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I pulled open the door. Killian’s driver stood there, exuding a rugged masculinity of all hard lines and quiet strength. I was acutely aware of how small I felt in his presence.
“I’ve changed my mind,” I managed, proud that my voice didn’t betray my nerves.
Stupid Killian was getting in my head about my building not being safe.
He crossed his arms over his massive chest, the movement causing his muscles to ripple under his faded henley. Aviatorsunglasses hid his eyes, but I still felt the intensity of his stare. “Killian said you’d be ready to go.”
I cleared my throat, not sure how to deter him. This was the first time I’d seen Max not behind the wheel of a car. “Why don’t you come in for a minute while I call Killian and tell him I don’t need your help.” I stepped back, gesturing for him to enter, but he remained unmoved, like a statue carved from marble.
“You can let me know when you’re ready to go, and I’ll bring your bags to the car.” His tone left no room for argument, and I felt a flicker of irritation at his presumption. His and Killian’s that I would just go along with everything.
I gave him a tentative smile, guilt and defiance warring within me. “About that … ” I began, my voice trailing off as I searched for the right words.
His frown deepened, and my resolve strengthened. I wouldn’t be intimidated, not even by this walking Adonis.
“I’m not going.” The words came out in a rush, and I lifted my chin, daring him to challenge me again.
“That won’t work.” His response was immediate and firm, causing my irritation to flare.
“I’m sorry?” I didn’t bother to keep the edge out of my voice. Who did he think he was? And why was I being so combative? Maybe it was his association with Killian that seemed to make him fair game.
“You know exactly what I’m saying, and what Killian will say. We leave in fifteen minutes.” His unwavering stance and commanding tone stoked the fire burning in me.
“It was a pleasure, Max.” I failed to hide my sarcasm and shut the door on him, perhaps with more force than necessary.
My heart raced as I leaned against the door, taking deep breaths to calm myself. Why did part of me feel a thrill at the thought of defying Killian?
My phone rang, and I jumped. I steadied myself for the confrontation I knew was coming. I let it ring until I settled on my couch, surrounded by the evidence of my indecision. “Hello, Killian,” I answered, trying to keep my tone even.
“Tink,” he growled, the familiar nickname sending a shiver down my spine. Why did his voice affect me like this? It never had before.
“I’ll be fine here,” I reassured him. “I think once you’ve had time to think about it, you’ll see it, too.” I held my breath, waiting for his response.
“Once I’ve had time to think about it?” he asked in a deeper timbre than usual. His tone held a dangerous edge that thrilled me more than it terrified me. I could almost feel the tension radiating through the phone, and I found myself imagining the way his jaw would clench, and his eyes would darken with frustration.
It made me a tiny bit happy that I could get to him.
It felt …powerful.
“Exactly.” I pretended to misunderstand the intention of his words, clinging to my façade of nonchalance even as my heartrate quickened.
“Then you’ve given me no choice.” The finality in his tone sent a chill through me. What did he mean?
“Kil—” Silence filled my ear. He’d hung up on me.
What did he mean that I’d given him no choice? I dialed his number, only to get his voicemail. I sent him text after text with no response, each unanswered message increasing my anxiety.
Finally, unable to bear the suspense any longer, I stalked to my door and ripped it open. Max was still there. He leaned against the wall across from me, looking as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “Ma’am,” he said, maddeningly calm.
“Don’t you ma’am me.” I stomped up to him, grateful I had a bit of height so I wasn’t completely looking up to this tree-trunk-high man. He had to be at least 6’5”. “What is he planning to do?”
He shrugged. “Not for me to say.”
“So you’re going to just stand here all day? As what? My bodyguard?” My jaw dropped as the realization hit me. “What if I need to go out?”
“Guess I’ll go with you.” His matter-of-fact response grated on my nerves. How could he act like this was normal?
“I don’t need a bodyguard.” I clenched my hands so tight my nails bit into my palms, as I fought the childish urge to stomp my foot in frustration. Killian was completely overreacting. We’d gone from sort of getting along, to this. Why? “And besides, who’ll drive him around?”