Captured by the Bodyguard(22)

Lamar turned, saw them approaching, and smirked. “Looks like I’ll just roll off back to my side of the playground, kiddies. See you around, sweet cheeks,” he added cockily to the seething Alexandra.

“If you value the use of your limbs, stay the fuck away from her,” Cane said coldly through the tightest clenched teeth Alexandra had ever seen. She shivered at the icy tone in his voice and actually felt fearful for Lamar. She knew Cane was ex-military which meant he must have some bad-ass skills when it came to hand combat. And then of course, he was a freaking bodyguard. The last thing Alexandra wanted was to ruin Malia’s party by letting Cane smash the smug Lamar’s handsome face in, not to mention probably breaking one or any of his limbs as Cane had promised.

But Lamar’s response was merely that cool smile, before turning smartly around and making for his table across the club just when the bouncers reached them. Malia apologized deeply to Alexandra who waved her words off.

“There was no way you’d have known he’d be here. He must have heard about the party from some old mutual friends of ours and decided to show up just to aggravate me. I’m fine,” Alexandra sighed, before adding with a sultry smile meant for the man whom she still had latched against her, “Or I will be if I convince this dashing gentleman to join my for a twirl. I’ve been dreaming of getting at least one dance with him tonight.”

Cane’s expression softened at her hopeful tone, his body finally easing from the coiled spring his muscles had felt like beneath her fingers. Malia grinned, looking hot in her sapphire blue studded peplum dress as she winked at her best friend encouragingly. “I’ll go tell the DJ to fire up something sweet and sexy; maybe a little bit of Bruno Mars or better yet, some Trey Songz.”

Alexandra playfully swooned. “You know how to speak my language, girl. Step to it,” Alexandra urged, while Malia chuckled at Cane’s long-suffering expression which he replaced with a wry smile.

Once Malia was gone, Alexandra turned to Cane, her smile suddenly shy as she met his gaze. She closed the gap between them, reveling in the way he felt like he fitted perfectly against her now trembling frame. Thoughts of Lamar’s unexpected appearance, or his annoying antics, fled from her mind as she gazed up into Cane’s smoldering eyes.

Suddenly, the music was replaced by the familiar crooning of one of Trey Songz sexy slow hit tracks, and Alexandra hummed in appreciation. Suddenly, everything felt perfect, especially since Cane didn’t look like he’d be flinging her out of his arms soon.

“I should have decked that asshole for the way he was speaking to you,” Cane growled, and Alexandra felt his fingers tighten on her hips.

She sighed heavily, shaking her head in negation. “Thank you…for not losing your cool,” she said quietly as she settled her cheek against his chest. She inhaled the warm, fresh scent of his woodsy cologne that lingered there and felt the butterflies in her belly surge. She lifted her face to gaze up into his tender-looking eyes. “Even I know you could easily have brought Lamar a whole lot of pain for the crazy shit he was starting.”

It was Cane’s turn to sigh deeply. “I sensed you wouldn’t want to break up Malia’s party. I know enough about clubs to realize that a few punches get thrown and the next thing, people are flinging bottles and chairs at each other. But trust me, that Lamar would have been the last person to be joining up in any fights because I’d have flattened his lights out in seconds.”

“Not that I don’t think he’d have deserved it, but I’m glad you didn’t,” Alexandra said with a soft smile. Her hands skimmed down to rest against his chest and she could feel the dull thud of his heartbeat beneath her searching palms. His chest expanded with his sharply indrawn breath as her breasts crushed against him tantalizingly. “This feels so good,” Alexandra sighed, closing her eyes and just reveling. Cane, holding her close, his chest beating against hers. That was a little bit of paradise right there; and she never wanted to let it go.

“Alexandra…”

“Please,” she breathed softly, once again looking up at him, her eyes wide and soft. “Don’t tell me I can’t have this. Just this once, to feel like I’m treasured, appreciated.”

His breath rushed raggedly from his chest. “You are treasured. And I do appreciate you, Alexandra,” he said, holding her gaze soberly. “You’re smart, fun, hardworking especially when it comes to your designing as well as your charity projects. I’ve watched you all these weeks and I know you have every right to act the spoiled little rich girl but despite the luxury and pampering you’ve been accustomed to, you don’t let yourself shirk any responsibility that comes your way. And I’ve seen your designs and I know you’re gifted. I also know you’re beautiful and kind-hearted and will make some lucky man very happy one day.”