Guarding the Heiress. Debra Webb

had had a feeling that this was where the sticking point would be. He pushed to his feet and tucked his hands into his pockets in hopes of keeping things casual, relaxed.

      “I understand, as I’m sure Mrs. D’Martine will. However, you should consider long and hard your options. You and your family here would be financially secure for the rest of your lives.” He almost laughed at the way he’d automatically minimized the situation. But he needed her cooperative. “The reality is, Miss Harper—”

      “Eddi,” she corrected.

      He nodded once in acknowledgment. “Eddi. Your grandchildren’s grandchildren won’t even have to worry about money. I’m not sure you quite comprehend the complete picture. When I use the term heiress, I use it in its most literal sense. The matter is not something you can simply dismiss.”

      The vulnerability in those blue eyes tugged at something deep inside him. Made him want to share his own story with her and assure her that he, of all people, understood exactly what she was going through. But he couldn’t take that chance. Wouldn’t take that chance. He’d worked too hard to separate himself from his past. He couldn’t blow it for Eddi Harper, no matter how he wanted to just now. She was strong, self-reliant, she would find her way. His only job was to keep her safe and to give her a few pointers about fitting in along the way.

      “I have to talk to my father,” she said and turned toward the door. Now she would run…maybe even deny all she’d heard.

      “I’ll need to go with you,” Doug insisted, reaching for his sport jacket.

      A frown marred her pretty face when she looked back at him. “I need to do this alone.”

      He shouldered into his jacket, concealing the gun, which made her feel lots better. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you plenty of space. But Mrs. D’Martine hired me to keep you safe and I take my work very seriously.”

      The frown morphed into a look of disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?”

      “I never kid about my work, Eddi.” He moved up next to her at the door. “Until further notice from my employer, I’m your personal bodyguard 24/7.”

      Eddi sighed loudly, defeatedly. “Ms. Mattie was right,” she said wearily. “You are a spy.”