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analogy worked in terms of procedure, but otherwise it was just too ridiculous.
She watched him work. Though she was behind him, she knew he scanned the area constantly.
Periodically he glanced back at her to ensure she was okay. Every movement he made was calculated.
His body completely blocked hers. If someone tried to approach her, he stopped them.
Ms. Edwards can t talk to anyone until after the speech.
People took one look at Christian and obeyed. Alyssa realized that those around them cleared a path for
Christian. It didn t seem to be a conscious action. It was as if they did it through instinct. She noticed a
group of people talking in front of them. As she and Christian drew closer, the group didn t look their
way. They all just sort of shifted to one side so that the two of them could pass. It was almost as if they
all got the same mental suggestion to move at the same time. Alyssa wondered how much of that was due
to Christian using his vampire powers and how much of it was due to the fact that he was an intimidating
man.
He stopped abruptly and Alyssa barely avoided running into him. She saw his back stiffen and he
clenched his fists tightly to his side. Curious about what could have caused this reaction in Christian, she
peeked around him.
It wasn t a what, it was a who.
Aunt Joyce stood directly in front of Christian. Hands on her hips as she gave him the once-over, then
studied his face with interest. The speculative gleam in her eyes wasn t lost on her. Her aunt thought
every man might be a perfect candidate as a husband for Alyssa. If only she knew about Christian.
Well, Alyssa? Aren t you going to introduce me to your young man? Joyce impatiently said.
He isn t my young man. This is Christian Galiano. He s the security specialist handling my speaking
engagements. Christian, this is my Aunt Joyce.
Aunt Joyce held out her hand.
Hello. Please call me Joyce. It s so nice to finally meet you, Mr. Galiano. I ve heard so many good
things about you from Alyssa.
Christian looked at Alyssa. He raised one eyebrow and a knowing smile spread across his lips.
Really? The amusement in his voice was obvious.
Alyssa wanted to wipe that smile off his face, but instead smiled sweetly back at him.
Of course. You ve been such a gallant gentleman. What could I possibly have to say about you that my
aunt would find displeasing?
Christian s eyes narrowed dangerously. Warning her. She chose to ignore it.
Christian has protected me just like he s been paid to do. He s very good at his job. Isn t that right,
Christian? And once my last speech is over, he can go protect someone else and I can get on with my
life.
Alyssa!
Her aunt s shocked voice made Alyssa cringe inside. Why was she goading Christian? She was being
rude and it wasn t fair. Maybe it was the frustration. Maybe it was the knowledge that she wanted him,
but couldn t allow herself to have him. Before she could even think about apologizing, Christian spoke.
That s right. Once you get through your last engagement, I won t need to babysit you anymore, will I,
Alyssa?
Alyssa was steaming. Babysit? How dare he?
Christian bent close and whispered. The feel of his breath caressing her ear sent shivers of pleasure up
and down her spine. Then the meaning of his words hit her and she stiffened.
Until that last engagement, you are mine,palomita , to do with as I choose. Don t forget that. Christian
grasped her arm. His hold didn t hurt, but she wasn t going anywhere until he was ready.
I need to take Alyssa to her room while she waits to go on, Joyce. She will be much safer there than
the middle of the room. If you ll excuse us?
Alyssa wanted to resist, but knew if she did, it would only cause a scene. She didn t want to do that to
her aunt. Not in front of so many of her aunt s friends.
Her aunt looked confused for a minute, but then she nodded her head and smiled.
Of course. Nice meeting you, Mr. Galiano, and I ll see you both later.
Alyssa calmly let Christian lead her to her room.
But the minute Christian closed the door and released her arm she slapped him, hard, across the face.
Or, at least that was her intention. Before her palm even touched him, he caught her hand and pushed it
behind her back. He did the same thing with her other hand and held them together with one of his hands.
Christian pulled her against him. She shivered when she noticed how good her softness felt pressed
against the hard contours of his chest.
Now where were we? That s right, you were telling me how to do my job, weren t you? And I was
telling you that I owned you until my job was done. Do you have a problem with that?
The deep timbre of Christian s voice told Alyssa he was angry. That and the furious look on his face.
Well, too bad. She was angry also. Angry and frustrated about, well, everything.
Yes, as a matter of fact, I do have a problem with that. Alyssa lifted her chin and met his gaze without
a flinch. Nobody has, nor will anybody everown me. Youwork for me, period. End of story. Please
don t forget that.
Christian moved his face so close to hers that she could make out each individual eyelash on his beautiful
mocha eyes.
Forget it? How can I forget it? Every time I see your lush lips, I have to remind myself that this is a
working relationship, so I can t kiss you senseless. Every time I see the sensuous way you move your
body, I have to remember this is business only, so I can t explore your voluptuous curves. Every time I
hear your husky voice, I have to remember that you re a client, so I can t let the sexy sound of it make
me so hard I want to explode.
Christian s last word came out a growl. He stared into her eyes, demanding everything. Asking for
nothing. His admission ignited a fire of desire. It hit her like a locomotive, making her shake with need.
He lowered his mouth to hers. She rose up to meet him. She was tired of fighting it. Tired of denying
herself. She wanted Christian with everything inside her. She wanted him naked and pressed against her.
She craved his touch everywhere on her body. She yearned to feel his hardness plunging deep inside her.
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