When someone has been paid to guard you, it would not be wise to avert directions and go off course. Andria thought about this when the reminder for the bachelorette party popped up on her calendar.

And Facebook invite.

And email reminder.

“Andria?” Jax asked. “Will you explain what this is?”

She put down the book she was reading in bed. She slipped off the covers and stepped over to his chair, then bent over his shoulder, biting her lip. “I forgot about this.”

“Where is it?” he looked at her. “This isn’t somewhere I have on my list of places.”

She went back to the bed and sat down. “It’s a local pub not too far from here. One of my friends is getting married. She’s having a party and I want to go.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why? Because you haven’t checked it out?”

“Yeah, that’s exactly why. I can’t stop you from going, but I will advise against it. Here, I have every exit covered. The neighborhood has been scouted. We know all the ins and outs of everyone on this block and the adjoining ones. No one comes or goes without our knowledge. Well, except for the occasional family visitor. I would know Draven is coming within ten to fifteen minutes of his arrival. This pub? I’m out, Andria. I would not be able to guarantee protection.”

“I had no idea you had the neighborhood scouted.” She thought about that and tapped her chin. “Do the neighbors even know?”

He shook his head. “Remember, I told you we would set this up and no one would be the wiser.”

She nodded. “Yeah, I remember that. But Jax, I do really want to go.”

“It’s not a good idea.”

She huffed and left the room. She did not want to act like a child, but this was ridiculous. There was no way Draven would show up this one night of all nights and attack her. She was going, with or without Jax.

* * *

The car ride over to the pub was silent. Jax was upset, but he would deal with it. She demanded to go, and threatened to go without him.

That got his panties in a twist.

Well yeah, because he’s being paid to guard you and you just threw a wrench in all the planning he’s done.

He pulled up to a light and she heard him sigh.

“Andria, look. We can do this. Just please, stay in my line of sight the entire night. Don’t leave my side.”

She lifted a brow and felt like she was pushing his buttons with her next question. “Fine, but what if I have to pee? Will you follow me into the restroom?”

He looked at her and the expression on his face was not the one she had grown accustomed to. The face staring at her now was angry…and disappointed.

She hated to disappoint anyone, but she had. Guilt riddled her insides and she looked away from him. “I’m sorry,” she said in a softer voice. “I don’t mean to be this way, but I’m used to being on my own for so long, not having to report to anyone. It’s nothing personal.” She thought of the look on his face when she walked out after getting dressed for tonight.

She wore a mid-thigh black fitted dress with spaghetti straps. She paired it with a black cashmere shrug. The smile he wore, the way he undressed her with his eyes…

She looked back at him and tried to smile. “If I must use the bathroom, I’ll tell you.”

He nodded. “If I can see you, this will work.”

She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “How should I introduce you?”

His fingers intertwined with hers. “However you want.”

“Suzy doesn’t know about us. Not yet.”

“Do you want to tell her?”

She smiled. “Yes, I do. Should I tell her that you’re, umm, my boyfriend?” She bit her lip, curious as to what he would say to this.

“Do you want me to be your man?”

“Well, I kind of thought you were. It’s not every day I offer up this body to just anyone.”

He chuckled. “Then saying I’m your man is just fine.”

She grinned. This setup wasn’t just for show, this was real. He was real. What she felt about him was real. She imagined walking down the aisle at a church in a beautiful white dress while he waited for her at the altar. The inner child in her wanted to squeal with joy while the adult in her gave her a mental slap back to reality.

Jax was new, amazing, and kind. He was the most amazing person she had met, aside from her father. She knew her father would approve of Jax if she had the chance to bring him home. Maybe one day she would take him to his grave.

“We’re here,” Jax interrupted her thoughts.

She took her seatbelt off and turned to him. She cupped his face and leaned in to kiss him. “Everything will be just fine. I know it will be. Hopefully soon this will all be over. Then we can talk about us and figure out what to do next.”

He smiled and took her hands. “Sounds like a great plan. Let’s get through tonight first.”

She nodded and slipped out of the car.

Moments later, they were inside the pub. The music was loud and the girls were even louder. Someone asked if Andria brought a stripper. This made her blush and Jax laugh.