Guarding the Socialite Read Online Free PDF

not from some kind of expectation of sexual favors.”
    The cynical expression in the agent’s eyes made her feel as if she’d just said something incredibly naive, but she refused to feel defensive about her protestation. She knew Robert and he wasn’t a bad man. “Mad Johnny was a threat. I’d startthere, Agent McIntyre. Are we through here?” She didn’t wait for his agreement, as she turned and exited the room. He took the hint and followed. As soon as the door closed, she released a pent-up breath and faced him, refusing to be charmed by the wayward fall of hair that was just this side of unprofessional and likely drove his superiors nuts. “Is there anything else you require, Agent McIntyre?” she asked with as much professional courtesy as she could muster under the circumstances. But the way he cocked his head to the side and openly assessed her made her shiver, and she had to snap her mouth shut for fear of emitting a breathless gasp.
    Lord, was she losing her mind? The stress was making her react inappropriately. At least she hoped that was the reason she practically melted every time she looked at him. He was here to do a job and she wanted to help him in any way possible that was professional and appropriate. Still… those dark eyes …they were a killer unto themselves, and she’d be a liar if she didn’t at least acknowledge the fact that when he settled that stare on her even the fine silk of her bra felt rough and constricting.
    She turned abruptly, anxious to get away and put an end to the disconcerting noise inside her head before she said or did something completely out of character and humiliated herself. “Chick will see you out, Agent McIntyre. Duty calls and Iris House never sleeps.”
    And thank God for that, she said to herself as she made her escape.
    She needed the distraction.

Chapter 3
    â€œI s there anything else you require?”
    The agent side of his brain received the question and immediately lobbed it to the reckless, panting fanny hound that was currently salivating at the multitude of sinful ideas happily being tossed about. Thankfully, it was the agent that responded, halting Emma’s retreat.
    â€œActually, is there a place where I could speak to your boarders?” he asked, his tone all business by the grace of God. She didn’t look happy about it. In fact, she might’ve been more pleased if he’d just asked if he could urinate in her herb garden, but she nodded stiffly and knocked on one of the doors in the hallway.
    A woman with close-cropped black hair poked her head out, a short glance came his way while Emma talked. The woman nodded but her mouth was a tight slash of compressed lips that spoke volumes.
    He rubbed at his forehead. “Nice to be so loved and admired,” he said under his breath as Emma returned.
    â€œChick will bring the girls who are willing to talk with you down in the garden outside.”
    He refrained from commenting on the unusual moniker until they were out of earshot and heading down the stairs.
    â€œTell me there’s a story behind Chick,” he said, pulling his gaze from the gentle sway of her backside with great effort. The woman could stop traffic with that bum. He was thankful she hadn’t turned around to answer otherwise she might’ve caught him staring.
    â€œStory? What makes you think there’s a story?” she asked mildly, returning them to the garden, the fresh scent of growing things teasing his nostrils and causing his stomach to twist with hunger. He followed her to the small glass table in the corner near a stone fountain that gurgled soothingly. She took a seat and gestured for him to do the same. When he simply gave her an arched brow, she relented with the tiniest of smiles. “Chick was my first boarder.”
    â€œWhy didn’t she ever leave? Go on to bigger and better things?”
    She shrugged. “She finds