Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Orion’s jaw tightens. I can see the muscle flex beneath his skin. “He’s not going to get near you. Not while I’m here.”
His alpha confidence sends a strange mixture of relief and butterflies through me. “I appreciate it,” I whisper, glancing away. For a moment, I wonder if he’s remembering that kiss the same way I am. My lips still tingle at the memory.
Orion shifts closer, and I catch a whiff of his aftershave. “If you see anything—anyone—suspicious, you tell me. Immediately.”
I nod, my stomach churning with fear and something else I can’t name. “Right.”
His eyes flick over me, making sure I’m steady. “Now, why don’t you finish your shift? I’ll be right here if you need me.”
I let out a slow breath and manage a small smile. “Thanks.”
With that, he steps back, giving me space—but not too much. I can still sense him behind me, vigilant, ready to pounce if a threat arises. Part of me feels reassured, but another part feels unsettled by how much I like having him so close.
Trying to ignore the sudden warmth in my chest, I refocus on the scattered feathers on the ground. I push the broom forward, forcing myself to concentrate. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t entirely shake the sensation of Orion’s eyes on me, watching, keeping me safe... and making me think of that kiss I can’t seem to forget.
Chapter 10
Orion
Here’s the deal. Employees at zoos don’t normally have a bodyguard following closely behind them. And for some reason, the more I try to blend in, the more I stand out.
However, I don’t give a flying fuck if people notice me watching Briar. Maybe word will get back to her prick of an ex, and he’ll finally get the hint.
Yet, life isn’t that simple.
I stand near the perimeter of the aviary, arms crossed over my chest, scanning the area with practiced focus. Exotic birds flit overhead, their colors a blur of blues, greens, and yellows. Most people would find the spectacle captivating, but I’m only half paying attention. My priority is Briar.
She’s a few yards away, talking with her boss—Marcie, if I recall correctly. The woman looks no-nonsense, dressed in khaki shorts and a crisp polo shirt with the zoo’s logo. She’s listening intently as Briar explains the situation: her mother hiring me as a bodyguard because her ex-boyfriend’s become a problem. The second Briar mentions an “ex giving her trouble,” Marcie’s expression hardens.
I shift my stance, watching them. Briar’s posture is tense—shoulders slightly hunched, gaze flicking my way every so often. I can see the worry etched in her eyes even from here. She wants this job, loves it, but she also knows she has to face the reality that danger might follow her anywhere. My instincts prick at the sight of her anxiety. I want to walk over, put a hand on her shoulder, let her know she’s not dealing with this alone. But I hold back. She needs to handle this conversation on her own.
Marcie says something I can’t quite make out. Briar nods, a flash of disappointment crossing her face. A moment later, Marcie reaches out and gives Briar’s arm a quick squeeze. I see Briar’s lips move, forming what looks like a “thank you.” Then Marcie glances at me, her gaze sliding over my broad frame, weighing me up. I give her a small nod in acknowledgment. She returns it curtly, then heads off in the opposite direction, leaving Briar standing alone, shoulders visibly sagging.
I take a step toward her, letting my boots hit the ground with enough sound so I won’t spook her. When she sees me approaching, she attempts a smile, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“How’d it go?” I ask, keeping my voice low.
She tucks a stray strand of brown hair behind her ear and looks around, as if she’s suddenly self-conscious. “Marcie said… well, she said I should probably take some time off work until everything’s settled. With Jason, I mean.”
I nod slowly, taking in the disappointment flickering across her features. She loves this place—anyone can see it. “That make sense to you?”
She shrugs, a shallow movement. “I guess. I mean, I hate to admit it, but maybe I do need some time away. Just… until this mess gets sorted out.”
My protective instincts flare up. I want to tell her that yes, she absolutely needs time to stay safe, but I know her pride might bristle if I phrase it wrong. “It’s not forever,” I say gently. “You’ll come back once things are under control.”
She lifts her gaze to mine, and for a second, that spark of determination I’ve come to admire shines through. “Yeah. I will.” Then her expression softens. “But it still sucks.”
I reach out, brushing her elbow lightly with my fingertips. It’s a small gesture, meant to steady her. “It’s gonna be okay,” I say, trying to keep my tone level, reassuring. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. Let’s go pack up your stuff.”