“Excuse me? Nick Carter asked, his blue eyes shifting from Brian to me and back.
“Ryder mistook me for a mugger. She was only defending herself,” Brian tried to explain.
“I caught Brian with a snap kick. I only knocked him a few feet. He’s fine,” I answered, grinning at him.
“You attacked a member of one of the most popular groups in the world?” Nathan demanded.
“As a matter of fact, yes I did. Do you have a problem with me defending myself?
“I have a problem with you attacking my client,” Nathan shot back.
“Than maybe you should talk to your client about grabbing women. When I’m not employed my first obligation is to protect myself and I did so,” I stated, glaring at him.
“Who the hell are you?”
“Ryder Taggert.”
“Well, Mrs. Taggert, I don’t think we will be needing your services after all.”
“It’s Ms Taggert and that’s fine with me.”
“I think we need someone with a little more experience,” he continued needlessly.
“And a pair of balls,” I added. “Let me tell you something, Mr. Theodore. Outside your fancy office and your expensive suits is the real world. In the real world women can kick ass just as well as men. When I walk out that door you’ll be losing the best protections you could have hoped for.” I looked at Brian and smiled.
“Good luck, Brian. I wish you and your lady luck and happiness,” I added.
With that I turned and left the office. Or at least attempted to.
“Ryder, wait,” Brian called out, reaching out but stopping just before touching my arm.
“Let her go, Brian,” Nathan ordered.
“No, Nathan. Now I agreed to the bodyguard thing on my own time. I agreed to have someone hover around me, shadowing me, watching everyone around me and everything I do. Now I like this woman. She’s intelligent and funny and incredibly capable of protecting me obviously. If you insist on a bodyguard I want Ryder,” Brian stated.
Something in his eyes glowed and without really knowing him I knew it was a sign that he wasn’t going to budge on this matter. He wanted me and he wouldn’t settle for anyone else. I liked him even more.
“Brian, think about this. She’s a woman. The press would have a field day with that. They would never believe she was your bodyguard. She’s a woman. They’ll tear the two of you apart. Think of what it will do to your relationship with Leighanne,” Nathan argued.
“Leigh will understand. Ryder is what’s best for me and that’s what Leighanne wants. And to hell with the press. I’ve never cared what they said or thought before. I’m not going to start now. These are the rules, Nathan. Either I get Ryder or I walk on this whole set up,” Brian warned.
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