The early morning sky is light gray, the sun hidden from sight as I race down the pier. My legs carrying me closer to home. I love running, always have. My mind is clear, and my body is ready for her.

The tension from last night held my muscles tight in its grip, and when I woke this morning, I knew I’d not be able to be near her without fucking her until she’s broken beneath me. Cool air swirls around me as I head into the building.

The elevator is waiting when I reach it and step inside. Pressing the button for the fourth floor, I watch the numbers light up. When the doors open, I make my way to my one-bedroom apartment.

Moments later, I’m in the shower with my mind on her again. Madison has been running through my thoughts since I first saw her, and I know it won’t change, even after I’ve gotten a taste.

I make quick work of getting dressed, and I’m out the door in no time. Smiling as I slide a leg over my bike, I get the engine purring and humming beneath me. It’s not far to my destination, and I can’t wait to lay my eyes on her again.

I don’t have much to do today, but I had to tell her that because if I spent the day around her, there’d be nothing left by the time the sun set this evening. When I finally park the bike, I swing my leg over it, tug off my helmet, and head toward the store.

I pull out my phone and hit dial on her number. After a few rings, her sweet, melodic voice comes through the line, and my cock awakens, hard and ready. “Hello?” She sounds tentative.

“Blossom,” I say quietly as if I’m whispering in her ear. I stand there waiting for her to say something, but all I hear is her soft breaths, which stir the need in my gut. The craving to have her near me, bent over, splayed wide, or just bowing to my every order.

My plan is easy.

Lure her with safety, when in fact, she’ll never be safe with me.

I want all of her. To take everything she has to give and walk away.

“Are you with your friends?”

“Yes,” she whispers, and I hear the giggling in the background. The thing about Madison is she’s not like them. I’ve watched her. Observed who she really is, and it’s not those prissy, rich girls who want to wear the latest name brands. No, she’s reserved. Quiet and shy. Just the way I like my girls.

“I want to make you all wet for me right now. Would you like that?”

“I-I can’t—”

“Madison, I don’t like when you deny me what you and I both know you want. You’ll listen and obey my orders soon enough because that’s what you crave. Isn’t it?”

She’s silent for so long I wonder if she will actually back out, but then I hear her sigh of resignation. My gruff commands are what she enjoys. “Yes, it is.”

“I know. When I finally get to see you later, I look forward to inhaling your sweet arousal like a perfume,” I tell her as I make my way toward the coffee shop I saw on Google Maps last night. She doesn’t see me pass by the window where she’s shopping with her friend, Amber, but she’s not meant to.

For years I’ve perfected my skills at blending in. Most call me a stalker, but I like to think of myself as thorough. I make sure I know my target better than they know themselves.

“And what did you have in mind?” she whispers over the line. I hear a door shutting from her side, and I realize she’s alone in a dressing room.

“That’s for me to know and you not to find out until it’s happening. I like to play games, Blossom. Very naughty games.” Once again, she sighs. It’s a sound that seems to be linked directly to my cock. Hardening it further behind the zipper of my jeans.

“And what if I don’t like your games?”

“You will. That’s why you wanted a ride on my bike that night. Good girls want to do bad things with dangerous men. You’re a good girl and I’m a very dangerous man,” I tell her easily. It’s true.

I have my plan for the pretty little Madison Parker.

“I look forward to our meeting, Blossom,” I tell her. I hang up, knowing I’ll soon be in the Parker house. When Oliver told me about the interview, I knew it was the perfect opportunity. And soon I’ll be with her all day, every day.

I know this will be a walk in the park. Working security for someone like him will be easier than the shit I did back home for my father. I pay for the coffee and slowly make my way through the crowd. They’re leaving the store with bags of clothes, and I watch her from the shadows. She doesn’t even look my way as she follows the blonde she calls a friend down the road.

I savor the coffee while my gaze drinks her in.

She’s exquisite in every way. Too perfect for me. But I’ve learned a long time ago that perfection is merely a smokescreen. There’s always imperfections beneath a shiny surface.

Once I’m back where I parked, I’m on my Ducati starting the engine with a loud roar. The streets are busy, but being without a car, it’s easy for me to zip through the traffic. There’s nothing I love more than feeling the power between my legs. Actually, scratch that. There is one more thing I’d prefer between my legs, and her name is Madison Parker.

Last night, she was a temptation. Something I couldn’t touch, because I knew today I’d be meeting with her daddy dearest, and soon, I’ll know exactly who her pussy-ass boyfriend is. Once I’ve weaseled my way into her house, into her life, she’ll soon be rid of him, and I’ll be the one making her moan. But most of all, I’ll be the one keeping her safe, until I crack the pedestal and watch her father fall from grace.

When I pull up to the three-story mansion, I find four security guards dressed in black suits with white shirts parked off doing fuck-all. They all look like they’re on vacation instead of protecting my girl’s home.

“Callan O’Leary here to see Mr. Parker,” I inform one of the suits who crooks his finger for me to step closer. He frisks my shoulders, back, and around my waist. He rises to full height, still measuring in a few inches shorter than me.

“You’re clear,” he grumbles in the mic sitting on the side of his head. He steps aside, allowing me to walk my bike down the drive.

The house is enormous. Granted, we did have a manor house in England, and this could easily pass for the same. The gardens are perfectly manicured, with blossoms of roses, jasmine, azalea bushes, patchouli, and even weeping cherry line the drive. Everything is too beautiful on the outside, which makes me smile because I know what sordid little lies are hidden on the inside.

There’s no one else around besides the security I met at the gate a few hundred feet down. A creak of wood sounds behind me, causing me to turn around. There in the doorway is Mr. Magnus Parker. The US Senator for five years running.

“Mr. O’Leary,” he smirks, his expensive suit tailored to fit his short, pudgy frame.

“That would be me,” I tell him, my accent thick, gravelly.

He steps closer, gripping my hand firmly as he shakes it. His eyes, the color of coal, watch me with a wariness I always get when I’m around strangers. I may be the villain in most respects, but I never fucking hide it.

“Come,” he says, leading me into the house where I’m sure he not only lives but works too, and possibly even hides whatever vile secrets politicians hide. The interior is everything I pictured — pristine, cream walls with vintage artwork hanging down the hallways we silently veer along to reach his office.

Each piece of furniture looks like it belongs in an old Scottish castle rather than in the modern home of a US Senator. He doesn’t speak, merely ambles along ahead of me as if he’s the goddamn president. Only standing at five feet nine, he’s shorter than me, but there’s a commanding aura about the man.

I follow him into what I’m guessing is his office.

“Please, take a seat,” he tells me as he makes his way around the ornate cherry wood desk. It’s large, taking over most of the space. The room itself reminds me of my father’s office, dark and dreary. Most of the older men in politics and organized crime think it comes across as foreboding. Me, I think they’re all just fucking around trying to be scary when they’re actually more shit-scared of the younger generation taking over.

“I understand you’re looking for a man who can act as security as well as chauffeur?” I question, watching him settle into his expensive seat. The onyx leather creaks as his heavy frame fills the space.

He regards me through narrowed cocoa eyes. Lifting his hands, he steeples them before him, heightening his chin somewhat. Even with the added height, the flabby, wrinkled skin still hangs from his face.

“I want someone reliable who can watch her. She’s running rogue with these girls she’s been friends with, and it’s tarnishing my reputation. Oliver told me you’re the best in the business, and I trust him.” His voice is filled with frustration, almost as if Madison was a teenager heading out to clubs and getting pregnant. No, she’s not that at all. She’s so far removed from that life, and I don’t think her father even knows what a good girl he has. And he knows exactly who Amber is. This feined concern is bullshit.

Judgment is never easy to come to terms with. Especially when it comes from family. From those you love the most. It sucks you dry, moment by soul destroying moment.

Tipping my head to the side, I watch him for a minute before leaning forward. My elbows hit my knees as I steady myself. I’m tempted to knock the fucker out. He knows nothing about his daughter, but there he sits, acting as if he’s the best father in the world when I know his concerns about Amber are bullshit. He’s not worried about her influence on his daughter, and I know why.

“And what makes you think she’s in need of someone like that?”

“There’s talk of her attending a club downtown that’s got me concerned. I trust that with your background, you can both keep an eye on her as well as find out what it is she’s up to when she goes there. Her friends are a bad influence on her.”

He stares at me hard then, and I know there’s something he’s not telling me. The tension in his shoulders and the curve of his pursed lips hold secrets he’s not divulging to me. And that’s not how this works.

Nodding, I confirm, “I can do that. However, I need honesty. I’m not talking about telling me the shit you think is going on. I don’t work well under a ruse.” I rise, stalking over to the windows to the right of his desk. They overlook the vast gardens of his property. From here, the city sits quietly in the distance, alive with promise.

“Look, Madison is my baby girl. She’s young, impressionable and . . .” His voice trails off into nothing, causing me to turn to him. “Her friends are rather risqué. I’m concerned about her safety, and I know you’d be the man to keep her out of harm’s way.”

“I can certainly do that, but I’m not a babysitter. If she wants to go shopping with friends, I’m not one to stop her.” I chuckle, earning me a glare, but I don’t give a shit.

“Also, I’d like her to find time for Hudson. He’s a good boy. One of my best. She’s been rather standoffish toward him, and I’m concerned.” He’s actually telling me to play fucking matchmaker. That’s definitely way outside my paygrade.

“Listen to me, Mr. Parker,” I order, making my way to the desk. Placing both palms flat on the cool wooden surface, I lean in, meeting his brown eyes. “Your daughter will be under my care. I’ll watch her, keep her safe, and ensure nothing bad happens to her. I’ll drive her wherever she needs to go, but make no mistake, I’m not here to play matchmaker.” But I will fuck her tight body until she’s broken, I add in my mind.

“That’s fine, but I want to remind you she’s precious to me. But I like your confidence, Mr. O’Leary,” he smirks, sitting back like a king on his throne. “You start tomorrow. I’ll introduce you to Madi in the morning. Be here at nine, sharp. I have meetings all day, and you’ll have to drive her around, be her shadow.” He reaches out a hand to me, which I grab. We shake on the agreement. Once I release his hand, I step back, allowing him to rise. “This is your contract,” he says, tossing a thick folder on the desk before me. “Read it, sign it, bring it along tomorrow, and we’ll get you set up with one of the SUVs.”

“You won’t be sorry,” I inform him.

“I know. I’ve looked into your background after being referred by Oliver Michaelson. I know you’re good at what you do, and I trust you’ll look after my daughter.”

“Always.” I offer him a nod before grabbing my contract and heading out the door. I’m escorted by two suits toward the exit. Once outside, I can’t help smirking. I’ve landed the job, which was all part of the plan.

I’ll be right beside little Madi all day, every day.

---

Two hours later, when I walk into Sins, I find Mason and Rick sitting at one of the booths with mugs of coffee and paperwork strewn all over the table. It looks like they’re deep in conversation when I stroll over to them.

I read through the contract twice to make sure that every T was crossed and every I was dotted. There’s something about accomplishing something that you’ve been planning for months. Since I first saw Madison here six months ago, I knew I had to have her. A normal man would just go up to her and ask her on a date, but I’m not a normal man.

I’m far from it.

I prefer the chase, the taunting and teasing.

And when I finally catch my prey, I devour them.

Pulling up a chair, I spin it and straddle the seat, leaning my elbows on the back. “What’s happening in here?” I question, meeting my brother’s gaze.

“We’re discussing the possibility of a new recruit.”

“Oh?” I lean forward, grabbing my brother’s tumbler, which is already swirling with amber liquid. “And what exactly does this job entail?”

“Security. You interested, brother?” Rick questions, glancing at me curiously.

“Me? I actually just signed a contract for a new job. I’ll be security detail.”

“Oh yeah? Who’s it with?” Mason questions, opening one of the manila folders on the table.

“Senator Parker actually,” I tell them.

My brother’s gaze snaps to me with confusion dancing in his gold eyes. “What?”

“Yeah, he needs a new driver-slash-bodyguard for his precious little girl.” I chuckle.

Carrick groans. Sitting back, he regards me, narrowing his eyes into taunting slits. “You planned it. Didn’t you?”

I don’t respond. Instead, I shrug and glance at Mason. “So, what’s that?” I ask, gesturing to the folder with my chin.

He hands it to me and I flip through the basic requirements. The standard details seem easy enough, but I notice the times and finer details will need to be changed. “Your brother said you’re good with security detail. You’ve done this before, and I trust that since you are family, you’ll be happy to work here. We just need you in the evenings. I’m sure your new boss won’t have you working twenty-four seven.”

“I’m sure that will be fine. When do you leave?” I question my brother.

“Next week. Flights are booked.”

I take in my brother’s expression, and I see the happiness on his face. I haven’t seen him this happy in years, but Peyton has been good for him. “I’ll make sure I’m around when I’m needed,” I tell him.

“Great. You can start work on Wednesday.” My brother’s best friend informs me, holding out his hand. My eyes drift between him and Rick.

“Take it. That means you’ll be able to keep an eye on Leigh as well as your little dolly,” Carrick taunts me. I used to call my teenage girlfriend Dolly because she was as pretty as one. “I’ve decided to take Peyton to Europe. We’ll probably head over to see Dad as well.”

“You’re going to London?” My question comes out filled with shock. I never pictured my brother ever returning to the place he walked out of. It’s been years, and he never looked back. But knowing he’s taking Peyton there, that’s more shocking than anything. Not because she doesn’t deserve to see where we grew up, but when Dad sees her, he’ll lose his shit.

She looks just like Rick’s ex-fiancée who was killed at my sister’s wedding over nine years ago now.

“You want me to babysit Cayleigh? You do realize she’s going to give me the slip as soon as she can.” My little sister is a little firecracker. She’s been like that since she was a teenager. There’s never been a time that I knew my sister not to be in trouble with our parents.

Sadly, losing mom was difficult for her, and that’s when she really went off the rails. Carrick and I had to step in and be the older brothers who put our foot down. Since then, she’s slowly calmed down. Her partying has dwindled into nothing, and I wonder if being here will turn her into the party girl from her younger years.

“I just need you to watch over her. Also, we need someone we can trust in the club. Since Mason will be on his own, I’d much prefer you being here with him. This is yours as much as it is mine, brother,” Rick tells me.

“Fine, I’ll be here for her and for the club. Thank you for thinking of me. Us working together again will be a challenge.” I chuckle, slapping Rick on the shoulder.

His smirk is enough to tell me he’s happy with the choice. It’s been a long time since the O’Leary brothers were together.

“Tell me, why Anderson?” I question. My brother changed his last name when he moved here. I know deep down he hated where he came from, the life he was forced to live, and when he lost Aurora, it shattered everything he believed in.

He shrugs. “It was easy. I needed something that wouldn’t tie me to home.”

“You mean to the mob,” I tease, winking as I rise. Pushing the chair to the side, I pull out my smokes and lighter. “I’m heading out. I’ll be by tomorrow to sign the contract.”

“Great. Mason will get it ready for you, and you’ll officially be staff of Seven Sins,” Carrick tells me with a smile. “And remember, no fighting. Just keep the peace while I’m gone.”

“Peace? With Leigh? You know she’s worse than a kid on a candy high,” I retort, earning myself a chuckle. It’s true though, and Carrick knows it. I pull out my phone, tapping out a message to my new toy, telling her I can’t wait to see her. However, I don’t tell her I’ll be her new bodyguard. That’s a surprise I want to spring on her while I’m staring into those honey-colored eyes.

“Just watch out for her.”

“I’ll catch you later, I have to make plans for tonight. I have a flower to pick, and I can’t wait to inhale those sweet petals,” I tell them, turning to leave.

Carrick calls out to me before I make my way toward the exit. “Stay away from Madison Parker.” I don’t respond. Instead, I head out into the warm afternoon sunshine. My brother knows me too well. Anytime he’s told me not to do something, I’ve made sure to do exactly that. This time it will be no different.