Bodyguard Pursuit (Bodyguards #2)
Joanne Wadsworth
Dedication
I grew up surrounded by books. This one’s for all those authors who opened up a world of adventure and inspired me to write the same.
Acknowledgements
Huge thanks go to my hubby, Jason, and kiddies, Marisa, Caleb, Cruise and Rocco, an incredibly supportive family who allow me so much time to write. My love for you is endless.
I also have the most amazing editor, Penny Barber. The absolute best.
For my readers, I can’t thank you enough for joining me, and taking this journey to where imagination and magic soar.
Chapter 1
“How can you laze about and not want to get up and move?” Saria Sands paced the glorious top poolside deck of Tyler Whitehall’s luxury super-yacht as it cruised the warm waters of the South Pacific toward Fiji. Her identical twin lay sprawled on a lounger before her, so cool and calm, while her anxiety level kept rising.
“This is called a holiday. The whole point of one is to embrace the peace and solitude.” Lydia propped her aviator sunglasses up with one finger and eyed her from underneath the dark rims. “The baddies got locked away and there’s no longer a killer chasing us. You need to sit, kick back, and relax.”
“I keep looking over my shoulder, expecting Ben to be right there. Don’t you miss him?” She and Lydia had spent the past year in a safe house with a full time bodyguard, and Ben Hammers had guarded them with his life. Comfort and security only came when he stood at her back.
“No, Saria, but then you depended on him far more than I ever did. I’ve also had Tyler guarding me these past two months while you and I’ve been apart, and yes, I’d miss him like crazy if he weren’t here. Or in my bed.” Smiling, she cast a glance at Tyler and his brother as they swam lengths.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married, or that you’re pregnant.” That had been the last thing Saria had expected to hear when she’d finally reconnected with her sister two days ago.
“Neither can I, but both events are nice surprises.” Lydia frowned as she eyed her. “Look at you. You need to chill, and the only way that’s going to happen is if you give Ben a call. He’d understand if you did, and the sat phone’s just across the way in the captain’s control room.”
“I’m tempted.” Beyond tempted. She itched to run across the deck, grab that phone and jab in his number.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he felt as lost as you.” Lydia tucked her white cotton swimsuit cover-up under her bare legs and wriggled her toes.
“Ha. That’s doubtful. He’s always been a complete professional. Feeling lost isn’t even an emotion on his radar.”
“I’m not sure. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.” Lydia tapped her chin.
“He looks at me because watching one’s client comes with the job.” Still, temptation ground at her. She nudged her sister’s stretched legs and Lydia wriggled over. She sat next to her and arched a brow. “Okay, exactly how does he look at me? And be specific.” A loaded question, but she needed an answer.
“As if he’s both fascinated and frustrated.” Grinning, Lydia sat straighter. “At times I’d see him standing behind you, his hands lifted and his fingers a whisper away. He’d inch closer as if he wanted to touch you, then when he realized what he was doing, he’d grimace and back away.”
“Are you certain? I never saw any such thing. He touched me only if necessary.”
“I’m positive. And let’s not forget he started sleeping with you while I was away, which goes way beyond touching in my book.”
“He slept with me for a very good reason, to allay my fears when you went through re-identification. And still, he didn’t touch me, unless you count the odd pat on the back when I was sobbing my heart out.” Which couldn’t have been more vexing. How she’d wanted him to hold her, to embrace his strength and siphon some for herself. Yes, he was her bodyguard, but also her friend. Friends hugged from time to time. Even now fear gripped her in its icy hands, no matter she was safe and amongst family she trusted.
“Take a deep breath and see if that helps you relax. Nice and slow.” Lydia squeezed her hand, concern radiating in her gaze.