Hard to Forget

  I take the chance to push my boot into his side and roll him to his stomach. He tries to push up but I’ve already got one of his hands. I jerk it up behind his back and he grunts in pain. I lean down and whisper into his ear, “Not bad for a girl, hey?”

  Then I let him go and stand up.

  Nak, Kyle and I watch as he pushes up and gets to his feet. He turns to us and there’s blood dripping from his nose. Nak is doing a poor job at hiding the pride in his eyes, and Kyle is grinning. Jax’s eyes shoot to me and narrow. Then he turns towards Nak and grunts, “Fine, but if she screws up, know that I’ll be on your back, and I’ll be riding it fucking hard.”

  Nak nods. “She won’t screw up. Laney is more than capable of protecting you.”

  Jax glares at me again. “We’ll see.”

  He’s still not convinced.

  I’ll change that.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Nak paces the room while Kyle and I sit, watching him. He’s listing off all the rules that come with protecting Jax. I’m listening, trying to get them all in while suffocating my nerves and trying desperately to bring out my brave. This is my first major case and I can’t afford to screw it up. I need to be professional and efficient and alert.

  “Jax works a lot, and he’s paying extra for full protection. Which means you will be on duty with him at all times. He has areas you can rest and stay when he’s at his hotels or in his office or apartment, he will advise you of those when you start. He travels a lot, too. When he does, you will be in an adjoining room. Any events he travels to, you will accompany him. If he asks you to join him, you will do that too. When he’s at home, he will have a room for you. You are expected to swap shifts, so you can both catch up on sleep and spend time with your families.”

  “How am I to be by Delaney’s side for the first period if I’m sleeping while she’s working?” Kyle points out.

  Nak almost glares at him, almost. “Delaney is not incapable, Kyle. I will have you both together as much as possible. For example, if you are with Jax at his home, you can take turns while the other sleeps, considering he will always have a space for you to be able to rest. You will be close if Delaney needs you, but she also gets the chance to prove herself on her own.”

  I smirk at Kyle, who glares at me.

  “Jax is a difficult man, and he doesn’t like his space being crowded, but he feels uneasy enough to want you there. When you’re at his house, you stay outside his door, or out of his line of sight. When you’re on the street, you don’t smother him. You are sworn to keep anything you see with him private, so make sure you do. His personal life is none of your business, so keep out of it.”

  We both nod.

  “He travels a lot, so that’s something you both need to be prepared for. This is a big job. He needs round the clock protection.”

  “Do we know why?” Kyle asks.

  Nak nods slightly. “I do, however I am only able to tell you so much.”

  “How are we supposed to protect him if we don’t know what we’re looking out for?” Kyle mutters.

  Nak shoots him a look. “All you need to know is that Jax is in a significant amount of danger. He saw something he shouldn’t have and the police are involved. There’s word that the particular people in question know that Jax was a witness and is speaking to authorities, and there’s fear they’ll come after him to make sure he doesn’t share any more information.”

  My skin prickles. That’s horrible.

  “That means this case is dangerous. You need to keep your eyes open. These people aren’t going to be aiming for you, so you’re relatively safe, but if they decide to come after Jax, you could be in the line of fire. You need to think ahead, think of ways you can keep him safe when he’s out in public. Are you sure you’re both up for this?”

  He’s looking at me, because he knows Kyle is well and truly up for it.

  “Do you think I’m ready?” I ask pointedly.

  “I think you have what it takes, Laney. I need to know you believe that, too. It’s a big case, I’m throwing you right into the middle of the world you’ve fought so hard to be in. Kyle will be right there with you until we’re both sure you can handle it on your own, but I have no doubt that won’t be long.”

  So really, he’s not fully trusting me the way he did with everyone else. None of them had an escort, they all got to move right into it on their own. I’m okay with that—I think.

  “I’m ready,” I say, raising my chin.

  He nods. “I have done a full folder up on Jaxson Shields. Read it, familiarize yourself with him—to fully understand the job, you need to know the ins and outs of his life and everyone in it. You will be paid well for this. The details of that are in the folder, also. You both start tomorrow.”

  Tomorrow.

  Tomorrow my hard work becomes a reality.

  CHAPTER SIX

  The dude is a manwhore.

  I’m reading Jax’s file, and I may or may not have done a heap of Googling. From what I can see, he’s very, very rich, extremely well known, excessively popular and has a different girl on his arm each night. Well, that’s what gossip magazine articles told me anyway. They must be true. I snort and flick through the file some more, staring at pictures of the hotels, Jax’s apartment, his office, and the security systems he has in place.

  Not bad but we’ve ordered better ones to be put in, for safety’s sake.

  He owns twenty-three hotels across the United States. Twenty. Three. They are all hugely successful. His first one is here in Denver, which he opened about eight years ago. It took off like a rocket and he opened a chain of them. I have never been inside any of them, but I have heard they’re amazing. Not only do they boast amazing rooms, but also incredible bars and restaurants all in the same place.

  Let’s not forget the expensive casinos in each. Because it’s not a hotel without a casino, right?

  With a huff, I flip the folder closed and lay back on my bed. I’ve packed everything I need. I don’t know how much I’m going to see my house in the next few months, but Jed assured me he would come by often and check on things to make sure everything is fine, plus with my aunt and uncle next door, I’m sure it’ll be okay.

  “Laney?”

  I lift my head at the sound of Aunt Bett’s voice echoing through my apartment. I push off my bed and plod out into the living area, to see her standing, smiling at me. Aunt Bett is a tiny woman, but don’t let that fool you, she’s a pocket rocket and doesn’t take any rubbish from anyone. She’s beautiful, even now her raven black hair has little strands of grey. Her blue eyes are full of knowledge and rimmed with laughter lines.

  Aunt Bett is always smiling.

  “Hey, Aunt Bett,” I say, walking over and wrapping my arms around her.

  “How are you, love? I haven’t heard from you in a few days.”

  I pull back and smile down at her. “I got my first major case.”

  Her eyes widen and she smiles. “You did?”

  “Yep, it’s the one I’ve been waiting for. I’m so happy.”

  Fear flashes over her face. She supports my job choice, but it scares her, I know it does. I place a gentle hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, I’m trained for this, Aunt Bett.”

  “Oh, I know.” She smiles. “But it doesn’t mean I can’t worry about you.”

  “I would think you were ill if you didn’t.”

  He face gets even more gentle, her eyes softening and relief washing through her features. “So, tell me about this case.”

  I only tell her what I can, and let her know that it’s pretty much all day every day so I might not see her and Uncle George a lot, but I promise to call every few days. She makes a cup of tea for us both as she listens, and then we both sit on my patio, staring out at the city lights.

  “Are you nervous?” she asks me, sliding a cookie towards me.

  I shrug. “Sure, I guess. I’m more worried I’ll do something wrong. All the training in the world can’t prepare me for th
e real thing. I mean, I can defend myself, but it’s knowing when a person is dangerous or not that’s getting me. The small cases I’ve done weren’t anything like this—this man needs constant protection.”

  She waves a finger. “You’re going to be amazing at this. You’re the smartest girl I know. Go with your gut, it’s always right.”

  “But what if it isn’t?” I question. “How will I know, if someone looks suspicious, if they’re actually a bad person?”

  “You don’t, you just go with it. Keep him out of danger the best you can, and if you feel threatened you act on that threat.”

  “When did you get so smart?” I grin at her.

  “I’ve always been smart,” she laughs.

  “How’s Uncle George doing with his newest interest?”

  Uncle George is a retired doctor. He’s gone through many new interests to keep him busy. First it was painting, which he failed epically at. Then came the cooking classes—Uncle George burns toast. Now he’s trying his hand at carving.

  Aunt Bett snorts.

  “He carved an alligator. It looks like a run-over snake.”

  I laugh loudly. “Poor Uncle George, he’ll find his talent eventually.”

  “Oh,” she says, standing. “He has a talent, love. It’s called sleeping, passing gas and annoying the ever-living shit out of me.”

  I burst out laughing and stand too, following her inside.

  “Have you seen Jed lately?”

  “He came by with Mitch this afternoon,” she says, washing up our cups. Then she turns and hugs me again. “I’ve had visits with all my favorites today, I can sleep a happy woman.”

  I squeeze her tight. “I’ll call you, Aunt Bett.”

  “You make sure you do.”

  She pats my shoulder and then heads out, shutting my door behind her. I walk over and lock it, then I flick out the living area lights and head to my bathroom. Once I’m showered and ready for bed, I slide beneath my covers, figuring I had better get some good rest tonight, because I don’t know how much I’ll get tomorrow.

  I’m just about to flick my lamp off, when my phone buzzes with a text message. I groan and reach over, taking it off the bedside table. It’s Kyle.

  Kyle—Are you ready for tomorrow? Have you done your homework?

  Of course I’m ready. What does he think I’m doing? Having a party?

  Delaney—Of course I have. I’m not stupid.

  Kyle—I never said you were, I’m your supervisor, I’m just checking.

  Delaney—You’re assisting, Nak never said the word supervisor. Stop talking yourself up. You’ll get a big head.

  Kyle—Too late for that. Be at my place by seven.

  Delaney—Why your place? Why can’t you come here?

  Kyle—My place is closer to where Jaxson works.

  Of course it is. He probably paced it out just to make sure.

  Delaney—Fine, I’m going to sleep.

  Kyle—Sweet dreams, princess.

  Jerk.

  I shove my phone back on the bedside table and roll to my side, sighing and closing my eyes.

  Tomorrow all my efforts either pay off or shatter into a thousand tiny pieces.

  * * *

  Holy hell.

  Jaxson Shields works from his main Elite hotel, and it’s massive. I’ve never seen it, because I don’t often come to the nicer side of Denver, but this … this is huge. I’m talking thirty floors, at least, and so flash it makes its competitors look, well, pathetic. The outside has stunning, big stone arches on the bottom floor, slowly narrowing up to a point at the top. It’s kind of like a tower, only the most magnificent tower I’ve ever seen.

  Kyle and I walk through the front doors, and are immediately greeted by staff wanting to help us. They are incredibly friendly, and lead us to the golden, shiny reception desk. Six ladies are behind that desk, on phones, talking to customers and smiling. One stops and looks to us. “Welcome, how may I be of assistance this morning?”

  I blink.

  Kyle answers.

  “We’re here for Mr. Shields. We’re his new security.”

  She studies us, me mostly, and then nods and picks up the phone. We both take a seat while we wait. I shift uncomfortably in my long black pants. I’m not used to looking so … professional. I still haven’t gotten comfortable in our uniform, but Kyle assures me the more I wear it, the sooner I will.

  It consists of black pants and a short-sleeved black polo top with the company logo right over my left breast. The top is tight fitting, and I’ve spent my entire morning squirming, trying to ease it up. We’re fitted with radios, a handgun—which we had full training for before we could use it—a Taser and for me, pepper spray. Whatever, I chose to take it. I have a little earpiece that connects me to Kyle, and a small speaker attached to my shirt.

  “Mr. Shields will see you now, allow me to escort you.”

  We both look up to see a young man in a black suit smiling down at us. Standing, I run my hand over my neat hair that’s pulled back in a ponytail, to make sure I look respectable. Kyle pushes to his feet, his face stoic. Then we follow the man towards the lift. My heart is pounding by the time we step inside. God, I hope I don’t screw this up.

  It seems like it takes us long minutes to get to the top floor of the building, when really it probably took less than thirty seconds. The elevator dings open and we all step out into a long hall. The man leads us to the door right at the end of the hall, that has the number 532 on it. God, are there five hundred rooms in this hotel? I know this is considered one of his smaller buildings. I wonder how big his other ones are.

  The man knocks on the door and a moment later, a gruff voice calls out, “Yeah, come in.”

  He pushes the door open, and Kyle steps in front of me and goes in first. Gritting my teeth, I step into the massive space behind him. I stop dead in my tracks and my mouth falls open. The room is ginormous. No, seriously, it must take up half a damned floor. The first thing I see is the massive desk in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, and at that desk sits Jax Shields.

  To the left of his gigantic desk is a door that leads into a room. A proper bedroom, with an elegant bed, a sofa and a little dining area. I have no idea if that room continues on, but my first thought is man, this dude seriously works too much if his office and bedroom are in the same place. To the right, I glimpse a massive bathroom. Yep, fully fitted out to live in at all times.

  Poor guy clearly has no life.

  In this main living area, there are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on the front wall, which is interesting. Jaxson Shields doesn’t seem like the type to read, however the shelves are packed. Those might come in handy in the hours where boredom takes me over. My eyes go back to the desk, where Jax is sitting, and my heart skips a beat.

  Today he’s wearing a suit similar to the one that he was wearing when I met him, only this time the shirt beneath it is dark blue, giving him an even more rugged edge. My eyes travel over his face, over those grey eyes, and settle on his lips. God he’s good looking. I shake my head, snapping myself out of it. I can hardly be an effective bodyguard if I’m ogling him instead of doing my job.

  “That’s all, Ken,” Jax says and the man who led us up here nods and leaves the room.

  Kyle steps forward, professional as ever, back straight and face blank. “If you wouldn’t mind allowing us to take a few minutes to go over your weekly schedules, that would be appreciated. We want to make sure we have planned security ahead of time.”

  Jax studies him, then his eyes finally move to me and his jaw goes tight. I know he isn’t happy with having me on the job, but he’s obviously worried enough that he’s given himself no choice.

  “Are you going to be with her at all times?” Jax asks, nodding at me.

  Kyle looks to me, then back to Jax. “For a few weeks, yes. Then we’ll be swapping shifts.”

  “Not sure I’m comfortable with her being on her own.”

  I bristle, but keep my mouth shut and sta
nd straight, face blank, copying Kyle.

  “That’s something you need to discuss with Nak. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go over your schedule for the week.”

  Jax turns and glares at Kyle, and I smother a laugh. Kyle won’t take that well. He’s not the kind of man that enjoys someone more dominant than him. Still, he takes it like a boss and doesn’t even flinch. Jax holds his eyes for a long moment, then finally turns and reaches into a filing cabinet behind him, bringing out two yellow folders. He places them on his desk and slides them towards us.

  We both take one and sit down in the seats beside us. I open my folder and it’s filled with information, schedules, phone numbers and contacts. Jax starts talking as we flip through them. “This week is busy. I’ll be here at least two times during the evenings. There’s a room next to this one that has all the basics. You can both take turns resting in there. Whoever is with me will be in the room with me at all times, obviously.”

  We both nod.

  “I have a charity event on Friday night, I’ll need someone to accompany me. I figure that’s where the girl can come in handy, as she can dress up and act as a guest, while being by my side and providing security.”

  The girl.

  The girl.

  I slap the folder down. I can be professional, and do my job properly, but I deserve the same respect anyone in my position would get. “Delaney,” I snap.

  His eyes shoot to me and Kyle’s head swivels, and he too gives me a truly ugly look. I ignore it and glare at Jax.

  “What?” he growls.

  “My name is Delaney, not the girl. I’m showing you respect, Mr. Shields, I expect the same in return.”

  “Who is paying you?” he hisses.

  “That’s beside the point…”

  “Delaney!” Kyle snaps, reaching over and curling his fingers around my wrist, squeezing in warning. “Enough.”

  I bite my lip when really all I want to do is scream and tell him exactly what I think of him. The arrogant, chauvinistic pig. I straighten, wipe my face blank of emotion and mutter, “Very well, what else?”