Out of Control(39)
“Actually, better than I’ve ever seen her,” Jake said. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Much. “You told me to keep my hands to myself—remember?”
“And when have you ever done what anyone told you?”
“So why did you tell me hands off?”
“She’s a virgin. She’s not in your league. But it’s more than that. I’ve known Dani since she joined up, and there’s something bad in her past. I don’t know what. I doubt even Jess or Kim know, but there’s something. I don’t want her hurt.”
“I don’t hurt women. I like women.”
“I know, but Dani’s different.”
Too right.
“But something’s changed,” Jake mused. “And why does she keep looking this way? Looking at you?” He turned to stare at Zach through narrowed eyes, then to Dani, and back to him. His jaw clenched. “Shit. You bastard.”
Zach held up his hands in mock defense. “Hey, your warning came a little late.”
“You saw her as a challenge.”
“No I didn’t, though she didn’t have a very high opinion of me. And by the way, did you call me an asshole in my file? Because I’m beginning to wonder if that’s how you see me. Actually, I like her. And I backed off as soon as you warned me.” Sort of. A vision of Dani coming apart in his arms on the plane only hours earlier flashed through his mind. “But really, Jake, it’s none of your goddamn business. Dani’s a grown woman. She can make her own decisions.”
Amusement flashed in Jake’s eyes. Perhaps he might have been a little vehement.
“Well, maybe I was hasty,” Jake said. “Anything that can make her look that good can’t be all bad.”
“Thanks,” Zach muttered.
“Just look after her. She’s a friend.”
“That’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“I want Dani off the protection detail.”
“Why? Is she not doing her job? Or have you had enough of her already? Well, you clean up your own—”
“Shut up, Jake.” He thought about what to say. He didn’t want to get her into trouble, and Jake was her employer, after all. But he could still feel that prickle of fear he’d experienced walking through the airport with Dani behind him—protecting him. “I haven’t had enough of her, I…”
“You don’t think she’s doing her job? Conflict of interest? She’s perhaps decided she’d rather have you dead?”
“Fuck off.”
Jake grinned. “You don’t want her risking her life to keep you safe.”
It wasn’t a question.
“I can’t fucking stand it. I nearly freaked out at the airport this morning.”
Jake studied him as though he were some interesting specimen who wasn’t behaving as expected. “If she was off the detail, she’d presumably come back to London. She’d probably be reassigned to another job. If she wants it.”
“If she wants it,” Zach repeated. “She could stay in Spain, take a vacation. She likes the villa.” Or he could wait until this farce was all cleared up and then they could spend some time together. Maybe she’d come to stay with him in L.A. The thought surprised him—he’d never invited a woman to his home in L.A. before.
Jake shook his head. “You know, you’re treading on dangerous ground here.”
“I am?”
“She wouldn’t take kindly to someone suggesting she couldn’t do her job. She might even shoot you herself.”
“So you won’t do it?”
Jake lifted one casual shoulder. “Not for me to do. You’ll have to take it up with Jess. She’s in charge for the next couple of weeks.”
“Bastard.” He knew Jake could take her off the case if he wanted to. So why didn’t he? He’d wanted Zach to keep away—this could be the perfect opportunity to ensure that happened. So why wasn’t he jumping at the chance?
Across the room, Dani spoke a few words to the other two and headed off, presumably to the bathroom.
“Come on,” Jake said. “I want my wife back, and I’ll introduce you to Jess.”
Zach gave him a sour look. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll try and seduce her?”
Jake laughed. “She’d eat you alive.”
Kim turned around as they approached, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Jake. She moved into his arms and the two kissed.
“Aw, isn’t that sweet,” the blonde said.
They eventually pulled apart. “Zach, this is Jess, my second in command. Jess, this is Zach.”