosely clasped her wrist as he directed her hand to each target on his head. His eyelashes brushed against her palm. Her thumb trailed down the length of his nose as he repositioned her hand. He held her hand against his throat as he swallowed hard.
“Your objective is to do some quick damage to incapacitate your attacker, so you can escape.” The vibration of his words and heat of his skin pulsed against her hand.
He released her, and she clenched her hand against her abdomen. “Put the strength of your entire body behind your movements and follow through. After the face, go for the groin.”
Her gaze involuntarily dropped to the zipper of his black jeans before she snapped it back to his face and swallowed hard. “You’re assuming my attacker is a man. Although I suppose it is a more likely scenario for an attacker to be male, women are capable of violence as well.”
“The groin is a vulnerable area on the body for both a man and woman.” Davis clasped her hip, and the breath stuttered in her chest. His hand trailed down the outside of her thigh. She had worn leggings thinking them an appropriate choice for ease of movement. It had never occurred to her the thin layer of material would provide little barrier to the heat and strength of his hands on her body.
“If you’re farther away, use your foot.” He placed his hand behind her knee, and lifted her leg. Her gaze remained trapped by his. “Up close, like this, use your knee.” He pressed her knee lightly against his groin.
Bethany licked her lips, and his gaze dropped to track the movement of her tongue. He swelled against her knee, and she couldn’t help but lean a little closer as her gaze trailed down the white T-shirt stretched tightly across his chest and over his flat abdomen. His erection strained at his zipper, and Bethany bit her lip.
Davis pulled her leg over his hip and wrapped his other arm around her back, lifting Bethany against him. She grabbed onto his shoulders as he lowered them both to the floor. Her startled gaze collided with his.
“If the assailant gets you to the floor, try to use both your feet to throw them off. If you don’t have the space, use your hips.” She listened to the rumble of his voice above her, as his hand released her leg and grasped her hip and pulled her lower half tight against his body. He leaned over her, supported by his elbow. His handsome face hovered mere inches above Bethany's own.
“Do whatever you can and use whatever you have to fight back. Smash his or her nose with the top of your head and then hit, kick, and buck to get them off of you. Understood?”
Her chest rose and fell with labored breaths. She couldn’t take her gaze off his hazel eyes.
“Bethany?”
“Mmhmm.”
“Good.” He rolled off her and sprang to his feet.
She dropped her now empty hands to the floor and stared at the ceiling.
Davis spun away from her and rubbed the back of his neck. He dropped his arm and stalked over to the kitchen area to grab a glass of ice water. He didn’t dare glance at Bethany still lying on the floor.
The chilled water soothed his parched throat but did nothing to put out the fire raging in his body. It had taken everything he had to pull away from her tempting little body cradling his. He was rock hard and aching for her.
How the hell was he supposed to keep his head on straight when a simple touch from her burned him alive? He tilted his head back and guzzled the remaining water in his glass. Teaching Bethany self-defense may very well be the death of him.
Chapter Eleven
At the soft knock on her front door, Bethany lunged to her feet. She tiptoed to her bedroom door and listened closely as Davis walked across her living area to answer the door. After scrambling off the floor this morning and telling Davis she had had enough training for the day, she returned to her room and started pacing the floor. Once it had occurred to her he could hear her pacing, she had promptly dropped down on the bed to sit and brood over her embarrassing fascination with her self-appointed bodyguard. The knock on the door signaled a welcome reprieve from the turmoil of her own thoughts. She couldn’t continue to hide in her bedroom, but she hadn’t drummed up enough courage to face him either.
The soft diction of his greeting when Davis opened the door to her flat identified her visitor as Advisor Heyes. Smoothing her top, she opened her door and stepped over the threshold. Advisor Heyes met her gaze and smiled while Davis continued to glower.
“Good afternoon, Advisor Heyes. What can I do for you?”
“Ah, Lady Bethany, I received word about your ordeal, and I wanted to check on your wellbeing.”
“That’s very kind of you, but as you can see I am fine.”
“How did you hear about it?”
Bethany glanced at Davis when he asked the question and then returned her attention to Advisor Heyes. She assumed one of the guards had informed him, but she understood the need to be certain.
“One of the guards reported the incident to me. He is loyal to the clan as well as Lady Bethany and felt it his duty to inform me of the break-in and her assault.”
Davis folded his arms across his chest and stared at the advisor. “By loyal to the clan do you mean loyal to you? The guard is one of your supporters?”
Bethany opened her mouth to intercede, but promptly snapped it closed. She wanted to hear the answer.
“I meant what I said. He is loyal to the clan and wants what is best for the clan, as do I. He has bestowed on me his endorsement to rule. I have made no secret of my intentions, Mr. Campbell.”
She stepped forward to ease the growing tension. “I am certain Davis meant no offense.” From the corner of her eye, she saw Davis turning his head toward her. Bethany didn’t have to look at him to know the sarcastic slant of his eyebrow would be arched over his skeptic glare. She smiled at the advisor and hoped he would keep his attention focused on her and Davis would not feel the need to interrupt and contradict her. “I appreciate your concern, but I am unharmed. My concern lies with the fact someone broke into my brother’s apartment.”
Advisor Heyes gently took her hand and sandwiched it between his two. “Have no fear. I took no offense at your staunch defender’s questions. It is admirable he takes his duty to protect you so seriously. I too am deeply concerned one of our own trespassed and attacked you. You have my assurance the matter will be given the utmost attention it deserves. If you feel up to it, I would like to inquire what you believe the intruder had been doing inside the apartment?”
“I cannot be sure, of course, but…”
“How can she possibly speculate? You’re asking her to guess about an unknown assailant’s motives. Who knows why someone was in there? It could have been a simple curiosity seeker who panicked at her entry. Or do you think you have another criminal hiding in your midst?”
Bethany stared up at Davis and wondered what game he was playing. He obviously didn’t want her talking about their theory that Bryant might have an accomplice.
“What may I ask were you doing there, Mr. Campbell? The guard said it was you who found Lady Bethany. You did not accompany her?”
“No, he didn’t. I decided on a whim to go there. Luckily for me, Davis appeared when he did.”
The advisor patted her hand and released it. “Yes, of course. Well, I will be on my way. I am glad to see you are well. Until the situation is resolved perhaps it is best if you refrain from visiting your brother’s quarters again. I would not like to see anything bad happen to you.”
“Is that a threat?” Davis dropped his arms and scowled at the man.
“Certainly not! I was expressing my concern for her safety.”
Bethany sidled between them. “Thank you, and please let me know if you do hear anything. I would like to resolve the matter of my brother’s belongings and put it all behind me. You do understand?”
“Yes, I do, and if at any time you would like to speak to me in confidence about your brother, or anything for that matter… Please know my door is always open to you. I am still the clan’s spiritual advisor, and I am available to provide counsel or a friendly ear.”
She smiled and opened the door. “That is very kind of you. I will keep it in mind.”
He nodded and, after a quick glance at Davis, exited the flat. Bethany closed the door and leaned against the warm wood with a sigh. The heat of Davis’ stare called to her, but she refused to acknowledge him. Why was he constantly antagonizing everyone around him?
Davis’ hand brushed her side when he leaned forward and locked the door. Her gaze shot up to his as he leaned toward her. There was a telltale click of the deadbolt as he flicked it closed as well. His gaze remained locked on hers as he straightened.
Bethany licked her lips and stepped past him into the kitchen area to pour herself a glass of water.
“Do you care to tell me why you didn’t want me mentioning the possibility Bryant had an accomplice? You cannot possibly suspect Advisor Heyes.”
Davis walked over and leaned against the counter with his arms and ankles crossed. Her small kitchen resembled a child’s play kitchen with him standing in the middle. “I suspect everyone until they can be cleared completely. There’s no point in advertising our knowledge that whoever attacked you must be using your brother’s scent blocker. You might as well put a neon sign over your head declaring you’re a threat that needs to be taken out.”
