Bodyguard: Outrageous / Riley. Lori Foster

refuse to believe that!” She turned in her seat, taking her frustration out on him. “I have to do something. Maybe I can figure out a way to stop this guy who sold that gun. If everyone would get involved—”

      Judd laughed, cutting her off. “Like the folks who whisked their baby boy out of the country? How old was this kid, anyway? Old enough to know better, I’ll bet.” He shook his head, giving her a look that blatantly called her a fool. “Don’t waste your time. Go back to your rich neighborhood, your fancy car and your fancier friends. Let the cops take care of things.”

      She was so angry, she nearly cried. It had always been that way. She never shed a tear over pain or hurt feelings, but let her get really mad, and she bawled like an infant. His attitude toward her brother infuriated her.

      Judd stopped at a traffic light, and she jerked her door open, trying to step out. His long hard fingers immediately wrapped around her upper arm, preventing her from leaving.

      “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

      “Let me go.” She was proud of her feral tone. “Did you hear me? Get your hands off me.” She struggled, pulling against his hold.

      “Dammit! Get back in this truck!”

      The light had changed and the driver of the car behind them blasted his horn. “I’ve changed my mind, Mr. Sanders,” she told him. “I no longer require your help. I’ll find someone else, someone who won’t choose to ridicule me every other second.”

      He peered at her closely, then sighed. “Aw, hell. Don’t tell me you’re going to cry.”

      “No, I am not going to cry!” But she could feel the tears stinging her eyes, which angered her all the more. How could she have been so wrong about him—and he so wrong about her? She didn’t have fancy friends; she didn’t have any friends. Most of the time, she didn’t have anybody—except her brother. She loved him dearly, and John trusted her. When the rest of her family had turned their backs on her, her brother had been there for her, making her laugh, giving her the support she needed to get through it all.

      She couldn’t let him down now, even if he didn’t realize he needed her help. He was the only loving family she could claim, the only one who still cared about her, despite her numerous faults. And she knew, regardless of the gun incident, John was a good person.

      Several cars were blaring their horns now, and Judd yanked her back inside, retaining his hold as he moved out of the stream of traffic and over to the curb. He didn’t release her. “Look, I’m sorry. Don’t go and get weepy on me, okay?”

      “You, Mr. Sanders, are an obnoxious ass!” Emily jerked against him, but he held firm. “I always cry when I’m angry.”

      “Well…don’t be angry then.”

      Unbelievable. The man had been derisive, insulting and arrogant from the moment she’d met him, but now his tone had changed to a soft, gentle rebuke. He had a problem with female tears? She almost considered giving in to a real tantrum just to make him suffer, but that had never been her way. The last thing she wanted from Judd was pity.

      “Ignore me,” she muttered, feeling like a fool. “It’s been a trying week. But I am determined to see this thing through. I’ll find the man who sold that gun. I have a plan, a very solid plan. I could certainly use your help, but if you’re only going to be nasty, I believe I’d rather just find someone else.”

      

      JUDD WAS AMAZED by her speech. Then his eyes narrowed. No way in hell was he going to let her run loose. She was a menace. She was a pain.

      She was unbelievably innocent and naive.

      Judd shook his head, then steered the truck back into the street. “Believe me, lady. I’m about as nice as you’re going to find in these parts. Besides, I think I might be interested in your little plan, after all. I mean, what the hell? A thousand bucks is a thousand bucks. That was the agreed amount, right?”

      Emily nodded.

      Lifting one shoulder, Judd said, “Can’t very well turn down money like that.”

      “No. No, I wouldn’t think so.” She watched him warily, and Judd thought, what the hell? It would be easier to work with her, than around her. If he turned her down, she’d only manage to get in his way, or get herself hurt. That was such a repugnant thought, he actually groaned.

      He’d have to keep his cool, maintain his cover, and while he was at it, he could keep an eye on her. Maybe he could pretend to help her, but actually steer her far enough away from the trouble that she wouldn’t be any problem at all.

      Yeah, right.

      It would probably be better to try to convince her to give up her ridiculous plan first. He glanced at her, saw the rigid way she held herself, and knew exactly how to dissuade her. “There are a few conditions we should discuss.”

      Emily heaved a deep breath. “Conditions?”

      “Yeah. The money’s great. But I’ll still have to work nights at the bar. Actually, only Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ladies’ nights.”

      Emily hastened to reassure him. “I don’t have a problem with that. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your…career.”

      His laugh was quick and sharp, then he shook his head. “Right. My career.” He glanced at her again, grinning, wondering if she could possibly realize how uncomfortable he was with that particular career. “That’s not the only thing, though.”

      “There’s something else?”

      “Yeah. You see, we’ll need a place to meet. Neutral ground and all that. Someplace away from prying eyes.”

      Emily stared.

      “You stand out like a sore thumb, honey. We can’t just have you traipsing around in that neighborhood. People will wonder what you’re up to. It could blow the whole thing.”

      “I see.”

      “My apartment is close to here. No one would pay any attention to you coming in or out. It wouldn’t even matter what time we met. We’ll need to work closely together, finesse these plans of yours. What d’ya say?”

      Her mouth opened, but all that came out was, “Oh God.”

      Lifting one dark eyebrow, Judd felt triumphant. She was already realizing the implications of spending so much time alone with him. He hid his relief and said, “Come again?”

      Emily shook her head, then at the same time said, “Yes, that is…I suppose…” She heaved a sigh, straightened her back, and then nodded. “Okay.”

      Judd stared at her, trying not to show his disbelief. “What do you mean, okay?” He’d thought for certain, since everything else had failed, that this would send her running. But no. She seemed to like the damn idea. She was actually smiling now.

      “I mean, if you think we could successfully operate from your apartment, I’ll agree to meet you there.”

      Contrary female. “Emily…” He faltered. He liked saying her name, liked how it sounded, all fresh and pure. She looked at him, with those huge, doe eyes steady on his face. She was too trusting. She was a danger to herself. If he didn’t keep close tabs on her, she’d end up in trouble. He was sure of it.

      “You were going to say something, Mr. Sanders?”

      Nothing she would like hearing. He shook his head. “Just be quiet and let me think.”

      Obediently, she turned away and stared out her window. He wasn’t buying her compliance for a minute. He had a gut feeling there wasn’t an obedient bone in her slim body. He also suspected she was as stubborn as all hell, once she’d set her mind on something. And she was set to find a gun dealer.

      The truck was heating up. It was late spring and even though the nights were still a little