Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Christ.
I follow after her, and when I fill the space between the doorjambs, effectively cornering her, her teeth start to worry her bottom lip. Her eyes dart to my face, giving me a pleading look.
Finally, she admits, “I’m trying not to be nervous. It’s just…” she waves a hand over me, “you’re intimidating. It’s one thing thinking you’re just a broody person, but it’s another knowing you’re actually a killing machine.”
Again the urge to comfort her surges through my body, and I take a step forward. “What can I do to make you feel better?”
She shakes her head and quickly nudges some hair behind her ear. “I really trust you’ll keep me safe. I think I just need to get used to the idea that you’re not an… ordinary man.”
I take another step closer, placing my body inches from hers, then I repeat my question, “What can I do to make you feel better?”
She has to tilt her head back to lock eyes with me.
An electric current with enough force to power a nuclear weapon surges to life between us.
Her lips part, and she whispers, “I don’t know.”
The air tenses around us, and unable to fight the need I have to comfort her, I slowly lift my hand to the side of her neck. When she doesn’t flinch or pull away, I take another step, closing the last of the distance between us.
This is so fucking out of character for me, and it makes my heartbeat speed up as I move cautiously to wrap my arms around her.
My fingers slip into her silky hair as I cup the back of her head while my other arm locks her to me.
For a moment, we both stand frozen on the spot, then Camille pushes closer to me and rests her cheek on my chest. I feel her hands on my sides before her arms circle my lower back.
I lean my head down until her hair tickles my jaw. “You’re safe with me, Cami. I’ll never do anything to hurt you or put you in harm's way. Understand?”
She nods, then I feel her body relax. She hugs me tighter. “Thank you for taking a break from killing people to keep me safe.”
A burst of laughter escapes me, and pulling back, I let go of her. “You’re welcome.”
Her eyes meet mine, and she almost looks shy as she admits, “I like Cami. No one calls me that.”
“Then I’ll call you that from now on.”
Her mouth curves up, and I’m blessed with a gorgeous smile.
We step out of the pantry, and as she shuts the door, I say, “Let’s order in and watch a movie. I think you can do with some relaxation after today.”
“Sounds good.”
Camille heads to the living room, where she left her purse, and digs her phone out.
I’m a couple of steps behind her when the windows shatter. Without hesitating, I dart forward and tackle Camille off her feet. She hits the tiles with a cry, and my body slams hard against hers.
“Keep your head down,” I order with a growl.
More windows shatter as someone blindly shoots into the penthouse.
Thank fuck I kept the curtains closed.
The shooter probably saw her silhouette and took the shot.
“Max,” she whimpers, her body jerking with every shot fired into the apartment.
“I’ve got you.” Moving next to her, I capture her terrified gaze. “Stay down. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“No!” Her eyes widen as more fear darkens her irises. “Don’t leave me.”
Not thinking, I grip the back of her head and press a kiss to her forehead. “You’re going to be fine. Just stay right here. Don’t move an inch.”
Her chin trembles, and for the first time since I’ve guarded her, tears escape her eyes. Shakily she nods to show she hears me.
Her gaze remains glued to me as I move into a crouching position. Another spray of bullets hit, then I dart up and run toward the kitchen.
Three.
Two.
One.
Dropping, I slide the last couple of feet behind the island in the kitchen, and opening a drawer, I pull out the Magnum I’ve placed there. It has an average range of a hundred yards, and with my experience as an assassin, the shot will be child’s play.
Bullets hit the counters, the fridge, and the entire wall leading to the living room.
“Max!” Camille screams.
“Stay down, Cami!” I shout.
As soon as the shooting stops, I’m up and running to the light switches. I flip one after the other, throwing the penthouse into darkness.
Moving to the shot-up curtains, I carefully peek outside. I spot the shooter on the rooftop of the building across the road and quickly scan the area.
“Max?” Cami whispers. “Where are you?”
“I’m here. Just keep still while I deal with the problem.” I walk to the kitchen and open the door. It only takes a second before a shot is fired in my direction, but I keep low as I creep out onto the terrace. Cami has a small jungle out here which I use for cover.