I open the door of the black sedan and step to the side, allowing my client Chantelle to enter the vehicle. She smiles at me, her fingers gliding over mine on the top of the doorframe as she slides inside. Chantelle lifts her big blue eyes up to stare at me as she waits for me to close the door. I slam it.

She’s been doing it all day, little touches, staring, flirting her ass off. Even if I didn’t have Red, I’d still turn her advances down. She’s pretty, but she’s also conceited, manipulative, and rude. I learnt all that in just one day with the woman.

Climbing into the front passenger side, I fasten my seat belt and turn back to her. “Make sure you’re strapped in, Ms Ranker.”

“Why don’t you sit back here with me, Zak? I’d feel safer with you beside me, we could get to know each other a little better. And please, call me Chantelle.”

I have to stop myself from visibly shuddering. “I’m fine up here thanks, Ms Ranker.” I make a point of looking at her when I call her by last name. “We’ll have you at the airport in…” I glance at my watch, then my phone as I check the traffic on our route. “Thirty minutes.”

She pouts. “Won’t you reconsider coming to work for me? I’d pay you more than you’re making now—double, even! And…” she smiles coyly. At least that’s the look I think she’s going for, but with all the work she’s had done her face can’t form natural curves. “We could spend some quality time together.”

She keeps asking me to join her personal security detail. No matter what I say, she won’t let it go. It’s grating on my nerves. I never bring my personal life to work, but I’m out of excuses. “Thanks, but there’s no way my girlfriend, would be on board with that. So again, thanks for the offer, but I must decline.”

I catch Michael smirking from the driver’s seat, he’s been doing it all day. Every time Chantelle finds another way to proposition me, he’s there, fighting back his laughter. Asshole.

Ignoring Michael, I slide my phone from my pocket as it vibrates with an incoming text. My mouth kicks up in a small smile seeing Ellie’s name on the screen. I slide my thumb across the glass and read her message. Generally, I wouldn’t reply to a personal message while on the job, but I have a minute to myself as we drive Chantelle to the airport.

~Ellie: Pick me up after work tonight. I have something for you.~

~Me: I’ll be there in an hour.~

~Ellie: I’ll be waiting ;)~

Grinning, I slip my phone back into my pocket and focus on the road ahead, keeping an eye on the traffic surrounding the sedan. Two paps trail us, one directly behind, the other on our left. Camera lenses hang out their windows trying to get a shot of Chantelle. But it won’t be happening, the windows are tinted black.

Pulling into the private entrance of the airport, Michael follows my directions to Chantelle’s private plane. He hasn’t been working with me for very long, but I like the guy, when he’s not being an asshole—he’s good people.

“Right here,” I tell him, and he pulls the vehicle to a stop.

We both exit the car and I open Chantelle’s door for her. She takes my offered hand and bats her extra-long—I’m guessing fake—lashes up at me. I avert my gaze, turning to find Michael retrieving her luggage from the trunk.

Who needs luggage for a one-day trip? The woman has changed her outfit three fucking times throughout the day. At each talk show appearance, she had her makeup redone and an outfit change. I shake my head, clearing the thought from my mind. I don’t get chicks like this.

Once Chantelle’s safely situated in her plane, Michael and I return to the sedan leaning against the side as we wait for take-off.

“She wants you bad, man,” Michael chuckles, sliding a cigarette between his lips.

I roll my eyes. “Fuck off,” I mutter, shoving his shoulder and he laughs harder.

“I’m guessing your little leprechaun wouldn’t appreciate how desperately Chantelle wants you on her personal detail,” he stifles another laugh.

“Your funeral if Red hears you call her that,” I warn him. Ellie is feisty. I watched her tell Abe off the first time they met. It was magnificent. She scaled Abe like a tree to reach his throat so her little arms could wrap around it in a headlock because he called her a midget. Hands down, the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. I have to work at holding my own laughter in at the memory.

The sun has set by the time Chantelle’s plane goes wheels up, and Michael and I drive back to the Alpha One Protection compound. Michael parks the company car in the garage and we make our way out to our own vehicles. I tilt my chin to him, “See you Monday,” I call, then slid inside my truck.

It’s time to go see my girl.