Page 15 of Furious Protector (Ruthless Guardians #4)

Beckett

T he guys skillfully contain their smiles, and I have no doubt the ladies will be texting her the minute we walk out.

I wrap my arms around Jules and walk protectively toward the door with her by my side, already knowing that Jay and at least two others will not be far behind.

For whatever reason, Jules is the target.

She has been the focus of their efforts since day one, and I’m not about to let my guard down for a minute. No matter what.

Not one soul follows us home except our guys. I’m sure the assholes are out at the old Eldridge estate planning an attack on Wild Deuces tomorrow, and no matter how many times I bring it up, Jules is still insistent on tending bar with her friends.

It takes effort to hold my tongue and not argue the point.

It’s clearly something she needs to do, and hopefully doing it will help her clear all of the emotion away.

Show herself and everyone else that she’s not afraid and she’s going to fight back with all her might.

No matter that I don’t want her anywhere near that fight and want to take it on myself and keep her out of the light.

But I have to remember it’s what she needs to do, and as much as I’m here to protect her as a bodyguard, as her lover, I’m here to protect her emotionally too. And that comes before all else. But letting her walk into harm’s way is not going to be easy to do.

The minute we’re back at her house she tosses her purse on the couch and heads to the refrigerator for a couple bottles of water. “I’d offer you a beer, or a wine, but I overheard the ladies say you were all drinking soda and water.”

Small talk… The little chatterbox is nervous.

I don’t plan to let that stop me in any way.

I walk over to her and set the waters down.

“Let’s save those for later. Right now, I want to leave off where we were on the dance floor.

With you in my arms, telling me you’ve fallen head over heels in love with me, while I carry you to your bed and have my evil way with you. ”

“A devil with a smooth tongue.”

“You’re about to find out just how smooth, darling.”

“Oh, my lord, I think I’m going to combust right here,” she says as I scoop her up, sliding my hands over her tight-fitting jeans. She clenches her legs around my waist and settles against my groin, nuzzling her lips into the sensitive area of my neck while I walk her to her room.

This time, we’re going slow, no matter the fires that ignite. I plan to draw out every single tremor and moan that I can, bringing her over the edge, time and time again.

When I lay her down and peel her clothes, she looks into my eyes, completely bared, a treasure worth more gold than I’ve ever seen. “Mine,” I growl, starting with her toes, caressing her calves, and then her thighs before lowering my head.

Her moans send shock waves through my core, urging me on as we ride our passion, one touch, lick and thrust at a time. And when she grabs the bedsheets and screams my name, I know that sound, this memory, will be with me for a lifetime. And so will she.

Jules dozes off after I’ve cleaned her up, lying in my arms for hours as I listen to the gentle pattern of her breathing as it caresses my skin.

I’m not sure how I ever thought I could fight this.

From the minute I saw her, she was always going to be the one.

Maybe I didn’t know it but everyone else did.

Mine … in every sense of the word. That’s what I want for us.

I never thought it would happen to me, made every effort to avoid it, yet Jules’ sweetness snuck right through my defenses and tore every wall I have to shreds.

Jules is strong. She battled the emotional challenge of dealing with last year’s attack and came out fighting stronger than ever.

Eldridge Jr.’s balls can attest to that.

What’s most amazing of all is her willingness to trust. To put her trust and faith in me.

Maybe that’s what really gave me the courage to put myself out there.

Seeing her fight through her own demons and win.

She doesn’t see herself as strong, but she is so very wrong.

She curls against my chest, and I caress her soft cheek. “Mine,” I say into the night. I challenge anyone to even think about coming near my golden-haired darling, because I protect what’s mine and she is going to be mine for an eternity.

And tomorrow night, I’m going to make damn sure everyone and their brother knows it.