Her Protector Read online

  Kent laughed. “Damn and made it look like suicide? I gotta learn that shit.”

  “Bye Kent.”

  ******

  Kent arrived at the Congressman’s offices and parked his vehicle. He removed his weapon and locked it in the glove compartment before entering. He asked to see Warren Harding and was instructed to have a seat.

  Kent unbuttoned his tailored suit jacket and took one of the uncomfortable chairs then began to survey the office. When Warren appeared, he recognized Kent immediately and froze.

  “How may I help you?” he asked.

  Kent stood with a smirk. “I don’t think you want to discuss this in your lobby.”

  Warren nodded slowly. “Come into my office.”

  Kent followed him into what he’d referred to as an office. He looked around the small box and shook his head. He guessed that Aides weren’t as important as they thought they were.

  Warren sat behind the small desk. “What do you want?”

  Kent remained standing. “Why were you at Lotus’ car last night?”

  “Who are you?” Warren asked.

  Kent rubbed his hands. “We’ve already been introduced.”

  “Again, why were you at Lotus’ car last night?” Kent asked again.

  “I was trying to help her. She was stranded.”

  Kent frowned. “How’d you know where she was?”

  “You’re not the police.” Warren shut down.

  “I never said I was but you’d rather see them than me.” Kent grabbed the empty chair and moved it aside as he stepped forward.

  Warren looked Kent over and summed him up as a pretty boy in a nice suit.

  Kent shook his head. “No, wrong assumption.”

  Looking surprised, Warren straightened in his chair. “Look, I don’t have anything else to say.”

  Kent nodded. “Okay, just remember that I did give you the opportunity to talk. Next time you won’t get a choice.” He winked at him then replaced the chair before he turned and left the room.

  As he walked to his car, Kent put the earpiece in his ear and listened to the tiny device he’d left on the back of the chair in Warren’s office.

  “Hey it’s Warren. I need you to check out some guy named Kent Baker.”

  Kent smiled and started his car. “You do that Warren.”

  ******

  Trent finished breakfast with his family then went to the Black Diamond building to meet with Sean. He found his brother in his office and smiled as he took a seat.

  “Hello Trent,” Sean greeted.

  “What’s up Sean?”

  Sean nodded. “You needed to see me?”

  Trent let out a breath. “Yeah,”

  Looking concerned, Sean waited.

  “I got a call from Kent this morning. Somebody tampered with Lotus’ car last night.”

  Sean frowned. “She didn’t call Lily or Lavender.”

  “Kent’s says she’s fine,” Trent assured him. “He’s been in touch with her.”

  Sean nodded. “Who would do this?”

  “Maybe a guy she was dating. He showed up at her car on a deserted road.”

  “He was following her?” Sean’s eyes narrowed.

  Trent shrugged. “Kent is on it. When he has the full story, he’ll fill us in.”

  “Who is this guy?” Sean inquired.

  “That’s the thing. His name is Warren Harding,” Trent waited. “He’s Wayne’s cousin and apparently inherited the bad Harding blood.”

  Sean sat straight up. “Wayne Harding’s cousin?”

  Trent nodded. “I remember what you did to him.”

  “And his father,” Sean added and Trent looked at him.

  “I thought that one was really a heart attack.”

  Sean shook his head. “Poison.”

  “Damn,” Trent responded. “So you had a vendetta against the whole family.”

  “They hurt Lily,” Sean said simply.

  “Well now they may be trying to hurt Lotus,” Trent commented.

  “That’s not going to happen,” Sean vowed.

  Trent agreed. “No, and Kent wants you to teach him the suicide thing you know how to do.”

  “He may very well need it,” Sean said quietly. “And Benjamin Rucker.”

  “Don’t tell him about that,” Trent begged.

  Sean smiled. “He’s well trained and equipped to handle it.”

  Trent sat back in his seat and looked at his brother. “How are things going with Justin?”

  “Jordan is still reeling from the after effects of speaking to him after all these years. He still can’t believe he’s alive. This is going to be one hell of a reunion when he returns.”

  Sean looked at Trent. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m cool.”

  Sean lifted a brow. “I know this is hard on you as well.”

  “I’m trying to think of Ma and Jordan,” Trent told him.

  “Have you talked to her about it?” Sean asked.

  Trent nodded. “I went to see her but she’s being real quiet about her feelings. Do you think we need to call Dr. Williams?”

  “Let’s just keep an eye on her for now,” Sean suggested. “She may need to sort her feelings out.”

  Trent frowned. “And that damn Chloe doesn’t help.”

  “I can’t believe that you two are twins. You’re like opposite bookends in every way,” Sean commented.

  “I can’t believe she’s mad at Ma, Justin is the cause of all this.”

  Sean sat back in his chair. “You and Chloe are going to have to come to terms with both of your parents at some point.”

  “She has Kyle ready to quit, with her attitude,” Trent said frowning. “I feel bad asking him to keep tabs on her.”

  “I’m going to reach out to her and have her over for dinner.” Sean told him. “At some point we’ll all need to start mending fences.”

  “Good luck with that. I think Sage and Callie would poison her.”

  ******

  Kent arrived at Lotus’ apartment and she opened the door with a smile.

  “Hey pretty eyes,” she greeted him.

  Kent smiled down at her. “Hey flower girl.”

  Lotus raised a brow. “Flower girl…I thought I was crazy girl?”

  “Nah, you’re the Blossoming Lotus.” He held her gaze.

  She showed her dimples. “Come on in, the food is ready.”

  Kent stepped inside and Lotus took her fill. Kent Baker was one fine ass specimen. Silky wavy hair cut low with dark eyebrows over those beautiful green eyes. He wore a shadow beard that covered a chiseled jaw. He had a sexy smile that gave the appearance that he was always thinking naughty thoughts.

  “You look nice,” she commented when she realized she was watching his appraisal.

  “Thank you.” He handed her a large envelope that she hadn’t noticed in his hand.

  Lotus took it confused. “What’s this?”

  He smiled. “Open it.”

  Giving him a look, she turned her attention to opening the flap. When she pulled out an actual eight by ten glossy of Kent with his company’s name embossed on it she began to laugh.

  “Really Kent?”

  “You thought I was playing?”

  Lotus held up the handsome professional photo. “Where the hell am I supposed to put this big ass picture?” she asked.

  He looked at the wall next to him. “Right here.”

  “I’m not putting this huge picture of you in my living room,” she told him walking inside with him following.

  “Put it in your bedroom,” he said softly and she turned to him.

  “I’ll pass. I’d like to get some sleep.”

  He walked over to her. “I could be the last face you see at night.”

  You already are…she thought.

  “Let’s eat before the food gets cold and you swear that I did something to it.” She sat his photo on the coffee table. “I’ll decide what to do with that later.”

&nbs
p; Kent removed his jacket and followed her to the kitchen. He sniffed and had to admit that it smelled delicious. Lotus was at the stove when he walked up behind her and looked over her shoulder.

  “Is this what you made for Kyle?” he asked.

  Lotus shook her head. “No, Kyle got a special meal.”

  She closed her eyes for a moment and felt his presence behind her. Lotus breathed in his cologne as he continued to study the pot from behind her.

  “Well it smells good,” he commented.

  So do you…her mind answered.

  “Of course it smells good, I made it.” She boasted.

  Kent looked down at her hair which was in her crinkled twistout. “I like how you wear your hair now.”

  Lotus turned to him. “I stopped straightening it a while ago.”

  “You look like an African princess,” he whispered staring down at her.

  Her dimples appeared. “Thank you.”

  “You can wash your hands in the bathroom while I make the plates,” she instructed.

  “Cool.”

  Lotus waited until he was in the bathroom to breath. Methodically she made two plates of the chicken and pasta dish. After she’d placed them on the table, he reappeared with a smile.

  “What can I do?”

  “Grab the pitcher of lemonade out of the fridge please?”

  He nodded and went about fulfilling his task. Kent returned to the table and filled both glasses before setting the glass pitcher in the middle of the table. Lotus came with a basket of bread and he held out her chair for her.

  She lifted a brow, then took the offered seat. “Don’t act like I don’t have no home training,” he teased her.

  “I didn’t say that.” She hid a smile.

  “Yeah, I saw that.”

  Kent took his own seat and looked across at her. “Thank you for lunch.”

  “Thank you for rescuing me last night.”

  “If you see someone following you, don’t get spooked. I had Trent put a man on you,” he informed her.

  Lotus paused. “Why?”

  “You could be in danger Lotus. I’m not taking any chances since I can’t be with you twenty-four seven.”

  “You think Warren wants to hurt me?” she asked confused. “Because I don’t want to date him?”

  Kent decided to keep the information about Lily to himself right now until he made a connection. “I don’t know, but I’m not taking any chances.”

  “I know that you’re an Uncut Diamond. Kyle told me his specialty, what’s yours?” she asked.

  Kent looked at her. “Weapons and white collar crimes.”

  “I also have combat training.” He picked up a fork.

  Lotus nodded. “Do you like it?”

  “Being a Diamond?” he asked turning his attention back to her.

  “Yes.”

  Kent shrugged. “The training was hard as hell but I did it and I’m glad I did.” He dug into the dish and put a portion in his mouth.

  Lotus watched him as he chewed and waited. He connected with her eyes as he swallowed. Quickly he took another forkful and savored it. “Damn, this is good.”

  Lotus smiled and began to eat her own dish. “Enjoy it.”

  Kent finished his plate and had seconds while Lotus gave him a look.

  “Okay, I was tripping before.” He admitted. “You can cook girl.”

  “You’re not the first to tell me that.”

  He frowned and continued eating as she laughed. When he’d had his fill, they took the dishes to the kitchen and Lotus looked at him. “You want to wash or dry?”

  “Umm…don’t you have a dishwasher right there?” he asked.

  “I’m not running a dishwasher for two plates, glasses and silverware. You ate, now wash.”

  “I see why you don’t have a man,” Kent told her.

  Lotus folded her arms. “Wash or dry?” she repeated.

  “Do you know that last time I actually washed a dish?” he asked.

  “Today.”

  “You for real?” he asked confused.

  She nodded. “Hell yeah. You ate didn’t you?”

  “You need help with the water bill or something?” he questioned.

  “Stop stalling and come on.”

  Kent shook his head. “I don’t believe this shit. Okay, I’ll dry.”

  Reluctantly, he removed his cufflinks and rolled up the sleeves to his expensive shirt. “If I mess up my clothes, you paying the dry cleaning bill with your cheap ass.”

  “We’re saving the environment,” she corrected.

  He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, okay.”

  Lotus turned to the sink and began preparing dish water. After submerging the dishes, she handed Kent a towel.

  “This what you do on your dates?” he complained.

  “Not a date, just lunch.” She corrected. “Lunch that was your idea.”

  He nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

  Kent looked at the towel. “Damn if we do dinner, what I gotta do…your laundry?”

  “Stop complaining boy, damn. It’s a few plates and glasses.”

  Kent managed to dry all the dishes without dropping one on the floor and when everything was put away, Lotus released him from his kitchen duty.

  As she walked back to the living room, he caught her from behind. “So…what does a brother get for washing your dishes?” he whispered in her ear.

  Lotus tilted her head. “You got a meal.”

  “Hmmm…you smell like coconuts,” he said inhaling her scent.

  She laughed at his change of subject. “Okay.”

  “I never smelled anybody that smells like coconuts.”

  “You go around smelling women?” she questioned.

  He sniffed again. “Yeah, I do.”

  “Are you really smelling me?” she asked when he buried his face in her neck.

  “Makes me want to taste you,” he murmured against her skin pulling her back against his body.

  Lotus pulled away. “No sir, this is not a buffet. You don’t get to sample.”

  Kent hauled her against him with one arm around her waist. “You forget, I’ve already sampled.”

  She felt her heart beat increase as she stared up into sultry green eyes. “But I’ll ask this time,” he whispered staring at her mouth.

  “Lotus, can I kiss you until we both can’t breathe?”

  Chapter 4

  “If you don’t answer, I’ll make your mind up for you.” Kent whispered, tightening his arm around her.

  She lowered her lashes to shield herself from his piercing green gaze. “Who said that I want you to kiss me?”

  “The way your heart is beating against me, said it.”

  Her dark eyes lifted back to his.

  “Time’s up.”

  Kent lowered his mouth to hers and touched her lips gently, giving her the opportunity to pull away. Once, twice, three times, he placed butterfly kisses on her waiting lips. Lotus lifted her head to meet him and he understood her acceptance.

  Gathering her into both of his arms, he invaded her mouth. Slowly, his tongue stroked hers and both were transported to another place and time. Lotus’ arms wrapped around his neck and her hands stroked the dark waves in his hair. She pulled him closer as their heads turned, fighting to get better angles to devour one another.

  Kent broke away and took a step back. Licking his full lips, he stared at her in confusion. Putting a hand to his mouth, he touched those same lips where her gaze was fastened.

  “Uh, I gotta go,” Kent said slowly, shaking his head.

  Lotus watched as he grabbed his jacket and walked to the door. She licked her own lips, still tasting him before she met him at the open door. She thought he was going to walk straight out until he turned back to her.

  Their eyes connected. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

  She nodded slowly then he turned and walked to his car. Lotus closed the door then pressed her cheek against it. “I should’ve said no…”
/>   Putting a hand to her lips, she smiled. “Nah, I shouldn’t have.”

  She walked back inside and saw the photo on her coffee table. Picking it up, she carried it into her bedroom and laid back across the bed, closing her eyes. The phone next to her bed rang and she answered.

  “Hi Momma,”

  “What in the world is going on with you?” Lavender Masters asked her daughter. “I’m feeling all kinds of vibes coming from you.”

  “I think it’s time Momma,” Lotus whispered nervously.

  “Time for what?”

  Lotus glanced at the picture next to her. “For the Universe to deliver my love.”

  ******

  Kent was still sliding his tongue across his lips thinking of Lotus. He tried to focus on driving but kept seeing pretty dark eyes and sexy, deep dimples. What the hell was going on? This was Lotus! Lotus! And he’d never wanted to kiss a woman as much as he’d wanted to in that moment.

  This was why he didn’t want to eat her food because apparently she did have some hoodoo on hand to put in it. What other reason could there possibly be? He blew out a long breath. Kissing Lotus had sent sparks throughout his body and disconnected his brain.

  He’d had to break away for his own survival. She’d pulled him in like a black widow spider in a large web. Kent had never run away from any other woman, yet he’d done it twice with Lotus. Once a long time ago and now today. She’d scared him then and she scared him now, but in a totally different way.

  Arriving back at his office, he walked to his office where Carla was waiting for him. Frowning, he stepped inside and went to his desk.

  “Hey, what’s up?” he asked.

  Carla looked him over. “Wow, that must’ve been some lunch.”

  “Did you need something?” Kent lifted a brow.

  She smiled. “I wanted to know if you wanted to go over the new accounts?”

  Kent looked at his watch. “I thought we were doing that in an hour?”

  Carla shrugged. “I thought maybe you’d like to get an early start, but I see you’re preoccupied.”

  “I’ll be ready at our scheduled time,” Kent told her and she stood.

  “Okay, I’ll see you then.”

  She walked out of the office and he watched until she was gone before shaking his head. “Don’t have time for your shit Carla.”

  Kent took his chair and turned toward the window rubbing his mouth. Looking out at the clear blue sky, he squinted at the brightness of the sun. “What the fuck is going on?”