Page 4 of Her Noble Protector
“I promise I’m doing everything in my power to keep you safe. I’ve pondered over every scenario possible, and this one was the best I could do to ensure you still had the freedom to live your life while also being protected while you did so. You have a solid foundation in Cade’s Cove, so I didn’t want to put you in witness protection and uproot everything you’ve built thus far.”
“This isn’t fair, Daddy. I’m scared.”
Daddy pulled me into his arms and rubbed my back. I broke down completely in his arms. I couldn’t fathom the reality of the situation. He rocked with me until my sobs subsided and the tears ran dry. I grabbed a tissue off his desk and dabbed at my eyes and cheeks.
“So, who are the men in black?” I asked as I gestured toward the seven men in the room with us.
“I will station these men around the manor, my job, and your house. They will take out all threats as discreetly as possible until the bounty disappears.”
I nodded. “Okay. You hired a team to keep the manor and your job protected. That’s smart. Then you hired a solo bodyguard for me so I have the freedom to continue to live my life. I guess that makes me feel a little better. Still going to need some time to process this.”
“Take all the time you need.”
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sound startled me. My heart pounded against my chest as the office door opened. The man who walked in was something straight out of a wet dream. His chiseled jawline and low-cut beard were the first things my gaze noticed. Then my eyes traveled across his broad shoulders and firm build.
My goodness.
This man was attractive as hell, with his deep brown complexion and dark eyes.
“Sunni, let me introduce you to Noble Nash. Nash, this is my daughter who you will be protecting.” Daddy introduced us.
Noble eyed me intently before he extended his hand. Even his hand was sexy. I tucked my lip between my teeth and extended my hand for him to shake. His grasp was firm, strong, and confident as hell.
“I’ll protect you with my life, Miss Stone.”
My pussy jumped. I had to have lost my mind because there was no way I was openly ogling this strange man after the news I’d gotten just a few moments prior.
“Please call me Sunni.” I batted my eyelashes at the man.
His gaze was stoic and unmoving. “I prefer to keep things formal. It keeps the lines of this contract clear.”
“A man who respects boundaries. I like it.”
“Don’t get in this man’s way. Let him do his job, Sunni.” Daddy chimed in.
“I’ll be on my best behavior,” I replied.
Maybe.
“Welcome toBower’s Brews.”A young Black girl with long braids greeted us as Sunni and I entered the coffee shop.
Today was my first official day as her full-time bodyguard. I had moved into her house over the last couple of days, for the time being, and set up my surveillance equipment to keep eyes on her property myself. Sunni’s house was on the Stone Manor land. It was about three houses down from the main house. She had a four-bedroom, two-story home. It was modern and fit her personality. Even though Mr. Stone had hired a team for the property, I needed to be thorough in my job. I didn’t trust anyone but myself with protecting the client.
Although today was our first time out in the world since she’d found out about the danger she was in, it felt like she didn’tcare. She had already stressed me out more than I expected. I’d assumed she’d lie low until we made more progress on the bounty, but I was wrong. This morning alone, she fed the unhoused and volunteered at a women’s shelter. She had spent over four hours around strangers, with the brightest smile on her face as she helped them. The care she showed complete strangers was admirable. In any other circumstance, I would have applauded her for her activism in the community, but with an active bounty on her head, she was moving like she didn’t care if she lived or died.
Thankfully, the hectic morning had ended, or so I’d assumed.
“Hey, pretty. I love your braids,” Sunni complimented the cashier.
I’d learned in the last couple of hours that Sunni was very outgoing. She would talk to any and everybody who had a moment to listen. Hell, she probably would talk to a wall if she felt compelled to. She complimented all the women and children at the shelter and gave generous amounts of money to the unhoused as she passed out plates of food and toiletries. She did this all without a camera to capture the moment. She was just naturally a giving person, which also made her even more susceptible to being targeted and trapped by the hitmen.
“Thank you. Have you been here before? Are you familiar with our menu?” the girl asked. The smile on her face had brightened since she began conversing with Sunni.
Sunni nodded. “THC infused coffee shop. I’m very familiar with y’all’s menu. I’ve eaten at all twelve locations around the country. I’m a big fan.”
I frowned but remained quiet. She was about to consume THC in the middle of the day. This sounded like a bad idea. Unfortunately, she was a grown woman who could do what she wanted. I just had to monitor her while she navigated her high.
