Free Deadly Intentions (Hardy Brothers Security Book 1) by Lily Harper Hart Page A

James killed the vehicle’s engine and climbed out of the Explorer. Mandy was surprised – and excited – for a reason she couldn’t quite narrow down. She expected him to watch her enter the building and then leave – like he had after their Thai dinner. Instead, James waited in front of the Explorer, not saying a word.
    Finally, Mandy blew out a sigh, and climbed out of the vehicle. “I’m okay.”
    James didn’t respond. Instead, he held out his hand, ushering Mandy toward her apartment. Once she was at the door, she realized her hands were shaking as she tried to fit the apartment key into the lock. James took the keys from her wordlessly, opening the door and pushing her inside. Once they were beyond the threshold, James shut the door and engaged the new deadbolt. Then, just to be sure, he slid the security chain into place.
    Mandy was flummoxed. “What are you doing?”
    James knew what he wanted to do. It wasn’t an option. His rage was still fresh. Her terror was still real. This was not the time. There was never going to be a time. He wasn’t sure he actually believed the inner-voice that was on repeat in his head anymore.
    “You’re staying here?” Mandy wet her dry lips.
    The movement wasn’t lost on James – and he felt a slow pull in his groin when he saw her tongue escape from her mouth. “I’m sleeping on the couch,” he said, his voice raspy. “I need to make sure you’re safe.”
    Mandy considered his offer. On one hand, she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep if she stayed in the apartment alone. Every noise, every brush of the shrub outside her window, she knew she would freak out. On the other hand, the thought of this man – the thought of James Hardy – sleeping on her couch would likely drive her insane for another reason.
    “I’m safe,” Mandy said, her voice low.
    “For now,” James agreed. “I’m going to make sure that you’re safe for the whole night.”
    Mandy inwardly sighed. She wouldn’t say “no.” She couldn’t. She didn’t want him to leave. “Okay.”
    James unhooked the gun holster from his belt, pulling it off and dropping it onto the coffee table in the living room. “Do you have an extra pillow and blanket?”
    Mandy snapped to action. “Um, yeah.” She disappeared into the bedroom.
    James wanted to follow her. Actually, he needed to follow her. He fought the urge. Instead, he remained rooted to his spot next to the couch. He would not give in. He refused to give in. She’s a family friend. She’s Ally’s best friend. All the arguments to the contrary in his head were just noise.
    Mandy returned from the bedroom, a blanket and pillow balanced on her outstretched arms. “Here.”
    James reached for Mandy’s offerings, making sure not to let his hand touch any part of her exposed skin. If he did, he knew it would be over. He would take her in his arms and then, well, then he would just take her. He was at the edge of a precipice here – and it was one he refused to tumble over. She’s just a woman that needs my help, he repeated in his mind.
    “Thanks.” James’ voice sounded ragged to his own ears. He could only hope she didn’t notice.
    For her part, Mandy was fighting her own demons. He looked so worried, so vulnerable, standing there in the middle of her living room. He also looked sexy as hell, too. There were dark shadows under his eyes, and a tired expression on his face as he rubbed his stubbled jaw. He was still the sexiest man she’d ever seen. He just looked so … appealing.
    “Um, do you need anything else?” Mandy fought the urges warring for supremacy between her thighs. He didn’t think of her that way. She was just Ally’s friend, nothing else.
    “I’m good.”
    “Okay,” Mandy said, her voice doubtful. “I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.”
    A shower? Was she trying to kill him? James ignored the thoughts in his head. “Okay. Goodnight.”
    “Goodnight,” Mandy echoed.
    She moved toward the