Page 69 of Noel Secrets

“Of course.” Brex was a great guy who worked for Aiden. Brex fit more the suave James Bond type of security guy. Price wasn’t charming or smooth. He thought he’d been charming or at least all right at bantering with Addie. He’d been wrong. The despair he felt over that wasn’t something he could dwell on.

“Brex’s future sister-in-law’s sister, if that makes sense, lives on Cape Cod, South Yarmouth Beach specifically. She works in the city. She’s had two threatening notes with photos of her delivered on her doorstep.”

Price’s breath caught in his lungs. It couldn’t be … could it?

“We don’t know how high the threat is. The detectives Aiden spoke with were respectful and claimed they have it under control, but you know how busy their caseloads can be and how low of a priority a couple notes, even if they’re life threatening, will be to a big city detective. Anyway, the sister, Daphne Gem, wants to hire you to watch over her sister.”

“Wants to hire me specifically or one of Aiden’s people?”

“She asked for you by name.”

His heart was beating hard and fast. “What is the target’s name?”

“Adeline Belle.”

Price couldn’t catch a full breath. “Nick … Addie—Adeline,” he corrected, “I met her recently and … enjoyed her company. Earlier tonight, she accused me of sending the notes so she would hire me to protect her. It would be painful and stressfulfor Addie if I was her bodyguard.” He wished he was wrong about that, but he didn’t want to cause Addie more hurt.

“Intriguing. Daphne didn’t tell me that part. You’re not supposed to make any contact unless a threat presents itself.”

“Oh.” He let that sink in. No contact. Watching Addie like a stalker. That was far from ideal.

“Set up exterior cameras and perimeter sensors,” Nick was saying, “without alerting Adeline or going on her property. Watch over her when she goes into the city. I’ve got a bungalow four doors down from Adeline’s for you to stay in. It’s been vacant since the summer so it’s being cleaned and stocked with food and the equipment you’ll need. I’ll send you the addresses and all the information from the police files. I’ll inform the detectives to work with you.”

“I don’t like this.” Yet he’d probably never interact with her, unless the threat presented itself and he had to intervene. “Why am I watching over her without letting her know?”

Price paced his small condo. He didn’t like it from an ethical standpoint. Truth be told, he’d been excited for half a beat at the prospect of being Addie’s personal bodyguard. He’d have a chance to get to know her better, gain her trust, work through each of their trust issues. Now he’d have to stay in the shadows, blend in, and survey her without her knowing.

“Daphne said Adeline didn’t want a bodyguard. Daphne’s going to talk her into it, apparently, but until then you need to stay out of sight. You’ll sign a contract with Daphne’s fiancé so you and Daphne can each tell Addie she didn’t hire you. If it ever comes out.”

Price’s gut twisted. This was all uncomfortable for him.

“We both know this will be an easy job for you,” Nick said.

Price let out a heavy breath. He still didn’t like it, but of course he’d take the job and do his best work. He was a soldier; he never turned down a job. More importantly, he wanted Addiesafe and knew he was more than capable of watching out for her and neutralizing any threat. Addie’s safety was his priority now, not a chance to date her.

It would be torture seeing her come and go from her house and trailing her when she went into the city but not being able to talk to her, tease with her, touch her soft hand again, or see her smile and the sparkle in those blue eyes directed at him.

He squared his shoulders. He’d do what he’d done all his life. Obey orders and protect and serve. His own feelings hadn’t mattered much before. They shouldn’t play into the equation now.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll look for that email and the contract and be in position within the hour.”

“Thank you, Price. You’re invaluable to Aiden and me. Chat soon.”

The phone went dead.

He had an assignment that kept him near Addie.

It would be torturous to watch her and not be part of her life. What if he had to watch her go on dates with other men? His chest tightened, but he pushed the discomfort away.

He would do his job. He was incredible at it, and Addie would stay safe. His personal feelings and hope for a relationship with her had to be pushed aside.

Sadly, he was incredible at shelving personal feelings as well.

Chapter Seven

Addie kept her chin up and her eyes wide open the next week. She had to consistently tell Daphne no every time she called and insisted Addie needed a personal guard. No more notes had come, and she was certain the threat would fade away.

Every time she went into the city for work, she scheduled something fun to do with Gillian to distract herself and try to feel the Christmas spirit.