Guarded Desires

floor. Amelia flinched, instinctively crouching down behind the kitchen island. Her hear

like a hawk. His hand pressed firmly on her shoulder, pushing her lower, closer to the ground

re to himself than her. "

op, trying to control her rapid breathing. They were supposed to be safe here, in her fortified penthouse. It was one of the

dyguard, but at that moment, he looked like something more-a soldier, perhaps, or someone f

wanted to ask what he was doing, but her throat felt dry,

fore they can get here," he said, already assessing

ened. "What

g. "They're not coming for a simple scare, Amelia.

her heart. "F

a piece of metal from its edge, and held it up to his eye level, examining the re

n her-it was a message. Someone wanted her out of the way, permanently. And for a brief

from her thoughts. "W

he penthouse toward the staircase that led to the underground garage. "W

ad spent years building an empire with precision and control. She had bodyguards, security systems, layers of protec

Luke paused, pressing an ear to t

ong," he said,

quickened. "Wha

he said, his brow furrowing. "But I haven't hear

ed. "You think... the

ink someone's working from

ircle had sold her out. But who? Her mind raced through possibilities. She had always been careful about who she t

ignaling her to keep quiet. He pushed the stairwell door open just a

whispered, pullin

as holding its breath. Amelia's pulse pounded in her ears, and the fear gnawed at the edges of her mind. Whoever was behind this had plan

never asked about his past, about where he had learned these skills. He had always been a mystery to her-an enigma she had hired because

motioned for her to stay back as he moved forward, checking the area for threats. T

but Luke heard it. He grabbed Amelia and pulled her behind a ne

re out

lack SUV parked nearby. He yanked open the door and us

. There was no doubt now-someone close to her had

ed. She fumbled for it, her hands shaking as she unlocked the

y think I woul

ll too well-someone from her past, someo

is face hard. "What is

her heart pounding. She co

my f