Hard Justice. Lori Foster

glad.”

      “Even though no one would dance with me.”

      Smiling, her mother said, “Perhaps Mr. Wallington wouldn’t allow it?”

      “Maybe,” Fallon said. “He has this crazy death stare, way worse than dad’s, and it terrified everyone. I don’t think Justice knew that I noticed, but I did.”

      “Of course you did.”

      Thinking about the way Justice had watched her, Fallon admitted, “He was wonderful, Mom.”

      “Was he, now?” Supporting her, her mother kept her walking, up and up that never-ending staircase.

      Tonight the stairs seemed a particular challenge. Fallon knew she’d never before overimbibed because this out-of-control feeling was entirely new. She couldn’t get her limbs to coordinate, and worse, she felt like bawling.

      Once in her room, her mother got out her nightgown and folded down her covers.

      Feeling far too clumsy, Fallon finally got her clothes changed and didn’t protest when her mother put them away. More than anything, she wanted to drop into bed. However, old habits died hard, so she first went into her bathroom to halfheartedly brush her teeth and wash her face.

      When she stepped out, she found her mother sitting on the side of the bed. Knowing that probably meant a talk, Fallon groaned, but dutifully got into bed.

      “How do you feel?”

      “Exhausted.” And melancholy and excited and...too many emotions for her to differentiate. The night had been fun, but at times scary. Peaceful and exhilarating. And until she’d blundered, she’d felt so incredibly free.

      She should never have given up on life, limited as it might be. Now that she’d had a small taste, she wanted more. God, she craved more. With new conviction, she decided that if she couldn’t have it all, she’d at least take what she could get.

      Her mother smiled, then said carefully, “Mr. Wallington is an interesting character.”

      He fascinated her. “Yes.” Interesting, funny, strong, an unbelievable fighter, unique and so protective and gentle without smothering her as her parents often did.

      After tucking the covers up around her, her mother smiled. “You know, I met with Ms. Silver and went over all the profiles before selecting Mr. Wallington as your guard.”

      That was news to Fallon. “You did?” She knew her mother and Ms. Silver had met via their social circles, but she’d assumed her father had made all the arrangements for the protection.

      “Yes. Your father was put off by his appearance, but I specifically choose him because, well, I assumed you’d find him unattractive?”

      With her mother watching her so closely, Fallon tried not to show any reaction, but inside, she scoffed.

      The truth was that she found Justice almost too attractive to bear. But her mother waited for a reply, so Fallon said, “He’s okay.”

      “Yes.” Her mother smiled. “Anyway, whether you’d find him handsome or not, I decided his casual manner and dress would make him less obvious as a bodyguard.”

      Working up what she hoped would be a convincing smile, Fallon said, “I’m glad you did.” In the end, it didn’t matter how sinfully gorgeous Justice might be: she understood her own limitations.

      “I want you to be happy, Fallon.”

      Fallon sighed. Her mother had her hair loose, no makeup on her face, and still Fallon thought she looked very pretty. She also looked to be fishing.

      “I am happy.”

      “Oh, honey.” Her smile went sad. “You know you don’t ever need to lie to me.”

      “I wouldn’t.” Yes, she could be happier, but she understood her lot. She had parents who loved her, financial security, a custom-made job that she enjoyed and all the comforts she wanted. “Just because I’m...”

      “Expanding your horizons?”

      Fallon nodded. That was a good way to put it. “It doesn’t mean I’m unhappy.” She hoped she could clear out the cobwebs sufficiently to reassure her mom.

      Teasing, her mother mused aloud, “Now that I’ve met him in person, I’ll admit that Mr. Wallington has a certain rugged appeal.”

      Rather than admit anything else inflammatory, Fallon pressed her lips together and shrugged.

      “And, my Lord, the man is enormous, all of it brute strength. I imagine any young lady would find him striking on a very basic level.”

      Pretty much on any level, but Fallon said only, “Yes, so?”

      “So he’s your guard. It’s not only your father he has to answer to, but also his employer. You’re a beautiful woman, Fallon, but understand that Mr. Wallington could be completely discredited if he crossed the line while on the job.”

      “Mom.” Heat rushed into her face. “It wasn’t like that.”

      “I’m all for you dating again,” her mother continued. “If Marcus doesn’t suit—”

      “Marcus most definitely does not.” She’d see Marcus again, of course. They moved in the same social circle. But she’d never again be alone with him—and she’d never again trust him.

      “If you want to talk about it—”

      “No.” Her mother didn’t know the soul-crushing rejection Marcus had delivered, and Fallon hoped to keep it that way. Her way of dealing? Get out there and live without expectations. “I’m fine. Please don’t worry.”

      “I’m a mother. I’m allowed to worry and I imagine I’ll be doing so the rest of my life.” She softened that with a hug. “Now, about Mr. Wallington.”

      Fallon would never again delude herself. A strong, confident man like Justice Wallington wouldn’t give a woman like her a second look, except as an assignment.

      And as a mere assignment, he’d never know her secrets.

      “I have no illusions there.”

      “That’s not at all what I’m saying,” her mother corrected. “Mr. Wallington would be lucky to have you, and since he seems like a smart man, he probably realizes it. But Fallon, getting drunk and allowing the man to carry you in will only make it more difficult for him to resist you.”

      Fallon almost laughed. Her mother would be forever biased, no matter what. Justice had resisted her easily enough. “I know. It won’t happen again. I promise.”

      Expression curious, her mother asked, “You think he’ll suit as your protection?”

      “Yes. He was really terrific, sticking close like Dad asked, but not once getting too familiar.” Okay, that was stretching the truth just a tiny bit. She’d had guards before; none of them had been as familiar as Justice.

      In fact, none of them had been anything at all like him.

      Because of the circumstances, she assumed, as well as his manner, Justice was totally unique. He was far more rough-hewn than any other man she knew, and it showed in his speech, his expressions, his big gorgeous body and his naturally protective nature.

      Her mother gave her a knowing look. “I would say carrying you in like an old-fashioned knight went a wee bit beyond familiar.”

      “That,” Fallon assured her, “was entirely my fault.” She twisted her mouth to the side. “Apparently two beers are far more potent than a single glass of wine.” If she hadn’t been so tipsy, she’d never have let him do that, most especially not in front of her father.

      “It’s late,” her mother said with a laugh. “Get some sleep and in the morning you can tell me everything.”