Page 60 of Close Protection

‘No,’ I whisper as the first tear falls. Henry glances back to Amelia before walking over to me to analyze my injuries. He helps me take off my workout jacket and top so I’m just in my sports bra and leggings, his eyes darkening as he assesses my arm, stomach and neck.

‘Stay here, I’m gonna go get Josh.’ His voice is lethally calm so I don’t dare do anything other than exactly what he told me as he walks out of the room.

Josh had been a doctor for ten years until one day he realized he simply didn’t fancy it any more. So he quit and went to culinary school, proceeding to work in multipleMichelin-starred restaurants for a number of years, where he happened to meet his now-wife Bethany, all before they both came to work here as our private chefs.

When I hear the door reopen I look over expecting to see Henry returning with Josh, but I’m shocked when my eyes meet a sea of green. Milosh closes the door gently and walks over to me, his jaw tightening as he takes in my injuries.

Fresh tears prickle my eyes, the memory of what just happened coming back in flashes.

‘Don’t cry,’ Milosh commands. ‘He doesn’t deserve your tears.’ His hand comes up to cup my cheek wiping them away.

‘What happened when the gun went off?’ I ask between shaky breaths.

‘I shot him in the foot,’ Milosh explains calmly.

‘I didn’t know if something had happened to you,’ I whisper.

‘I’m okay, baby, don’t cry over me.’ His voice is gentle and soothing as he continues to wipe the tears from my eyes.

‘Where is he now?’ I ask.

‘I knocked him out and he’s currently tied up in your father’s study. We’re just waiting for him to wake up.’

‘Okay.’

‘Where exactly are you hurting?’

‘My arm, stomach and my neck, where he pulled on my necklace. But Henry went to get Josh, so he’ll sort me out.’

He nods in response then points to the necklace that still lies on my chest. ‘Is that what he was after?’

I nod.

On the outside, Milosh looks calm and collected. There’s not even a scratch on him, but something dark and slightly unhinged is swimming in his eyes.

The door to the snug opens again, but with Milosh towering in front of me I can’t see who it is.

‘I’m gonna go and take care of Teddy; get some answers for you,’ he drawls, his voice low and intimate. ‘You gonna be okay?’

I nod, offering him a small smile. ‘Could you take the necklace to my father for me?’

He nods, languidly removing his hand from my cheek. ‘Turn around.’

I comply, my lips parting in a silent inhale as I feel his warm hands on the back of my neck. My skin erupts in goosebumps at his touch. He’s gentle with his movements, trying not to agitate the darkening bruise. I’m certain he can hear the erratic beats of my heart.

‘There,’ he murmurs as I feel the necklace lift from my skin.

‘Thank you.’ I turn back to face him, his eyes potent as they bore into mine. He nods once and turns to leave, before I stop him. ‘Milosh?’ I breathe, grabbing his hand to stop him. We both look down at where our fingertips connect for a moment before we lock eyes again.

‘Yeah?’

‘Don’t go easy on him.’

He smiles slyly. ‘Whatever you say, Miss Green.’

He lingers for a moment, his eyes coasting down to my mouth then lazily back up, holding my burning gaze for a moment, before someone over by the door clears their throat. I drop my hands to my side as Milosh breathes out a chuckle.

‘See you soon, Miss Green,’ he says, before turning and leaving, ignoring Henry’s stare on the way out.