Protector of Novah (Valor Knights Book 1) Read online

  “Does he use it often?”

  “In a roundabout way. More like he has his deliveries come that way.”

  “Deliveries?” Egan asked with a skeptical tone.

  Joe only smiled.

  “Everything looks in order here.” Egan backed off a bit. He guessed he needed to get to know the team better before he expected them to tell him everything.

  “With a set up like this security is a cakewalk.” Joe leaned in and pressed a button, enlarging one of the screens, focusing on a woman walking through one of the halls. “There are definitely some perks to the job. Do you think it’s true that redheads are hotter in bed?”

  Egan felt a scorching heat race through his veins as he realized the “redhead” was none other than Novah. “She’s not a redhead,” he growled. Her hair was dark with a touch of auburn.

  “Really? It looks red. Maybe I need to get a better view.” Joe wagged his brows.

  It took all of Egan’s strength to not slap the man in the back of the head.

  Staring at the screen, Egan smoothed his gaze over the white, flowing dress that brushed every soft curve of her body. In one hand she carried a straw hat and a beach tote was pulled up over her shoulder. So that little lacy number she wore was a bikini cover up?

  She dropped the hat and bent over to pick it up, bringing the hem of the dress high on her firm bottom.

  Joe whistled as he used the controller to aim the camera closer and as she started walking again, he focused in on the sensual sway of her flared hips. “How much do you want to bet Langley has his sights set on that sweet morsel.”

  “Langley doesn’t seem like her type,” Egan grounded out, glad he kept his cool when he had a war raging inside his gut.

  With a grunt, Joe said, “Are you kidding? He’s every woman’s type. That’s what money does for a man. I bet he’ll have that hot piece of ass in bed before the night’s over. What I wouldn’t give to sample that myself.” He rubbed his palms together. “Yee-ow!” He came up out of the chair, prancing from one foot to the other, a large wet spot on his crotch.

  “My bad,” Egan muttered. “I didn’t see your coffee sitting there. You better run along and take care of that situation. I’ll stay here and watch the cameras for you.” Egan did a good job at hiding his laughter at the other man’s red face and protruding eyes that looked like one of those dolls Finley had that had eyes that popped out when its stomach was squeezed. The dick got what he deserved.

  Once alone, Egan worked the controller, panning out the camera so that he could watch Novah as she paraded her way through the mansion halls. Several times she’d paused at the intersection of two corridors as if she were lost. She was unaware that she was being watched and probably had no clue that there were cameras.

  Through the material of the lace dress, he caught a glimpse of a yellow bikini. So she was headed to the pool.

  Stopping at the elevator, she pressed the button. While she waited, she pulled a book out of the tote and thumbed through the pages.

  The elevator doors swung open and she moved inside, and much to his disappointment out of the view of the camera. He started to turn away, but then he saw a floating piece of paper fall to the floor. It must have come from her book…

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “MA’AM? CAN I get you anything else? Another iced tea, or lunch perhaps? I could have the cook make you a sandwich.”

  Novah looked up from the book she was reading and met the friendly face of the young man who worked on Mr. Langley’s wait staff. The second she sat down he’d been right over to offer her a drink.

  Arriving at Lake Jade a few hours ago, she was shown to her elegant room in the guest quarters and had been surprised to find a large white box with a big red bow placed on the bed. Attached was a note from Peter.

  “As a thank you for coming along this weekend, here is a little gift. Use the bathing suit and book to enjoy yourself by the pool since I’ll be arriving later than expected. P.L.”

  Normally it would only be appropriate to return a gift from the boss, but when she opened the lid and found the Gucci two piece and cover-up in her exact size she didn’t see any harm in taking the present as a bonus. After all, she had switched up her entire weekend that she’d planned to spend with Finley.

  “Brett, I told you that you don’t have to wait on me. I’m not a guest. I’m staff too.”

  “Ma’am, it’s my pleasure.” He brightened. “I usually don’t get to help such nice visitors here.”

  “Then I’ll take another iced tea. Thank you.”

  She went back to reading her suspense novel and sipped the fresh glass of tea. Hearing her phone buzz, she reached for it from the tote and read the screen. She clicked “talk”. “Hi, sweetie. Why aren’t you at school?” Novah immediately shifted into worried mom mode.

  “I felt sick, so Grammy came to pick me up.”

  Sitting up straight, Novah squeezed the phone tighter. “What’s wrong?”

  “Here, Grammy wants to speak to you.” There was a soft mumbling in the background and then Novah heard her mother say, “Relax, honey. She’s fine. I made her some chicken noodle soup and she’s feeling better already.”

  “Are you sure? Do I need to come home?” She swung her feet off the lounger.

  “Don’t you dare! I have this under control. Who do you think took care of you when you got sick? You deserve a vacation.”

  “This isn’t a vacation, Mom. I’m working.” Although not now.” She stretched back into the lounger and resituated her sunglasses. “Fin likes apple tea. There’s a box in the cabinet.”

  “I’ve already given her a cup.”

  “Call me if anything changes.” But as she hung up, she knew her mother wouldn’t, unless it was a matter of life or death. She’d made it clear many times over the last few years that Novah needed to have fun and enjoy life more. While here, she did plan to soak up some sun and enjoy the peaceful views in between working, that was if Mr. Langley ever arrived. He was famous for not being punctual.

  Turning the page on the book just as the heroine was about to be attacked, she heard, “This doesn’t look like work to me.” The familiar husky tone invoked a variety of sensations in her.

  Egan was standing near the iron gate and although she couldn’t see his eyes through his mirrored sunglasses, she could feel the scorching heat of his gaze across the short distance. Her nipples beaded against the soft cups of the bikini top. Swallowing against the invisible cotton ball in her throat, she asked, “What are you doing out here?” She jetted a glance around the pool area to make sure they were alone. Where had Brett disappeared to?

  “Checking the perimeter,” he said and took the space between them in three quick, panther-like strides. “Care if I have a seat?” He nodded at the lounger next to her.

  “I’d rather you didn’t—” He was already seated, and she groaned in frustration. “Go right ahead then.” Immediately her body was on high alert, fully aware of the vibrations forming at the apex of her thighs. She closed her book and set it aside. “There’s nothing to worry about here by the pool.”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “Everything looks good so far.”

  Realizing he was referring to her, she suddenly felt naked and resisted the urge to squirm. He didn’t need to know that he affected her with such intensity.

  “I like this color.” He reached out and curled the string that held the bottoms together around his finger. She felt a slight tug on the material. “It suits you.”

  The unseen strings between her heart and inner thighs tightened. “You and I had an agreement, remember?” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “This is unsafe, you and I talking. People will get the wrong idea. Then we’ll both lose our jobs.”

  “Oh, so you’re worried what people here will think?” A hard tightness covered his jaw.

  Sliding off her sunglasses, she narrowed her gaze on him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Is it typical for a boss to buy
a bikini for an assistant?” He swiped off his glasses too, his eyes were blazing with something akin to jealousy.

  A gasp fell off her lips as she felt the fabric slip some more. The string was now tight around his knuckle and one flick of his wrist and she’d be bottomless. “How did you know? Were you spying on me?”

  He chuckled but it was frosty. “Now why would I do something like that?” he drawled.

  “You have no right to snoop!”

  He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small card, dropping it into her lap. “Consider yourself lucky that I found this note and someone else didn’t. I don’t think you’d want word to get around that you and Langley have breached the lines between personal and professional. If I remember correctly you don’t like when that happens.”

  She stared at the note Mr. Langley had attached to the gift box. She should have never stuck it between the pages of the book. “Not that it’s any of your business, but the lines aren’t blurred. I’m sure he didn’t purchase the gift himself.”

  “Yeah?” His thick brows slammed together. “Ask me and I’d say things will slip right over that line if Langley has his way. I only buy gifts for women who I want to get to know better.”

  “No one asked you!” She stood sending the book and card careening to the ground. She’d completely forgotten that the bikini string was wound tight around his finger so her bottoms came flying off. Squealing in shock, she grabbed the towel and wrapped it around her waist, mortified as heat crawled up her neck and into her cheeks.

  He jumped up, causing the lounger legs to scrape against the concrete. “You’re playing with fire, Novah. Not only is he married but he’s a snake. From what I hear he has an entire list of women he brings here to the resort.”

  She pushed her sunglasses back onto her face while clutching the towel close. “You see, this is exactly why you shouldn’t have come here this weekend. You’re already barking orders at me. Well, get something straight, Egan, you’re here to monitor Mr. Langley’s actions, not mine!”

  “Don’t fuck him!” he growled.

  Her laughter was flat as it fell off her lips. “Really? We’re divorced. If I decided to fuck the entire security team then that would be my business.” She started past him when he reached out to wrap his long fingers around her wrist, jerking her against his hard, lean frame. A gasp came from her at the same time he lowered his mouth next to her ear.

  “Let’s get one thing straight, sweetheart. We’re divorced, but you’re still the mother of my child. We’re still co-parents. Screwing the boss means this will only get messy.”

  Lifting her chin, she stared into his heated gaze, glad the sunglasses hid the windows into her soul. “That would only be a mess for me, not you. Mind your own business,” she whispered through thin lips.

  “If you think it doesn’t affect me then you’re delusional.” He withdrew his fingers from her and her skin burned.

  “Why do this to me, Egan? Admit it, this has nothing to do with Mr. Langley but everything to do with how you don’t want me to move on.”

  He blinked. “Is this what you call moving on? Being bought by the boss?” He draped the bikini bottoms over her shoulder. “Don’t forget your wages, sweetheart.”

  Flooded with anger, she drew her hand back and slapped him hard against the cheek. Her palm stung. His cool stare invaded her every pore, making her tremble.

  “I hope that felt good,” he growled. “Let me catch you fucking Langley and I’ll do the same to that sweet, firm ass that you did to my face.”

  “How dare you!”

  “How dare I? If my memory suits me, I remember how you liked a swat every now and again.”

  A mixture of humiliation and excitement stormed through her. She had a dozen insults she wanted to fling at him but the only thing she could manage was a whimper as he marched away.

  Stunned by the heated exchange, she picked up the book and threw it at his back. It only made it a few feet and he was already beyond the gate.

  CHAPTER SIX

  STILL REELING HOURS later from the quarrel he and Novah had by the pool, Egan strode purposefully down the corridor, finishing up his checks for the evening. He’d crossed a line. He could admit it. Although he’d told her the truth, wanted to look out for her, he should have never voiced his concerns in the way that he had. He’d lost every right to her, and yet his body became a raging bull when he thought about Langley, or any man really, touching her.

  What bothered Egan most? He knew Langley was a walking hard on. Novah deserved better.

  Egan practically tore the door off the hinges to the library and stopped to look around the stylish space full of at least a dozen rows of bookshelves. The drawn blinds cast the room in shadows. He marched across the luxurious carpet and didn’t see the chair, cracking his knee hard. “Fuck!” he pushed out.

  “Fuck is such a fascinating word,” came a soft voice followed by a light coming on.

  He swung around and saw her. A beautiful blonde standing near one of the bookshelves. She seemed like she’d taken a wrong turn into the library because her red sequined dress was fit for a ball. The material draped sensuously over her generous curves and the neckline dipped dangerously low on high, firm breasts. “I didn’t realize someone was in here.”

  Like a dream, she seemed to float in the back lighting of the lamp “I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you.”

  “No, I don’t think we have.” He made a mental rush through the guest list, wondering who she was.

  “Shy.” She held out a slender hand decorated with large sparkling rings. The diamond bracelet on her slender wrist caught the dim light of the lamp. Shaking her hand, which seemed unusually soft against his callused knuckles, her laughter made him cringe. “Hands of a hard worker. I like that.” She let go and took several steps to a small, round table where books were stacked. The light was on her then and he could see that her eyes were surrounded by glittering make up, a thick fringe of lashes and her lips were plump and shiny.

  “I was doing my checks, but I can come back.” He took a step toward the exit, but she cleared her throat, pausing him.

  “No. Go ahead and do your checks. You won’t disturb me. I usually come here and relax before bed.” She sunk into a wide chair and crossed her legs. The deep slit of the dress parted, revealing the long, toned, tanned length of her leg. “You’re new, right?”

  “Yeah.” He busied himself with examining the perimeter of the room. He’d been in there three other times so he guessed he wouldn’t learn anything new.

  “Do you have a name?” She twirled a piece of her platinum hair around her middle finger. Her red painted nails reminded him of talons.

  The neckline slipped down to reveal one breast and she didn’t seem the least bit bothered. He carried his attention back to her face. “Sorry, ma’am. I’m Egan Banks.” He reached into his pocket and took out the guest list, unfolding it to glance through the names. “You said your name is Shy? You’re not on the approved list for this weekend.” He was totally playing his role, and admittedly a bit thrown off kilter by the woman.

  Laughter bubbled up in her throat, matching the humor he saw reflected in her eyes. “Is that one of my husband’s new rules? Leave it to Peter to expect me to get permission to visit Lake Jade,” she simpered.

  “Wait. You’re ShyAnne Langley?”

  “That’s me. Most people call me Shy, but as you can imagine it doesn’t describe my personality.” She covered her exposed breast, uncrossed her legs and pushed up from the chair. She smoothed her palms down her hips.

  “I owe you another apology, ma’am. It appears I’m not up to par yet.” He returned the list to his pocket feeling a bit ridiculous.

  “No worries. I forgive you. There are so many women coming and going it’s hard to keep track I’m sure. We can’t be too careful,” she slurred.

  When he didn’t respond, she laughed, then sashayed her way over to a tall custom-built cabinet. “You’re not up
to par yet if you don’t know of my husband’s indiscretions.” Leaning a flared hip, she glanced back at him, smoothing the tip of her tongue along the plump curve of her bottom lip. “You look like a whiskey man. Let me pour you one. A true lady of society never drinks alone.” She opened the doors, revealing a variety of expensive whiskey bottles and glass decanters.

  “I’m still on duty, Mrs. Langley,” he answered.

  “I won’t tell anyone. I swear.” She poured a small amount of liquor from a crystal carafe.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Okay then. I’ve never been considered classy any way.” She took a long sip from a tumbler.

  He pointed to a painted portrait of a woman that covered most of the wall. There was another of the woman in the lobby. “Is that Jade Langley?”

  Shy traced her finger around the rim of the glass. “Yes, that’s Jade, the Langley matriarch.” There was a notable stiffness to her voice.

  “Some portrait.”

  “Yeah, right? She’s the broad that set the bar high for the rest of us.” She sniffed and swayed over to the damask settee and stretched out on the cushion. The slit of her dress swept open, exposing her legs all the way up to a scrap of red lace. She slipped off her strapless heels and stretched her legs out, bending one knee. “It would seem that not all women are created equally in the eyes of my husband.” She laid her head against her hand.

  Realizing things were turning awkward fast, he decided he needed to politely exit the library and leave the woman alone. He was grateful when his radio buzzed. Dragging it out of his pocket, he pressed the button. “Banks here.”

  “Are you finished with the library wing? We need you in security,” came Banner’s voice.

  He compressed the button again. “On my way.” gave Mrs. Langley a shrug. “Duty calls.”

  “Come here for a sec.” She wriggled her finger and didn’t wait for him before getting up and parading across the room.