Page 7 of Defending You

“Your job was to protect him.”

“From a woman he’s harassing? Abusing? You really think I’m gonna do that? Would you?”

“You’re leaving out some of the story, at least according to the client.”

Asher couldn’t help a little grin. Not only had the woman slapped him, she’d kneed him in the groin.

The client had ended up doubled over, screaming obscenities as the woman had fled the room.

“Look, I get it.” By the irritation in Bartlett’s tone, that didn’t mean he approved. “But times are tough. We needed that client.”

“What would you have had me do?”

“At least make a show of helping. Escort the lady out. My understanding is you didn’t move from your spot at the door.”

“It took all my energy not to knock the guy’s block off. I wasn’t about to pretend he didn’t deserve what he got. I signed up for this gig to protect peoplefromguys like him.”

The elevator stopped and a family stepped on. Dad, mom, two kids. The younger, a curly-haired little boy, looked up at Asher and grinned, showing off some missing teeth.

What would it be like to have a family—and the means to support one? Enough money to stay in a five-star hotel with valets and concierge service?

Asher had never known that kind of security when he was a kid.

The elevator doors closed, and the numbers ticked down—six, five…

“This is my fault,” Bartlett said. “I shouldn’t have sent you out on your own. It was too soon.”

Irritation and worry churned in Asher’s stomach. “Respectfully, sir, I don’t need a keeper?—”

“Apparently, you do. Someone tokeepyou from walking out on a paying client.”

Asher hadn’t walked out. He’d been ordered from the room when he hadn’tprotectedthe client from an innocent woman who gave him what he deserved. Had the client really thought Asher would stand there and watch him assault his assistant?

Would Bartlett’skeeperhave expected him to do that?

Asher needed this job. He needed to prove himself and his abilities. With his experience, he shouldn’t be an underling but a team leader. He’d been trying to prove his abilities since he’d started working for GBPA a few months before.

Seemed one decision had set him back, maybe permanently.

The elevator doors opened, and more people got on. More people to hear him getting dressed down by his boss.

Through the phone, Bartlett sighed. “I got a new job for you. This one’s high priority—someone who is actually in danger.”

“Details?”

“Forbes Ballentine, that billionaire up in Maine? You know who I mean?”

Everyone from coastal Maine had heard of the Forbes family. “Yes.”

“His business could mean a lot of paychecks. He’s throwing cash at us for a protection detail, and you justhappento be available.”

Asher shifted his weight, his mind already running scenarios. Forbes Ballentine. He knew the name, of course. Everyone who grew up in Shadow Cove had heard of Forbes Ballentine. “Recent events make him think he needs protection?”

“Not him. His girlfriend’s sister, Cecelia Wright. She’s Grant Wright’s cousin. You remember him and Summer?”

Asher knew Grant, who’d been one of GBPA’s early hires. He didn’t work there anymore, but his wife, Summer, was a part-owner. It had never occurred to Asher that Grant Wright might be related to Cecilia Wright.

Cici.