Free Banishing Shadows by Lorna Jean Roberts Page B

office at least once.
    Perhaps Cord was finally starting to realize that she wasn’t in any danger. That thought brought relief and disappointment. If there was no threat in her life, there was also no reason for Cord to stick around.
    “Ahh, sure, just let me pack up.”
    She snuck a quick glance at him, her breath catching sharply. Strong muscles rippled as he moved about the room, dressed in dark jeans and a tight, black t-shirt. She tidied up and shut down her computer before following him out to his truck. He drew her in close behind him and she knew he was alert for trouble. Trouble she didn’t think would ever come.
    Cord helped her into his truck.
    “Everything okay?” he asked as he turned out of the parking lot. “You’re tense. Did something happen?”
    “I’m fine,” she replied.
    He stared over at her. “You look exhausted. I want you to answer me honestly. How often are you having nightmares?”
    Kayla was startled by the question. “Ahh, I don’t know.”
    “Best guess.”
    “Well, they were a few times a week. But now, since the incident at The Rusty Hammer, sometimes they come every night.”
    “Yeah, that’s what I figured. Listen, honey, you need to talk to someone about what happened.” He parked, turning to her, his face serious.
    “I’m fine.”
    He snorted. “Sure you are.”
    “Don’t do that,” she said angrily.
    “Do what?”
    “Dismiss what I say like it’s not important, like I’m speaking rubbish.”
    “I’m sorry if you think I’m not listening to you. I am. But you’re not being sensible, Kayla. You’re exhausted because you’re too afraid to sleep. You only eat because I force you to, and you won’t speak to anyone about what happened.”
    “This has nothing to do with you. You’re only here because you and my brothers ganged up and bullied me into letting you stay with me. You have no say in anything I do.”
    “It’s my job to look after you.”
    “No, it’s your job to protect me, and since nothing has happened in nearly a week, I don’t think I need your services anymore.” Pain speared her at the thought. But perhaps this was the best. Push him away before she got too attached.
    Cord jumped out and sauntered around to get her door. “You firing me, angel?”
    “Yes.” She glared at him. “Get lost, will you?”
    He chuckled and took her hand. She attempted to tug away but he held on easily.
    “Let me go.”
    “Not on your life.” He unlocked the door to her apartment and pulled her inside. “Wait here.”
    She tapped her foot, waiting as he checked inside her apartment. When he gestured her inside, she walked straight past him.
    “I’m going to go and have a shower. I’ll expect you to be gone by the time I come out.”
    She stepped into the bathroom, locked the door and breathed in deep, trying to fight off tears. He needed to go. She wasn’t in any danger.
    Well, she was. But the only threat to her was him.
    * * * * *
     
    “You’re still here,” Kayla snapped as she walked from the bathroom.
    The cheeky devil gazed down at himself in mock surprise. “So I am.”
    “Urgh.” She stomped her foot. “Nothing has happened in days, no one is after me. You’ve overstayed your welcome. Get out.”
    “No.”
    “Why not?” Lord, he was frustrating.
    “Because you need someone to take care of you.”
    “No, I don’t.”
    “So you’re going to see a therapist?” he asked calmly.
    “No.”
    “You’ll talk to your brothers, then.”
    Kayla crossed her arms over her chest. “No.”
    He sat on the sofa and patted the seat beside him. “Talk to me, then.”
    “You’re my bodyguard, not my shrink. I’m not in any physical danger so you can leave.”
    He slouched back against the cushions. “Sit down, Kayla.”
    “Damn it, Cord. Stop ordering me around. You are not the boss of me.”
    “Maybe not, but I’m the right damn person for the job.”
    She turned away but he grabbed her hand, tugging her down to sit beside