Page 56 of Killaney Fire

The kind of beautiful that makes a man forget his discipline, his training, every rule he's built his life on.

But I didn't say it, because saying it would make this real.

And real means I can't walk away.

Keira excuses herself from the politician and turns to me, her green eyes brighter than I've ever seen before. "You're doing that thing again."

"What thing?"

"The brooding, silent bodyguard thing. You're going to scare people."

"Is that such a bad thing?"

Her lips twitch, almost a smile. "Relax. We're supposed to look like we're enjoying ourselves."

Heat crawls up my neck because to some degree I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. "I am."

She arches a brow. "Really? You look like you want to murder someone."

Several someones.

But I don't say that. I shrug. "I'm just trying to keep you alive," I say in a deep voice, mimicking her from earlier.

She laughs and covers her smile.

"Don't do that," I say without thinking.

"Do what?"

Shit. I can't believe I said that.

"Nothing. I'll try to look more relaxed."

She nods and we start walking and a man approaches.

Keira doesn't recognize him, so their interaction becomes my world.

"Not formally. Taylor Floridin. I represent several investors interested in expansion efforts here in Boston."

She shakes his hand, and I watch his fingers wrap around hers.

Something dark and violent unfurls in my chest.

He's holding her hand too long.

Keira tries to pull away, but he doesn't release her.

I don't think.

I just move.

My hand slides around her waist, spreading possessively across her hip, and I pull her against my side.

Of course she fits perfectly.

Her body molds to mine, and the heat of her sears through every layer of suit; every wall I've built to keep myself at a distance crumbles in a goddamn instant.

She leans into me without hesitation.