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“I know you’ll protect me, right?”

He swallowed and agreed.

I stepped forward until my legs were on the outside of his and lowered myself to his sit on his knees. His eyes widened, and I rubbed my hands over his shoulders and down his chest. “Oh, you’re so strong.” I looked up at him through my lashes.

“Uh-huh.”

I bit my lip and slid my hands back up to his neck and tightened my grip.

His eyes widened, and his mouth gaped open.

“What the fuck!” Marco yelled.

“Get off him.” Cruz lunged toward me, but I released him and was standing back up before he could get to me.

I gave each of them an innocent smile, still keeping my voice low and seductive. “I could kill all three of you in under a minute.” I returned to my glare. “I do not need or want you here, so go!”

Rod pinched the bridge of his nose. “Emilia.”

“She’s psychotic!” Derek rubbed his neck.

“Oh, please,” I pouted. “Did your precious, fragile ego get a boo-boo ‘cause a little girl bested you?”

Derek leapt to his feet, but Marco was there in a flash to hold him back.

“Both of you stop!” Rod ordered. “You’re a team. That isn’t changing. Now, I have work to do, and so do all of you!”

He turned like he was going to leave, but I hurried over and caught his arm. He absolutely could not abandon me here.

CHAPTER 5

Emilia

“This is not what I signed up for.” I glared up at Rod, growing more enraged by his bemused smile.

“It’s motivation to get the job done quicker.” He shrugged and headed to the door.

I reached out and grabbed onto his forearm, squeezing a bit more than necessary. “I work alone, Rod.”

He grimaced. “Not this time.”

“Rod, I’m serious. I don’t need them.” I shot a look over my shoulder. I didn’t care if I hurt their feelings. They should know what I thought of them.

“They’re back up.”

My head snapped back. “Since when do I need that? I’ve never fucked up a single job.”

He ran a hand over his face. “It’s a part of your persona. You’re a rich heiress. They’re your security. It sells the story.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Four of them?”

Had he just made that up off the top of his head?

“Javier has all the details. You start in two days.” He pulled on the handle and stepped back, using the door as a shield. “Call me if you need anything.”

“I need a new place to live.”

“Anything other than that.” He offered a small wave before shutting the door behind him.