Page 3 of Innocent and Sweet (Roosters #2)

Anissa dressed in the drabbest outfit she could find -- a simple blue sweater and black ankle-length skirt.

She’d worn dowdy clothes for most of her life.

Looking so unappealing sucked, but she had duties.

Being the daughter of a factory magnate who had a philanthropic streak meant she needed to make public appearances when her father couldn’t be there.

Every time she stepped out of the house, she was judged on her choice of clothing.

Too racy, and she’d be branded a harlot.

Too boring, and she took hits for not being daring.

She braided her hair, then glanced down at her boots. She should change, but why? Was anyone really going to look at her feet? Screw it. She’d rebel in her own little way.

“Anissa?” Kameron knocked on the door. “Ready?”

She paused. He’d called her by her name. She grasped the handle. “Almost. Are you coming in?”

“Yeah.” He barged into her room. “I can’t remember how to tie this damn tie.”

She stared at him. She barely recognized Kam without his leather jacket and jeans. “What are you doing?” she blurted.

“Trying not to throttle myself.” He nodded to her. “You know how to do this, don’t you? Help?”

“Sure.” She’d try, anyway. She hadn’t tied a necktie in forever. “I think it’s like…” She tightened the silk. “Over and around…” Something didn’t look right.

“You’re making it too tight.” Kam grasped her hands. “Ani…”

“Sorry.” The more she fiddled, the more she throttled him. His cheeks reddened, and his eyes bulged. She released the ends of the tie. “I’m sorry. It’s been a while. I forgot how to do this.”

He gasped, then sighed. “I hate dressing up.”

She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Here she was, trying to entice him, and instead she’d goofed. Only Anissa Dunn could take a moment of possible romance and botch it.

“Why are you laughing?” He yanked the tie free from his collar. “You could’ve killed me.”

“Not hardly. You’d have gotten it loose.” She covered her mouth with both hands. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” He stood in front of her mirror. “I can tie this.” He adjusted the silk. “But I thought you knew how.”

“I forgot.” She sank onto the bed. “Why are you dressing up? Did you need help getting ready for a date? I hope she’s nice.

” Kam could’ve chosen any other room to prep, though.

Why torment her? He’d never date her. Maybe this was his attempt at a clean break.

Make her think he was a jerk so she’d leave him alone?

Her heart ached. She’d fallen for him. Seeing Kameron with another woman… again… would kill her.

“Date? I’m taking you to the hospital event.” He adjusted his sport coat. “I’m your bodyguard, right?”

“But you’re always in your other outfit.” She tucked her legs underneath herself. She didn’t understand what was going on. “Why are you changing things? You never deviate.”

“I am tonight, and you know why.”

“You’re changing course because I tried to kill you? I won’t ever again. It was a mistake.” She left her seat. “Kam.” She lurched forward to grab his arm but managed to stomp on his foot instead. “Sorry.”

“Anissa.” He moved her off his foot. “Are you trying to break me?”

“No, but I couldn’t. You’re wearing steel-toe boots.” She blinked back tears. Embarrassment washed over her. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” He met her gaze. “Just stop trying to help. Stay put.”

She nodded. “Will you explain what’s going on? I won’t injure you. I promise.”

He tipped his gaze to meet hers. “I don’t know why no one told you they’d changed your schedule, but I know when the change occurred.

Your father was supposed to attend the opening, but he’s detained in New York.

He asked for you to go in his place. Unfortunately, he wanted Evan to escort you because a man named Alex Gahan wants to make a play for you.

If I’m right, your father wants Alex to step in and knows Evan won’t do dick about it. ”

“Because you’ll stop him?” She wiped her cheeks, but more tears threatened. No one wanted her.

“You bet your ass I’ll stop him. I’ll stop all of them.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “Evan won’t give me shit, and Alex has no claim on you.”

“I’ve never met Alex Gahan.” At least she didn’t think she’d met him. “And Evan’s nice. I wouldn’t mind going out with him.” He wouldn’t get grabby… if he even paid her attention.

“He’s been paid to date you,” Kam said.

Her heart sank. So her assumptions about Evan had been right.

She hadn’t known for sure the guys filling in as her boyfriends were bought off, but it made sense.

She knew she couldn’t be that repulsive.

Kam was different -- wasn’t he? “What about you? Alex? Are you going to tell me a truth I don’t want to hear? ”

“No.” He didn’t let go of her. “Alex wants your father’s land, factories and money. I don’t.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I don’t need your money when I’d rather have you.”

His tone sent shivers down her spine. “Me?”

“Yes.” He stroked her back. “You’re not a commodity. You’re a warm, sweet, wonderful… sexy woman.” His voice turned husky. He spoke against her mouth. “One I’m honored to protect.”

She grasped the front of his sport coat. “Thank you, but that doesn’t explain why you’re dressed up. To impress me?” She really hoped so. “Because I like the look.”

“I’m glad you do, because I’m escorting you to the hospital event. We’re late, by the way.” He tucked her to his side. “Shall we?”

“Huh?” Going with her? He’d never done that before. “Oh, you’re coming along to protect me from Alex. I’ll be fine. I know how to handle myself.”

“I’m going because I’m not about to let anyone use you.” He let go long enough to place her arm around his forearm. “Tonight, I’m your boyfriend, and things are serious. We’re talking marriage.”

“We are?” she blurted.

“Yes.” He placed his hand on hers. “Let’s go.”

He had her swept up, but she wasn’t complaining. She didn’t understand why he’d gone to such lengths to pretend to stake a claim, but she had him for the night -- just like she’d always wanted.

* * *

Kameron escorted Anissa through the house to the ground floor. Her questions would annoy him, but he couldn’t let his guard down and tell her the truth right now. There were too many eyes watching and ears listening in. He’d be lucky if they had privacy in the back of the limo.

He led her to the car, then nodded to Julian, who stood beside the rear passenger door. “I’ve got this one tonight,” Kameron said. “You’re free.”

While Anissa climbed into the back of the vehicle, Julian grabbed Kameron’s arm. “Are you sure?”

“Of course.” The dick would have to question him.

“I’m on this detail.” Julian squeezed Kameron’s bicep. “She’s the boss’s daughter. You’ll lose your job if he even thinks you’re putting the moves or anything else on her.”

“I’m filling in as her boyfriend. This is a show,” Kameron growled. “They want to palm her off to an oil baron’s son or that dumbass Evan. Neither man will treat her with dignity.”

“How do you know? Being the wife of an oil baron’s son sounds like the perfect gig for her.

He’ll give her experience, a life of luxury, and once they have a kid, she’ll have plenty of time to do whatever she likes.

She’d be crazy to pass that up.” Julian let go.

“God knows she could use the experience with a man. She can’t kiss for shit. ”

“How the fuck do you know?” If he found out she’d practiced with Julian, he’d destroy his fellow security agent.

“She kissed me to say thank you one night, and she’s too timid.” Julian shrugged. “She needs to get out more.”

“She’s fine the way she is.” The bastard. “You are married, and she’s off-limits, remember?”

“The girl has no clue. I feel for the guy she’s foisted on to,” Julian said. “She’ll probably strip his dick and leave teeth marks.”

“Enough.” He glared at Julian. “Treat her like a human being and the daughter of our boss. She deserves respect.”

“Oh, my God.” Julian laughed. “You like her.”

“I’m doing my job.” If that job required him to fall for Anissa…

then fine. He already loved her. Being close to her wasn’t a problem.

He ducked into the car and slammed the door.

Anissa stared at him. She’d moved to the far end of the seat and huddled against the wall.

Kameron hit the button to lock the doors as the car lurched forward.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. He scooted toward her. “Anissa?”

“I heard what you said,” she murmured. “It’s a show. A farce. I’m being played. I’m about to be palmed off.”

“Sweetheart.” Damn it. The situation had gone off the rails. He wanted to touch her but held back.

“Am I just a job?” she asked.

“No.”

“Then why lie? Why be fake?”

“It’s the only way I can be with you in public.” He draped his arm around her and tucked her to his side again. “Damn it. You’re not listening to me.”

She half-shrugged. “I’m not sure what to think.”

He rested his forehead against her hair and whispered into her ear.

“I’m not losing you to some jackass who doesn’t appreciate you.

If playing the role of your boyfriend tonight keeps the asshat at bay and gives us time to do what you’ve asked, I’ll do it.

If he thinks we’re getting married and backs off, then it’s worth the hassle, but honey, you’re not a problem. ”

She stared at him. She parted her lips, and her breath hitched. Her cheeks flushed.

“I believe you wanted to learn to kiss.” He tipped her chin. “Gonna keep trying until you impress your teacher and pass?”

“I hate to fail, but I’d rather take my time and learn to kiss properly.” Her eyes shimmered. “Guess that’s your cue, teach. I want to spend time with you, too.”

“Good.” He feasted on her mouth. He could kiss her and never get tired.

The weight of the moment pushed down on him, but he didn’t mind.

Yes, he could be smack in the middle of losing his job, but if he got the girl, the job wouldn’t matter.

He tasted mint on her tongue. The woman intrigued and intoxicated him. He’d never get her out of his system.

Anissa broke the connection first and rested her hand on his chest. “How am I doing?”

“Better. You need more practice.” He licked her bottom lip. “Tonight, you’re mine.”

“I am,” Anissa said. “Just promise me you’ll be honest. If you change your mind or realize I’m not worth your headaches, then tell me. I’ve been fooled so many times. I don’t want to be again.”

“You won’t be if I have any say in what goes on tonight.” He toyed with her hair. “You’re important to me.” He breathed her in until she flowed in his soul. “I’ll be at your side, all night. No one will hurt you or push in.”

“Thank you.” She caressed his cheek. “It’s nice to have someone close without an ulterior motive.”

“Never.” He’d done so much for her and would give his life to keep her safe.

Was he a cad for craving her virginity? Yes.

But her lack of experience didn’t bother him.

He couldn’t remember the last time he learned with his lover, the last time he’d experienced the first blush of love and craving. But he could with her.

The car came to a halt. He let go of her long enough to take her hand. “Time to go public. No matter what, I’ve got you.”