Page 13 of Let Me Protect You

I roll my eyes. “Whatever.”

Pushing to my feet, my legs wobble, and Elias catches me. He pulls me closer to him, and I have the urge to lean into him. It’s almost as if I’m thrown back to my eighteen-year-old self. His scent—pine trees with a hint of coffee—wafts through my nose. It’s the exact same as before.

No. I need to remember that he isn’t the same guy as before. And even though he’s the one who ghosted me, he somehow believes I’m the one at fault.

Chapter 7

Elias

We end up at a truck stop about halfway through the drive to refuel and take a bathroom break the next day. Sully had to rush out before we sat down for dinner the previous day. He’ll check in with us in a few days. He was looking forward to seeing Harmony again after all the years she was gone. I saw the flash of disappointment that crossed his face when he said he had to go.

Serenity rushes her daughter inside, who is now doing what looks like a pee dance. Harmony follows them with a baseball cap pulled down over her face, and I quicken my pace to stay on top of the women.

Harmony moves surprisingly fast as she maneuvers around curious onlookers.

I wince when my side pinches, and I press my mouth into a straight line to hold back the curses that almost burst free. My movements are too quick, but I have to keep up. Looking over at Harmony, she’s only a step ahead of me. Those leggings hug her legs, showing every curve …

Don’t check her out, asshole.

During the drive, it took everything in me to not look at her. Serenity was driving so I could heal in peace, and I had nothing to distract myself.

Needing my head clear, I shake my head and scan our surroundings. A few random people stare at Harmony like they think she looks familiar but can’t quite place her. If I hadn’t thought to buy her new clothes, people would’ve already recognized Harmony in her wedding gown.

Shit. Her wedding gown. And that’s all the reminder I need that we’re history.

A couple of girls who appear to be no older than eighteen or nineteen have their phones out and point them at Harmony. Well, fuck. People are catching on. They whisper to each other as we walk by, and I catch them saying Harmony’s name. No one cares about privacy as long as they have a good story to post on social media. But they’re going to give away our location.

I move to Harmony’s side, blocking the girls’ view. Harmony’s arm brushes against mine, and I pull away as discreetly as I can. She’s like a magnet, and I can’t resist the attraction.

There needs to be at least two feet between us so no more of those mishaps happen. If I allow myself to get too close to her, then I’m afraid all of my old feelings—emotions that had taken years to get over—will charge in like a bull, and I’m the one waving the red flag.

Her standing outside in her glittery wedding dress with the sun shining on her like a halo is seared into my brain. I gulp. Then I suck in a deep breath.

After our breakup, I never thought I’d witness the sight. Now I’ll probably dream of her wearing it every night until she leaves. She’s so goddamn gorgeous that she blinds me when I look at her. Even with her hair thrown up into a ponytail and no makeup, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

These thoughts have to stop now. She’s only my client, and I can’t allow myself to get distracted. Her life is literally on the line. Someone attacked her only yesterday. And you’re injured like an idiot because you didn’t keep your head in the game.

A couple stops walking and stares. The woman’s voice trails after us as we walk by, “I’m telling you that’s Harmony from Everlasting Love.”

Even though they have no business talking about Harmony, I bite my tongue. There’s no need to get into a fight, which will draw more attention. Harmony and her family disappear into the bathroom, and I stand outside. I try my best to stand off to the side so I don’t look like a creep, but some women are eyeing me already.

My phone vibrates within my pocket, and I quickly check my watch. I have to answer. Sully might have new pressing information for me after we left.

I fish my phone out of my pocket. “This is Sanchez.”

“I thought you weren’t going to answer.” The relief in Sully’s voice is palpable. “Is she safe?”

I nod but then remember he can’t see me, so I say, “Yes, she’s safe. I’m trying to get us back to Granite Falls as soon as possible, but the women have to use the restroom.”

He sighs. “I assigned Mike to go question this Tagger guy, and I have other men working on finding out where the texts were sent from, but so far no luck. Different numbers connected to burner phones. I rarely do P.I. work, so I might have to hire someone outside.”

“I understand. Can you also have your guys try to find any photos and videos of Harmony and remove them? These idiots at the truck stop are taking pictures of her and are going to lead a trail right to her.”

“Yes, I’ll get right on it.”

We say our goodbyes, and I hang up. Hopefully he gets everything taken down in time.

A woman who appears to be in her mid-twenties walks up to Harmony the moment she’s out of the restroom. “Excuse me. Are you Harmony from Everlasting—”