Page 14 of Brown Sugar
Told me about myself while laying down the law.
All matter-of-factly as he peers down at me, issuing a challenge for me to object.
I dare you, his glare says.
It’s such a surprise that I can’t think up a comeback. My mind goes blank as it dawns on me how close we’ve stepped to each other.
How I’m no longer just eclipsed by Tyson but sucked up into his intense gravitational pull.
He not only dominates the space, he commands it.
His alpha energy’s so unapologetic, so thick, that I’m not sure if I’m insulted or turned on…
No one ever dares speak to me like this. I’m Kiana, the worldwide superstar. The modern-day second coming of other great female music icons like Diana Ross and Whitney Houston.
He might be the first person in a long time who’s not intimidated by who I am.
Yet he couldn’t care less. He doesn’t give a single fuck.
I swallow against the shock and stitch together the only response I can think of.
“I’m not a brat,” I mumble.
He shows the first sign of human emotion—humor. The corner of his lips tics up slightly. The vaguest, slightest, quickest half grin in the history of mankind.
“Yeah, you are,” he says. “But you’remybrat to protect. Which is what I’m going to do so long as my contract is in place.” He pulls out his phone, his thick fingers moving quickly across the screen. “I’m arranging for some guys to come out and set up a state-of-the-art alarm system for this place. Motion sensors, smart locks, internal cams, emergency alerts direct to the local police. We’ll talk about installing a panic room in this place soon. You have more than enough space for it.”
Panic room!?
I can only blink at him, feeling hot and breathless as he takes charge.
There’s something undeniably sexy about it…
It’s like my safety is his number one priority.
He strides past me without waiting for my permission, then stops once he reaches the door. “Oh,” he says, “and in case it’s not clear, I go where you go. Me and the rest of my security team. You’re never to leave our sight from the second you step outside your home. Until the threat is eliminated, I want eyes on you at all times.”
He leaves the room, leaving me to stare after him, questioning what I’ve gotten myself into.
Wondering if Tyson Jeffries is about to change my whole world.
And if I’m about to let him.
7
TYSON
The next morning, I show up on princess’s doorstep, ready for my first official day as her head bodyguard.
But there’s one problem.
The asset I’m supposed to be protecting isn’t fucking home.
Her twin sister answers the door. Then cringes as if she knows there’ll be hell to pay.
“Uh,” Amari says, scratching her head. “K’s actually not… uh, here right now.”
My glare darkens. “Where?”