Page 22 of The Sniper
Not as much as he did when I was younger.
But knowing he could dictate where I lived was too much.The launch had to happen.Then I would pay him the money and get the house put in my name.
When I turn, I tug my bottom lip between my teeth as I take in my new bodyguard.
Despite the size of my home, Jayden seems to fill the space with his masculinity, wide shoulders, and bulky arms.
I’d already spotted the tattoos just under his collar and am pretty certain there are more to explore on his ripped torso.What a shame I’ll never get to do it.
I’ve learned that lesson already.
Just after I turned eighteen, I slept with one of my bodyguards, Mark Benton.Dad found out and all hell broke loose.While it felt totally worth it at the time, discovering he lost his job was not.
Worse, I thought he loved me.
I waited for him to contact me and confess his feelings despite his job loss.It never happened.
I was heartbroken.
Then I heard several of the security team had been talking smack about having their turn with me.All hell broke loose when dad found out.
Mom and Dad gave me a stern lesson in reputation as a woman that night; I almost died of shame.
So, I don’t have any doubt that if I showed Jayden a hint of the attraction I feel for him right now he’d be just like those other men; keen to fuck the pretty little rich girl with a Maybach in the garage, the girl who lost her diamonds.
Even if he does act like a southern gentleman.
Tiffany, are you naked under that raincoat?
My God, I wanted the floor to swallow me whole.
“Welcome to my studio.”I wave out an arm, presenting my main office and studio, and force myself to ignore all the hotness rolling off him.
Jayden looks as unimpressed as a person can as he takes in the backdrops, cameras, ring lights, tripods, and my products displayed beautifully on shelves.
Zero reaction.
We could be at the grocery store choosing tomatoes for the excitement on his face.
I should have expected it.
“What am I looking at here?”He frowns.“Did the burglars come in here also?”
I suppress my sigh.
“No, thank goodness.”I walk past him and pick up a red lip gloss.Unscrewing the lid, I pull out the glossy stick and replace it.“I wanted you to see what I do, where all the magic happens, so you understand what you’ll be dealing with every day.”
Jayden’s brows slowly lift as if what I said was preposterous.
“That’s not necessary,” he says, glancing around before locking his gaze with mine.“My focus will be on securing the property and any threats to you when we are out.Not...makeup.”
I drop the stick.
“Fine.”Walking over to my desk, I drop into the chair and tap the keyboard to bring up my planner.“Then let’s get down to business.Give me your email address, and I’ll send you my calendar for the month.You can arrange whatever is necessary.”
Jayden walks up behind me and hovers over me.His aftershave has hints of whisky and musk.I resist the urge to turn my head and draw in an audible breath.
Just.
