Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Is this the man?
This isn’t a man. This is a gorgeous freak of nature, a genetic anomaly that defies science and logic. He shouldn’t exist. Every biological rule I’ve studied seems inadequate in explaining how someone could look like this.
My father steps out of the car, his usual reserved demeanor firmly in place, and shakes hands with him. They exchange a few words I can’t quite hear through the closed window, but my father’s nod in my direction makes it clear what’s coming next.
I can’t stay with this man. Alone.
He’s not what I pictured when my father said security. I was expecting a mall cop with a chip on his shoulder—not someone who looks like he moonlights as a superhero.
My father gestures toward me, beckoning me to exit the car. “Tory Ann, come here. I want you to meet Ranger Cole. He’ll be keeping you safe.”
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry as I pull the door handle and step out. My legs feel like jelly beneath me, every step toward him shaky and uncertain. His presence seems to pull all the oxygen out of the air, leaving me light-headed.
When I finally stop in front of him, his dark eyes lock onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine. Up close, he’s even more overwhelming—his sheer size, the effortless way he carries himself, the faint scent of something clean and masculine lingering in the air.
I extend my hand, hesitant and unsure, and his swallows mine completely. His grip is firm but not crushing, his skin warm and rough against my own. The moment our hands touch, it’s like a lightning bolt shoots up my arm, electrifying every nerve in my body.
There aren’t enough gigawatts in the world to measure the energy coursing through me.
“Miss Malser,” he says, his voice a deep rumble that resonates in my chest.
I manage a shaky nod, my words stuck somewhere in my throat. My father continues speaking, but his voice fades into the background, eclipsed by the overwhelming presence of Ranger Cole.
I don’t know how I’m supposed to survive being alone with this man. Not when every cell in my body seems hyper-aware of him, as if he’s rewired my biology in an instant.
Chapter 3
Ranger
The woman standing before me is nothing short of a dream. A pure, untouchable vision. Her silky blonde hair cascades down her shoulders in waves that catch the sunlight, making her look like she’s stepped out of some ethereal painting. Her big, baby-blue eyes lock onto mine as she places her tiny hand in mine. Her touch is warm, delicate. Innocent.
The sheer contrast between her softness and the hard edges of my world makes something primal stir deep inside me. I fight the urge to growl as her fingers brush against my calloused palm. My grip tightens slightly—not enough to hurt her, but enough to let her know I’m here. Solid. Strong. Hers. Even if she doesn’t know it yet.
Her father’s voice drifts into my consciousness, but I barely hear him as he introduces us. Fredrick Malser. A genius in his field, but all I care about is the angel he’s entrusted to me.
Tory. Her name tastes sweet even in my thoughts.
And already, I want her. I want to scoop her into my arms, take her to the safe house, and claim her in every way imaginable. I want to erase the doubt in her eyes and replace it with trust—trust in me. But I’m not a fool. I’ve been in this business long enough to know better.
This is a job.
I must remain professional.
At least for now.
But the moment this job is over, the moment she’s safe, she will be mine.
“I’ll keep her safe, sir,” I say, my voice firm and steady as I look her father in the eye. My words aren’t just a promise—they’re an oath, and I don’t make those lightly.
Fredrick nods, satisfied, and we get to work transferring Tory’s belongings from their car to my truck. She has more bags than I anticipated—small, feminine things that don’t take up much space but somehow feel significant. Each one feels like a glimpse into her life, into the things she values. I tuck them carefully into the back of the truck, securing them as if they contain treasures.
When the last bag is loaded, I turn to see Tory hugging her father. The sight stirs something unexpected in me—a pang of emotion I quickly suppress. I don’t have room for sentimentality in this line of work, but watching her cling to him, seeing the protective way he pats her back, reminds me why I do this. Why I keep people like her safe.
But it’s not just about duty. Not this time.
When she pulls away from him, there’s a vulnerability in her expression that makes my chest tighten. She’s trusting me now. Trusting me to keep her safe.