CHAPTER TWELVE

SAVANNAH

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I make Ryder check my upstairs area and bedroom one more time before he leaves.

He accused me of trying to get him into my bedroom, but I felt his hard cock, so I know he wants me just as much as I want him.

What I don't know is why he's holding back.

Job rules aside.

No one needs to know.

If I'm fucking you, I can't protect you.

"Given we fucked in my laundry this morning, I don't think I would go to the trouble of getting you into my bedroom." I say, sitting on the edge of the bed while he checks the ensuite bathroom.

Damn, he looks good in his tight jeans and t-shirt.

I don't think I've seen sexier arms. All that roped muscle and, lord, those tattoos have me squeezing my lady bits.

His enormous frame appears in the doorway and blue eyes land on me as my legs dangle over the edge of the bed.

Suddenly I realize that he's leaving, and I sober, knowing I'll be alone in the house.

Ryder notices.

"The guards are outside," he rasps.

I feel bad because I can see he's fighting with the need to protect me. Emotionally and physically. It's in his nature.

"I know." I nod, forcing a smile.

"You can call me. And you have the emergency button," Ryder says, walking over to the side of my bed to find it.

"It's fine. Today just scared me." I climb off the bed and stand in front of him.

He's so tall and big and powerful. I'm not going to lie; I feel safe when he's with me. Perhaps that's why I've been so cavalier tonight. I don't want him to leave, and now Ryder probably thinks I'm trying to seduce him.

He's right.

It's both.

"We have a big day tomorrow," he says, sliding his hands into his pockets so he doesn't touch me.

I dip my eyes to stop my smile.

What would it be like to wake up in bed with a man as gorgeous as this?

To have him climb on top of me and make love, knowing I'm loved and protected.

Well, not loved...maybe loved.

Loved would be amazing.

Not Ryder.

Or...anyway, not him.

It can't be him.

The world I live in now would never accept that.

"Yes, flight leaves at nine." I nod, meaning the private jet which will take us to New York.

His eyes roam my face, and he takes a step closer as I press my eyes closed. His large, warm palm cups my cheek.

Kiss me.

When I open them, dark hungry eyes gaze down at me. My heart pounds.

Kiss me.

"Go to sleep." He finally says thickly, and my eyelids flutter as his hand brushes over my dark hair.

Then Ryder walks out of my room.

Fucking hell.

I collapse back on the bed and flop backward as I let out the enormous breath I had no idea I was holding.

How am I going to work alongside this man?