Muscle for Hire(11)

“So tell me, how does a super soldier end up being a bodyguard for a rock star?” She leant forward, the nightclub’s muted light glinting in her eyes. “Did you get wounded?”

Aslin shook his head. “No. I just needed a change of scenery.”

“And now you’re working on a Hollywood movie.” She sipped her scotch, studying him over the brim of the glass. “Planning on becoming an actor next?”

He shook his head, holding her inspection. “I don’t suit the lifestyle. Besides, I have a very limited range. Stoic and menacing.”

“Don’t suit the lifestyle?” Her eyes narrowed. “After all those years as Nick Blackthorne’s bodyguard? I would have thought you’d be used to the lifestyle? I’ve read the stories about his indulgences. The wild parties, the women, the excesses. Surely you miss it? You were in among it for so long, right? I bet more than one fan or record-label executive offered whatever you wanted for a chance at Nick.”

He took another drink. “The stories aren’t all true.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “Really?”

Aslin knew exactly what Rowan was doing. Weighing up the man who had suddenly become a part of her brother’s life, no matter how recently—or vaguely. He held her gaze with his, understanding her actions this afternoon a little more. She may not need protecting, but in her opinion her brother did. From the life fame delivered. He understood that. He’d done his best during his years as Nick’s bodyguard to protect him from the wildness, especially when he was still in his twenties. It hadn’t been easy. At times, he was still surprised Nick had survived it all.

And that’s what she fears, boyo. Her brother getting caught up in it…and maybe not walking away with his life.

“I won’t lead him astray,” he said. “Nor tell him any tales of Nick’s wild days.”

A calm stillness fell over Rowan. She stared at him, a fine muscle in her jaw bunching. “I would hurt you if you did.”

“I know.”

She didn’t take her focus from his face. “I’m serious. He’s too important to me to lose to the lifestyle. He doesn’t need another party buddy or drinking chum. Or someone to help him spend his money or to tag along to celebrity dinners and award shows. If you think you can gain something from him, if you think he’s a free ride to your next change of scenery, you’re sorely mistaken.”

Warm approval rolled through Aslin. It threaded through the base physical attraction he felt for Rowan. There was so much more to this woman than just a gorgeous body and sexy strength. She was protective, stubborn and not afraid to face any challenge to those she loved.

The realization was unsettling. It made the heavy pressure in his groin all the more exquisite and painful. Mindless fucking wasn’t mindless when the woman he was fucking stirred him on an emotional level as well. And Christ, did Rowan Hemsworth stir him on an emotional level.

His blood roared in his ears. The adrenaline still lingering in his veins from his earlier mechanical-bull ride surged through him again, this time fed by an excitement far more potent.

He could fall for Rowan Hemsworth if he let himself. Hard. Fast.

The thought made his mouth dry. He’d had numerous lovers in his time, but nothing serious. Protecting Nick—and then Lauren and Josh—had been his priority. He met his sexual desires when needed and went back to work. But that work, that life, was almost in his past. What did that mean for everything else in his life?

“So tell me, super soldier—” Rowan’s stare held his, a shadow deep in her eyes Aslin longed to understand, “—what exactly are you hoping to achieve working on Dead Even with my brother?”

To get to know you better.

The words, the confession, almost slipped from him. They were there, right on his tongue. They made his heart thump harder and his stomach coil. Instead, he leant forward, drew his gaze level with Rowan’s and said, “To make him the most believable super soldier Hollywood has ever seen.”

“Oh well, in that case—” she chinked her glass against his, a smile playing with her lips, “—here’s to super soldiers on and off screen.”

She downed her scotch in a single mouthful and then ran the tip of her tongue along her top lip. Aslin stared at the small pink tip of flesh, hypnotized. He wondered what it would feel like sliding against his. Would she taste of scotch if he kissed her now? Or would her mouth be sweet and warm?

Would he lose himself in the kiss? Would she moan into his mouth and wrap her arms around his back?

Would she press her hips to his?

Would she—