Seduced by the Bodyguard (Forbidden Confessions Book 5) Read online

  And I hate that she seems to have lost her damn mind. Was she always so full of malice?

  Never mind. Not important. What is? Figuring out how to deal with Dorinda. The old me—before Rand—would have asked what she wanted and done my best to comply. Of course, the me without Rand wouldn’t have escaped the parade alive. We might not have had a lot of time to talk about how I should defend myself, but I learned a lot from observing him. One thing I know? Rand would never give in.

  Neither will I.

  “Very clever,” I murmur. Let her think she’s got the upper hand.

  “I told you. You just didn’t believe in me enough.”

  Wrong. I knew her professional limitations. They cost me millions. “Then we’re even. You didn’t believe in me enough, either. You sold me short.”

  “I proceeded cautiously. After all, most child stars fail at going adult.”

  “I’m not most.” Clandestinely, I align my elbow with her stomach, situated directly behind me, then give a vicious shove.

  Instantly, she doubles over with an “Oomph!”

  I don’t dare wait for a better opportunity or for Rand to return. Heart roaring, I spin around and shove her onto her butt. She’s not any bigger than me, but I’m stronger. I have surprise on my side. And I’m absolutely determined to come out of this in one piece.

  But when I bend to swipe the gun from her, she raises it again and points it in my face. “You stupid fucking bitch. I’ve never killed anyone, but I’ll enjoy wasting you.”

  Oh, god. It’s over. As I stare down the barrel of her gun, I know I’ve failed.

  Then I hear a gunshot. I flinch, waiting to fall, to die, for my senses to shut down forever. Instead, something warm splatters me—blood?—as Dorinda jerks back. Then she flops to the grass like a ragdoll, unmoving.

  “Sophie! Are you okay?”

  Rand! I turn and find him rushing up the hill, straight toward me, his aim still pinned on Dorinda.

  “I-I’m fine.” I think. My voice trembles, but I’m in one piece.

  I’m alive—thanks to him.

  At Dorinda’s side, he kicks the weapon from her hand and bends to check her pulse. A moment later, he lets out a relieved breath. “She’s dead.”

  With a cry, I launch myself into Rand’s arms. “I wouldn’t have made it without you. Thank you.”

  He shakes his head, then pulls me even closer. “You kept her talking and held her off until I could get a clean shot. Thank God.”

  I hear his heart hammering against the side of my face. Every muscle in his body is taut. Then he dips his head to take my lips in a fevered kiss. “I don’t know what you think should happen between us next, but you’ll have to get a restraining order and a crowbar to pry me away from you.”

  “I don’t want either. I just want you. Always.”

  “Good. I want to spend my life with you, Sophie. Wherever that takes us, we’ll do it together.”

  “We should start by getting married.” It’s unconventional as far as proposals go, but why not?

  “You took the words out of my mouth.” He smiles as he presses a kiss to my forehead, then gives me a solemn stare. “But first we need to call the police and sort through the red tape.”

  He’s right. “I’ll need to call David, too. He can do damage control with the press.”

  “You up to that?”

  If that’s what it takes to spend my life with Rand? “Yeah.”

  And while I’ve got David on the phone, I’ll also tell him that I’m downshifting my career to enjoy some life with the handsome hunk of bodyguard who turned out to be the man of my dreams. And I can’t wait to get started on my forever with him.

  New Year’s Eve

  Bartonville, Texas

  “You ready, honey?” Rand cups my arm and drops a soft kiss onto my shoulder.

  I can’t believe it’s been almost six months since we met. To say we’ve been inseparable is an understatement.

  After the police descended on the cottage in Granbury that horrible night, they thankfully agreed that Rand shot Dorinda in my defense, ending one nightmare. But the press became another, printing every detail of our Fourth of July they could dig up—our escape from the parade, a photo of me wearing Rand’s shirt as we crossed the street hand-in-hand, him kissing me in the buggy. Instantly, rumors of our romance began to buzz. Poor Rand couldn’t get a moment’s peace after that.

  I turn to him solemnly. “More than ready. What about you? Are you sure? I’ve made your life hell since we met.”

  “No, the press has made my life hell. You’ve been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  His words melt my heart. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m thrilled we’ve made it work, despite the challenges.”

  “Me, too.” He kisses me softly.

  God, I love his man. We’ve had to learn to communicate and compromise. Rand has had to swallow his pride more than once. But he’s been supportive and understanding, no matter what.

  The first month of his employment in Bartonville was hell with press and my fans stalking him in and around the police headquarters. He had to sell the house he’d bought before he ever moved in. I know that annoyed him, just like I know it chafed to take refuge in a house behind a gate and a guard. The five million for its purchase came mostly from my bank account. Rand wanted to object…but we both agreed that safety had to come before pride.

  Our first month in the house was rocky. Going from an eight-hundred-square-foot apartment to an eight-thousand-square-foot house took a lot of adjusting for Rand. He questioned what the hell we were going to do with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms…until we christened them all. We also found out that we still had a lot to learn about each other. He didn’t count on me being a neat freak. I didn’t know he likes to play video games when he suffers from insomnia. But we’ve adjusted to one another’s quirks. He showed me the joys of skinny-dipping at midnight. I tried to teach him to cook, which we both decided is a lost cause. But it’s fine since I love being in the kitchen. And he loves eating…then having me for dessert.

  For me, it’s been unusual to be in one place for weeks on end. Not bad, just different—especially after the new album dropped. I did far fewer public appearances in support, and those I did, I found myself flanked by Rand or Rob, sometimes both. The success of the album exceeded my wildest expectations, and the pressure to tour and do the late-night circuit was enormous. But I finally sat David down and told him this album would be my last for a while, maybe even forever.

  “So…” I look up at him, trying to tamp my nerves down. “We’re really doing this?”

  “We really are,” he assures. “Unless you’re having second thoughts?”

  “Never.”

  The doorbell rings, and he glances at his watch. “Right on time. I’ll get the door.”

  “I’ll meet you in the dining room in a few. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. I can’t wait.” He kisses me one more time, then leaves our bedroom, looking incredibly swoon-worthy in his black suit. I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I turn and shimmy into my dress.

  As I’m struggling with the fastening at the back, David walks in. “Wow. You look incredible. Do you need help with that?”

  “Please.”

  With a smile, he walks behind me. “You’re lucky I’m good with a corset.”

  This tidbit somehow escaped me until now. “Because?”

  His low laugh is familiar and warm as I feel him thread and tug on the silk ribbons at my back. “Let’s just say I led a colorful life before Allen.” He tightens the strings and ties them off. “There. Now turn.”

  I comply. “Good?”

  “Perfect.” His smile is almost fatherly. “Thank you for asking me to be with you tonight. It’s an honor.”

  “We’re in business together, but your support the last few months has shown me that we’re family, too. Thank you for being here.”

  He brin
gs me in for a hug, then eases away. “I promised Allen I wouldn’t cry tonight. And you better not, either. You’ll ruin your makeup, and you look too stunning for tears, darling.”

  “Can’t have that...”

  “Exactly. Now, come on. You have a New Year’s party to hostess.” He winks.

  I wink back. “I do.”

  He leads me into the hall, where my best friend, Kristi, is already waiting, in a gorgeous red dress that shows off her killer curves and a giant smile. “You look amazing. I’m so happy for you, girl.”

  “I’m happy for me, too. Maybe for the first time in my life.”

  She sighs wistfully. “I wish I could be half as lucky.”

  “You will be.” I squeeze her hands. “Let’s put it out into the universe. I know there’s a man out there who will love you unconditionally forever. We just have to find him.”

  “From your lips to God’s ears,” she quips. “But today is about you. Ready to make your grand entrance?”

  “Beyond.”

  She turns to a niche in the hallway and hands me a cluster of roses. “You’ll need this.”

  We share a last smile, and the music starts. Kristi walks down the hall and into the dining room in time with the music, catching the eye of more than one of Rand’s single officers. Then the music changes, David squeezes my hand, and it’s time.

  Suddenly, the small crowd stands and I walk past a lot of familiar faces—Rob, my mother and her husband, two of Rand’s brothers, and their parents—all wearing beaming smiles.

  At the end of the room, my gorgeous hunk of a bodyguard-turned-boyfriend waits for me with his heart in his eyes. His older brother, Ransom, stands beside him, looking handsome and a bit mysterious in a charcoal suit.

  “So I take it this isn’t actually a New Year’s Eve party?” Rand’s brother, Rush, calls out, clearly catching on.

  “No, it’s a wedding. Surprise!” I call over my shoulder.

  Everyone chuckles as the minister smiles and asks, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

  “I do.” David pats my hand softly before placing my palm in Rand’s and dropping a tender kiss on my cheek.

  Ten minutes later, our previously stunned guests are still grinning or conspicuously sniffling as the minister pronounces us man and wife.

  “You may kiss the bride.”

  Rand does with gusto to a roomful of whistles and catcalls when the pucker goes on longer than is strictly polite.

  “Get a room!” Rand’s youngest brother, Ridge, shouts.

  My husband—wow, it seems crazy to say that—takes my hand and starts dragging me down the makeshift aisle. “Best advice I’ve gotten all day. Good night, everyone. Thanks for coming!”

  I dig in my heels as everyone laughs.

  Ransom approaches first and welcomes me to the family with a kiss on the cheek. His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. All of Rand’s brothers have an edge, as if they’re expecting danger at any moment. Then again, that’s the norm in their world.

  Rand pulls me in for another kiss as his mother opens her arms for a hug. Charlene is a lovely, kind woman, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mother-in-law.

  “You look beautiful, Sophie.” Her eyes water. “I know you and Rand will be very happy.”

  “We will.” I know it in my heart.

  “We promise,” my husband adds, tossing a possessive arm around my waist.

  “And since you’re the first one of your brothers to get off his backside and get married”—Charlene sends Ransom a pointed glare, which he pretends not to notice—“when can I expect some grandkids?”

  Rand sighs. “Mom, we’ve literally been married three minutes. Let us go on our honeymoon and settle into some sort of normal life. Then we’ll start talking—”

  “July,” I cut in softly, casting a hopeful stare to my husband.

  He swallows. “Y-you want to get pregnant in July?”

  I bite my lip and shake my head. “We’re going to have a baby. In July. Surprise…”

  Rand pales. “Oh, holy shit. You’re serious? We are? You’re already pregnant?”

  “Yes.” I blink, and my stomach plummets to my toes. “Please tell me you’re happy.”

  “Happy? No.” Then the biggest smile I’ve ever seen crosses Rand’s face. “I’m thrilled! Oh, honey…”

  He lays his lips over mine, and the small, trusted crowd of guests claps for the beginning of our long, happy life together.

  Want more Forbidden Confessions? Read on…

  Did you miss this sexy Forbidden Confession?

  Is she willing to give her secret crush everything to make him stay?

  SEDUCING THE INNOCENT

  by Shayla Black

  Click here to purchase!

  Available in eBook!

  I’m Kayla.

  I’m twenty one.

  I’m afraid because ever since a sudden, terrible tragedy, I’m alone in the world—except for my brother’s best friend. But now Oliver intends to move back to London.

  I’m in love with him. And I have to persuade him to stay…somehow.

  Maybe if I tell him I’m a virgin and show him just how far I’m willing to go to keep him, he’ll give in.

  Of course, I never expected that he'd be keeping a shocking secret of his own…

  Enjoy this Forbidden Confession. HEA guaranteed!

  EXCERPT

  One of his warm hands leaves my breast and skates down my waist, settling over my hip to bring me closer. I can smell a hint of toothpaste and coffee on his breath.

  “Have you let any of those tossers you’ve dated kiss you, Kayla?”

  I swallow. What will he do if I tell him the truth? “A few.”

  He scowls as if my answer pains him. “Did you like it?”

  I wanted to, but… “It was all right. No one has blown my panties off.”

  I suspect Oliver could.

  His eyes soften. “Kissing can be wonderful. Someday, when you find a man you care about, one who knows what he’s doing, you’ll love it.”

  I have a man I very much care about standing right in front of me, and the thought of kissing Oliver makes my body throb in arousal. I sway closer, pressing my aching breasts against his chest. “What about you? I’ll bet you know what you’re doing.”

  The second the words leave my mouth, my heart careens out of control.

  “I shouldn’t kiss you, Kayla,” Oliver practically groans.

  “Please,” I beg. “Just once.” When he stares at my lips, they tingle. Everything in my body flushes hot. Even my skin feels too tight. And the ache between my legs coils relentlessly. “You’ve already touched my breasts.”

  “Are you bloody trying to kill me?” His voice sounds rough with need.

  That excites me even more.

  “Is one kiss asking so much?” I clasp his T-shirt in my fists and tilt my face under his.

  He hesitates for a long moment, his eyes searching mine, nostrils flaring, jaw rigid.

  “Kayla,” he growls. “Goddamn it…”

  Just when I’m sure he’s going to walk away, Oliver grabs me by the nape, holding me immobile. His breathing turns hard and rough. I tremble. He’s wrestling with himself. My heart revs. What is he thinking? Is there any chance he’ll kiss me?

  Suddenly, he jerks me against his body...

  Hungry for another Forbidden Confession?

  SEDUCING THE ENEMY

  by Shayla Black

  Click here to purchase!

  Available in eBook!

  Once he takes his pound of flesh from her, will she steal his heart?

  I’m Jett, self-made billionaire.

  I have everything I could ever want—except revenge.

  Eight years ago, my best friend and I planned to start a business together…

  Until I fell for his little sister.

  After he found out, he stole my idea and made a fortune.

  She took his side and stabbed me in the back.
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  Now he’s in financial straits, while I’m richer than I ever dreamed.

  So I made Whitney a bargain: forty million dollars in exchange for a week of her body.

  But now that she’s in my bed, what if it's not animosity I feel?

  What if I fall for her again?

  Enjoy this Forbidden Confession. HEA Guaranteed!

  EXCERPT

  “What’s your offer?” she demands.

  “In a hurry? Why don’t we have a drink? I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

  She scoffs. “Let’s not pretend I matter to you.”

  I raise a brow at Whitney. She does matter…but admitting that would only weaken my position. “Humor me. After all, it’s my forty million dollars.”

  “Fine.” She lifts one delicate shoulder like she doesn’t care, but I can read her. On some level, I get to her and she hates that. “Vodka cranberry. Make it a double.”

  I acknowledge her with a curt nod, then I motion to the bartender, who takes our order.

  “You’re not drinking with me?” She scowls.

  “I never drink.” I haven’t since that summer.

  Whitney’s gaze probes me for a long moment. “Because you’re a control freak?”

  You have no idea.

  I smile. “You can call me names and divert the subject all day. That doesn’t change why we’re here.”

  “So you’re going to lend Vance forty million dollars to save his company—”

  “Which should have been our company.”

  “You lost that lawsuit.”

  “Because your brother is a lying, thieving snake.” And you helped him, didn’t you?