When she was settled into the seat, Piper glanced up at him. The interior light from the vehicle shone down on her, giving him a perfect view of her. High cheekbones. Slightly pointed chin—the stubborn chin that always notched up when she got angry with him. Her full, red lips. Her incredible eyes. Eyes that appeared…worried.

“Eric, you don’t think someone is watching me right now, do you?”

He stiffened. Then he forced a smile. “You’re safe with me, Piper. Just remember that.” He shut her door and walked around the car, and as he did, his gaze cut toward the darkness.

Was someone watching Piper?

Was someone planning to hurt her?

If so…Eric would fucking destroy the bastard.

Chapter Two

A woman didn’t normally expect the villain of her childhood and teenage years to suddenly start playing the hero of the story, so Piper couldn’t quite make herself relax as Eric drove them back to his home. He lived in a fancy Atlanta suburb, one of those high-end, way-behind-a-gate places. His house definitely qualified as a mansion. His family had always possessed money, but Eric had exploded with his security corporation. After he’d graduated from MIT, the guy had created some sort of new security tech that had taken the world by storm. In the blink of an eye, he’d suddenly had the rich and famous banging at his door. And things had only been getting started for him.

“I can’t believe you live in this place all alone.” She leaned forward and peered up at the sprawling estate. Tuxedo Park. Talk about old money and too much power. The circular driveway led toward the English-style manor. An actual manor. Lights shone from within, providing a soft glow as tall, swaying pines surrounded the home.

“I’m not always alone.”

Even though heat poured from the vents in the car, she still shivered. Probably because of his deep, dark voice. Or maybe because she was running on fumes. Either way, she was not really up to her normal snark level with Eric.

And, of course, the guy wasn’t always alone. He had his flavors of the week, didn’t he? Ben had certainly told her enough stories about them over the years.

But maybe she should just leave all of the bullshit behind. Maybe… “For once, can we just be normal people?”

He braked. Turned off the Benz. She felt his stare on her.

“I thought we were normal.”

“I mean…can you stop hating me and I’ll stop baiting you, and we can just get through this night without any trouble? I’m truly grateful for your help, and I just…” Her words floundered because she didn’t know what to say.

“You’re dead wrong.”

Her head jerked toward him.

“I don’t hate you. Never have.” A pause. “Why would you think that?”