“What else do you like?” I ask her, dipping down to whisper in her ear. “Whatever you want, Willow. I mean it.”
She chews on the inside of her cheek. “Maybe that blue sweater over there?”
“Good idea. It matches your eyes.”
“Bodyguardandfashionisto? Well, aren’t you a package deal?”
I chuckle, giving the small of her back the lightest of pushes. “Go on. Try them on for me.”
She grins, the corners of her eyes crinkling as a mischievous look takes over her pretty face. “For you, huh?” she mumbles before slipping into the changing rooms.
I remain out front, going through my usual security checks. The doors are clear from obstruction, there are less than four other customers in the store, and I have a clear view of my surroundings. Nobody strikes me as particularly suspicious, but it’d be a mistake to typecast. If I’m going to do my job properly and ensure Willow is well protected, I can’t afford to underestimate anyone.
Everyone and everything are a potential threat, and only a fool would let their confidence go to their head. I take my job very seriously. And because it’sher, maybe more so.
Whoever’s after Willow clearly has connections, power, and money. That means I can’t relax, not even for a second.
My phone dings in my pocket with a text from my youngest brother, Knox.
Heath wants to go clubbing.
You’ve been appointed designated driver.
I sigh heavily as I message him back.
I don’t get a say in this?
When do you ever?
Bring your new friend with you.
Darlene says she “wants a gal pal.”
I feel gross that I even wrote that out.
Gal pal. Vomit.
“Zane?”
Willow’s soft voice reaches my ear like a gentle summer breeze. I turn to find her standing at the entryway to the changing rooms, the bright red of her dress drawing my attention like a beacon. Without thinking, I take a step toward her—very much a moth to her flame.
“How do I look?” she asks sheepishly, fiddling with the strap of her dress. The silky fabric hugs her curves in all the right ways.
I reach out and tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “How do you feel about nightclubs?”
“I’ve never been, but it sounds exciting.”
I smile down at her, lost in her pretty eyes and even lovelier smile. “Exciting indeed.”
Chapter 8
Willow
I’m a fish out of water.
The music is a touch too loud and the flashing lights are a massive distraction, but I can’t deny there’s something thrilling about the atmosphere. It’sespeciallythrilling getting to walk into the club on Zane’s arm.
We literally turn heads as we head to the VIP section, men and women alike turning just to get a good look at us. I’m not sure if it’s because of the low back of my dress or the way Zane looks drop-dead sexy in his all-black suit.