I didn’t expect the sudden scream when I stepped inside.
My hands rose in the air. “Hey, just another party guest. Didn’t mean to scare you.” There was probably a couple in here fucking. But as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I realized there was only one person here.
One beautiful, alluring scared person.
“Sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t think anyone else would come out here. It seemed deserted.”
She stepped out from behind a stack of pool furniture. I almost staggered. I was caught off guard. She had the body of a goddess, dressed in a tight black cocktail dress. Curves. Long slender legs. Elegant features I swore I’d only witnessed in paintings.
“I’m Knight Corban.” I extended my hand.
She smiled. “Kennedy Martin.”
Her hand fit in mine like a glove. Soft. Warm. Tender. I wanted to thread my fingers through hers and pull her closer. Close enough to study her eyes. What color were they? It was too damn dark in here.
The door immediately flew open.
“Miss Martin?” A broad-shouldered man hurried next to Kennedy. His expression was serious as he discovered she was no longer alone. I dropped Kennedy’s hand.
I realized he had brandished a gun, and it was only a few feet from my chest.
“What the hell are you doing with that?” I glared at him. “Put it down. This is a weapons-free event.”
“Not for security,” he argued.
“I see.” I nodded. “Detail for Ms. Martin?”
Kennedy groaned. “Kimble, I’m fine. Put the gun away.Now.”
The bodyguard was reluctant to return the weapon to its holster.
“I insist.” I nodded at him. “I don’t think the Castilles would be happy if gunshots ruined their party. They take offense to those kinds of rules being broken.”
The bodyguard checked the safety, before tucking the gun under his jacket.
“Thank you.” I waited for him to leave, but he remained next to us. “That’s all.” I pointed to the door.
Still nothing.
“You can go, Kimble. I’m fine. Just chatting with a new friend.” Kennedy smiled. Now that the door was open and an outside light shone through, I thought I caught glimpses of emeralds in her eyes. Fuck. She was breathtaking. Light pink lips. High cheekbones. Her hair was swept off her shoulders and fasted in a rhinestone clip. It was honey blond with streaks of auburn.
Her bodyguard didn’t want to leave her. It could have been the black dress she wore. No man would want to walk away from her.
“I’ll be outside. Not far,” he added. He ducked on his way out. He was a damn giant.
“Sorry about that. He’s only following orders.”
She didn’t have to explain to me how it worked.
“Why are you out here by yourself?” I asked. “Not having a good time at the party?”
“It’s a long story.” She sighed.
I walked to the wet bar. “I like long stories.” It was a hell of a lie. I barely had the patience to read texts. But if this girl had something to say, I wanted to hear it.
I rummaged through the liquor cabinet and revealed a bottle of vodka. “Drink?” I offered.
Kennedy nodded. “Yes, please.”