As he stepped into the street, the light shined down on them and she got her first look at her attacker. Bree’s eyes widened in surprise. She knew the man was built like a truck, since she’d been pressed against him for several minutes now, but his face was stunning.
She forgot to fight him as his glacial blue eyes looked down into her own. Even in the darkness of the night she could see they were unusual in color, almost purple verses blue. Maybe he was wearing colored contacts as a disguise or the dim light was messing with her head. But, he couldn’t hide his chiseled features. He looked like he was cut from granite, with his strong jaw, high cheekbones and perfect nose, which was flaring at the moment. He had a small scar running from the corner of his eye to his ear that only added to his appeal. His hair was cut military short, making her wonder if he was some kind of mercenary.
Bree realized she was ogling him, and how ridiculous that was. She pulled herself together and put on her haughtiest expression. Growing up with three older brothers had taught her how to at least project confidence, even if she didn’t really feel it.
“I’m not stupid. I’ve heard all the tricks attackers use. There is no way you’re getting me into your car. I don’t care if you say you know the freaking Pope. If you let me go right now, I won’t press charges,” she snapped.
She saw red when his lips twitched as if she was amusing him. He thought she was funny. She was ready to scratch his eyes out - and anyone would stand witness that she wasn’t normally prone to violence, but he had her held against her will and then had the nerve to mock her.
“I somehow don’t believe you on that count but since I’m not attacking you, I have nothing to worry about.”
“If you aren’t some crazy stalker, then who are you?” She demanded to know, proud her voice wasn’t shaking. She knew she’d break down if she made it out alive, but she was standing strong, at least for the moment. She didn’t know if her knees would give out once he released his grip but she hoped the adrenaline kept her upright until she was safe.
“If I release you, will you try to run again or are you going to listen?” He asked with another smirk. She was so ticked off she found herself curious of what he wanted. Who was so arrogant as to try and abduct someone and then have the nerve to want to chat?
Obviously this man.
“I’ll hear you out, but as you can see, my phone is in my hand and I activated the emergency button on it. The sheriff is on his way here, now,” she bluffed. He looked at her hand, then up to her eyes. She had a feeling he knew she was lying but he didn’t call her on it, giving her the illusion of regaining some control in the odd situation.
Chad smiled at Bree. He found he was enjoying himself immensely with Mark’s cousin. He knew she was going to be spitting mad when she found out he was sent to babysit her – even madder than she already was, thinking he was a crazy sex stalker.
“Chad Redington,” he finally said and she looked at him with a blank look. He said his name as if she should instantly know who he was. Maybe he had escaped from a mental hospital. She took a step back and he immediately narrowed his eyes. She pulled in a ragged breath. She was trying to be careful, not wanting to cause him to strike.
Then her eyes widened as she concentrated on his name. She had heard it before. She searched her memory trying to remember why the name sounded familiar. She looked him over again in his dark jeans, skintight T-shirt and worn cowboy boots. All he needed was a hat, spurs and a horse and he’d be riding off the pages of a Louis Lamoure book. Her mind must be playing tricks on her because, though the name sounded familiar, she didn’t know him. She decided it was time to leave.
Bree quickly turned as she got ready to bolt, but once again his arms snaked around her and suddenly she was pinned against the wall, his body pressed tightly against hers. She felt every inch of his solid thighs, washboard abs and arms of steel touching her. She forgot how to breathe.
“Listen, I’ve told you I’m not here to steal your virtue. Your father sent me,” he said, his breath sweeping over her face, his lips only inches from her own.
Bree had been afraid and upset before his words, but her head about exploded when he said he was sent by her father. If he was lying, he needed to get more creative. If he was speaking the truth, her family members were dead – every single one of them. She in no way needed, nor wanted, a babysitter.
Chad’s eyes lowered their gaze to her mouth. She felt him push a little closer and she knew he’d finally realized they were pressed together against a brick wall in a secluded alley. She was suddenly aware her br**sts were tightly pressed against his chest, making her heart rate accelerate. She became even angrier to actually feel anything other than fear and loathing toward the man holding her captive.
He loosened his grip and moved his body back, just out of reach, but his hands stayed planted on the wall on either side of her head – caging her in. His close proximity wasn’t helping her brain to function properly.
“Why would my dad send you to stalk me?”
“He didn’t. I’m here to protect you. He told me you’re aware of the threats against you,” Chad said. He was done playing. She was affecting him in ways he hadn’t expected, and certainly didn’t want. He was there for a job and nothing further.
“I will tell you the same thing I told my father. We’ve all received threats our entire lives. It goes with the territory of being from a family like mine. I won’t validate this pathetic man or woman’s addiction by living my life in fear. I don’t need, nor want a bodyguard. You can go back to my father and tell him, No thank you,” she spat, then looked pointedly at his restraining arms. He was about to get bit again and this time she’d sink her teeth in even deeper.
“Your dad told me you’d say that. He also told me to tell you, he was the one in charge, and come hell or high water I wasn’t to leave your side, so take it or leave it, but I’m here to stay,” he said with a smile.
How could he infuriate her and turn her body on at the same time? She wanted to take a bite out of him, but she wasn’t so sure it was to cause pain, anymore.
“I’ll just give the local sheriff a call and tell him someone’s stalking me,” she said with confidence, while smirking at him. She knew her rights. He couldn’t stalk her without consequences.