Witness Pursuit (Bodyguards #1)

At twenty-seven Dylan had risen through the ranks of Whitehall Shipping, earning the position of chief engineer. Tyler’s younger brother was dedicated to family and firm.

Dylan swung Nico around his back then set him on his feet. Nico wobbled. “Me dizzy. Do that again, Uncle Dylan.”

“Later, sprite.” Dylan’s gaze landed on Lydia and he let out a low hmm. “Luke said we had a woman on board, but I had to see it to believe it. Welcome.”

Tyler stepped in front of her and eyed his brother. “She’s here to care for Nico, and Nico alone. Eyes up, in fact, eyes out.”

“Bro.” He chuckled. “What’s with the attitude?”

Lydia slipped her hand around his arm as she nodded at Dylan. No other contact could have calmed him more. Heck. Why did she feel so good at his side?

Dylan’s gaze dropped to where she held on, and then rose back to his. “Did I miss something? Are you and her–” He dipped his finger between the two of them. “–together?”

“We met a year ago, during the haze.” It’s what he called it. “And no, we’re not.” But he’d sure like to change that.

Nico pressed between them, tugged on Lydia’s arm and pulled her away. Argh, perhaps his nephew wouldn’t be such an ally after all.

“Can we go, Lydia?” Nico bounced about. “I want to show you everything.”

Tweaking Nico’s chin, she grinned. “And I want to see it all. Lead the way.” She looked at Tyler. “Take it easy, okay?” Pulling Nico through, she squeezed past Dylan in the doorway.

Dylan’s lips twitched as he poked his head into the hallway and peered after her. “Yeah, I never thought I’d see that.”

“See what?” At this precise moment, he hated exactly how observant his brothers could be.

Dylan ducked back in. “You, reacting this way with a girl. Look at that scowl on your face. It doesn’t appear I can even look at her. Who is she? And where is my usually calm brother?”

It seemed one lone woman truly could shake a man up. Not good. Or at least not good for him, and that was his predominant thought over the next hour as he fidgeted on one of the outdoor couches on the second floor.

Liam lay on a padded lounger across from him, his shoes kicked off and a can of beer in his hand. Beside Liam, Dylan and Luke relaxed in the same way.

Tyler half-listened to their chatter. What was taking Nico and Lydia so long? Squeezing his beer can and crackling the tin, he let out a deep breath. This was crazy. He should just go get her. He didn’t care for her being out of his sight, and he still had a multitude of questions buzzing in his mind.

“Here they are,” Nico called as he burst through the doors and jumped between Luke and Dylan. Luke squeezed Nico’s cheeks and Dylan lifted Nico’s feet, capturing him sideways. They mercilessly tickled him.

Giggling, Nico squealed, the noise flying out over the churning water.

“Hey.” Lydia plopped onto the couch beside him. “What a tour. Your ship’s huge.”

“Did Nico introduce you to everyone? To all the crew?”

“About half of them. You’re still here.” Sliding closer, she created a level of privacy he more than desired.

“Of course I am. Were you worried I’d jump ship?” He kept his tone low since she had.

“No.” She smiled cheekily. “The last thing you’d ever do is that.”

“That’s right.” He rolled his shoulders, relaxing like he should have done hours ago.

“Your nephew is full of energy. You told me he was a year ago, and I believe it’s true.”

“It’s a brave caregiver who’ll take him on. He’s like a lightning bolt, and tough to keep up with.”

“Like you.” She grinned.

Flexing his fingers, he resisted their itch to grab her and drag her into his lap. Damn, he had to control these urges.

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Henry, I didn’t see you.”

“It’s not often one can sneak up where you’re concerned.” The older man was one of the full-time wait staff on board. He placed a bucket of ice with fresh cans of beer on the side table. “Would Nico and Miss Lydia care for a drink?”

“They’ll have iced lemonade. Ah–” He scratched his head. “Or at least I think they will. Sorry, Lydia, I usually ask. You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

“Absolutely.” Her cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head.

So intriguing. Now, how had he known she’d like that?



Iced lemonade? Lydia recalled those afternoons in Wellington as she and Jay had played outside in the acre-wide sprawling garden. Near the oak tree, a white latticework table and chairs were set, and Tyler would pour their iced lemonade as he watched them. No matter what she did, he was never more than a single step away.

“Do you want some?” she’d asked, although his answer was always the same.

“No, I can’t stand how sweet it tastes.” He’d glanced at Jay whose feet dangled a foot from the ground where he sat next to her. “But it’s perfect for boys. It grows strong muscles.”

“It does not.” She propped her elbows on the table. “Jay believes everything you say, so take care.”