“I’m fucking her because I want her more than I’ve ever wanted a woman. I’m fucking her because I can’t stand the thought of not fucking her. What’s the difference? I was stupid before and didn’t see past her family’s money and accomplishments to consider who she was as a human being. I saw a pretty face and expensive shoes and didn’t think she would have the depth to be able to care about a man like me for more than sex. I was wrong and I’ve corrected the mistake.” And yeah, he’d thought about how sex could make his job easier, but that had flown out the window the minute he’d realized who she really was.

“Have you given a single thought to how she’s going to feel when you leave?”

“Yeah, and she assures me that she would rather have these weeks than not have them, and I feel the same way.” He was getting a bad feeling in his gut. “If you’re going to fire me, do it, but I won’t leave her alone. She’s mine for as long as we’re together, and I won’t give up the right to protect her. I’ll stay here until I’m sure this thing is done.”

“She’s part of our family.” Taggart sat back. “She’s been in the girls’ lives since they were born. Her sister-in-law is Serena’s best friend. She’s more than a client. It’s why I came here this morning. I thought I would talk to you. Lisa was taking out the trash and caught me walking in. Imagine my surprise at that. She was walking around outside like nothing was wrong. An infamous assassin is in town and she’s taking out the trash and making sure the recycling went into the right bin.”

It made his heart threaten to seize. “I was asleep. We agreed last night to not think about our contract until this morning. I’ll put in protocols. I’ll make her understand how serious this is. I think she’ll let me protect her if she doesn’t realize her brother’s paying me. She’s got a strong streak of pride, but she’s reasonable.”

“And if she catches you following her?”

This could work. “Then she catches her very real Dom making sure she’s safe. I’m serious about that contract with her. There’s nothing fake about this. I care about her.”

“But you’re leaving her behind.”

Though he’d slept well the night before, the conversation was making him weary. “I have to go home. You heard her. She’s not leaving her family. I have to do what I can to save mine. We’re adults who’ve made our decision. Stop playing her dad and be my damn boss and help me protect her.”