The Billionaire Bodyguard: Clean Billionaire Romance (DC Billionaires Book 1) Read online

  Zuri nodded. That was good. Although it didn’t matter if she were denied.

  “What’s the matter, Princess? I thought you’d be pleased.”

  Her blood began to heat, cracking the walls containing her emotions. “Pleased that I’m leaving my homeland? That my father’s body is on its way home without me? I am his only living relative, and I cannot be at his funeral.” She kept her eyes open, allowing the air to dry any tears.

  Daemon’s expression darkened. “I thought you understood why that couldn’t happen. Do you want to be buried next to him? Don’t answer that. You won’t because I swore to him that I would take care of you.”

  Her father’s final plea ripped through her soul. He had joined her hand to Daemon’s. A gesture signifying their betrothal. Surely her father didn’t mean for her to be with this man in marriage. Daemon had only agreed to protect her; even that was too much for her to agree to. Her eyes skittered around the plane. “I don’t need anything from you.”

  “On the contrary, Princess, you need everything I’ve got. And you’ll be grateful for it too.”

  Her gaze snapped back to his. “Or what? What exactly do you expect from me?”

  His lips curved up to one side. She hated that her line of sight found its way to his mouth. “I expect full and complete cooperation. Fighting all the time hinders my ability to keep you safe.”

  She snorted. “You mean all this money you have really can’t buy everything?”

  He cocked a brow at her and settled back into his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. Zuri’s own defenses heightened. “This is my father’s money.”

  “Oh, so you’re the poor son?”

  He chuckled. “I make my own money, Princess.”

  “How much did my father promise to pay you?”

  “It’s funny you think I can be bought.”

  “Whatever it is, I’ll double it.”

  Both brows went up. “Really? And just what do you do, Princess? Revolution pays well?” He smirked.

  She balled her hands into fists. His perfectly curved lips were really starting to get on her nerves. “I’m not some privileged dead revolutionary’s daughter.”

  “Really? Enlighten me then.”

  “I went to college. I have a degree in diplomatic studies, and I was a fellow at a prestigious institute in Cote d’Ivoire.”

  “Impressive.” She lifted her chin but didn’t thank him for the compliment. He grinned widely. “Let me clarify, Princess. I meant, it’s impressive you know anything about diplomacy since you’ve been riding me the moment we met.”

  She gave him a nasty look. “My record speaks for itself.”

  “Not in this case.”

  “You never answered my question.”

  “Which one was that, Princess?”

  “What did my father paying you?” she responded through gritted teeth.

  He stared at her for such a long time that Zuri regretted asking. Was it that much? Did her father really have the money? They had spent most of what they had raised on logistics and guards, putting much of it back into the communities they visited. This man was the son of a billionaire who made his own money, so he claimed. He wasn’t going to slum it by protecting some resistance leader’s daughter in one of Africa’s smallest countries. What was in it for him?

  “Nothing,” Daemon whispered. “I’m doing this pro bono.” Zuri inhaled sharply. Daemon smiled. “You can thank David. He and I go way back. I owe him my life several times over.”

  Zuri scanned Daemon’s massive form. Was that true? Had David saved this man’s life like he’d claimed? Was it David’s fault she had to deal with this man for however long the war for independence raged in her country?

  “David’s a good man,” Daemon continued. “Risked his life for me. It’s nothing that I do the same for you. Your father offered to pay me, yes, but I refused his money. The people of your country need it more.”

  Those were the first statements he’d said that she actually agreed with. “David is a good man,” she agreed softly. And her countrymen and women were desperate for money promised by countries and pilfered by the man in charge. The man she hoped would one day—soon—be deposed. He was responsible for the destruction of their homeland and the loss of so many lives.

  Joqi…

  Her eyes burned as she thought about her father’s personal guard. She looked out the window. The sun’s rays pierced through the passing clouds in the same way guilt lanced through her now. They had left the man in a crumpled car in the middle of the street. He might’ve still been alive when they drove away.

  Now he was gone.

  All he had wanted to do was go home. To return to his wife and children. They had worked him hard in the last year, and Zuri wished she had urged him to go home sooner or at least more often. Joqi was fiercely loyal to her father and their cause. His children never got to say goodbye. His wife would never again kiss her husband and wish him well. How would his family be supported? Zuri made a mental note to talk to David when they reached London. She would make sure he saw to their welfare out of their own funds.

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “Joqi,” Zuri whispered.

  “I heard he had a family.”

  Zuri wiped at the tears in her eyes. “We will take care of them.” She nodded her resolution. “We owe it to his wife and children.”

  “It’s already taken care of.”

  She stared at him. “What do you mean? How?”

  “I phoned David from the yacht. Transferred funds to him to give to Joqi’s family.” Daemon leaned over, his gaze intense. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get him out. I can only imagine how it’s burning you up. Believe me, I understand.”

  “Do you?” she challenged.

  He nodded, his tone gentle. “I’ve seen it more than once in Afghanistan. Being cut off from some of my team. Unable to get to them. The unknown is the worst. Asking yourself if there was more you could’ve done. If you did enough. The guilt will eat you alive if you let it. You have to believe that they wouldn’t want you to waste away your life with regret.”

  He did understand what she was feeling. A twinge of camaraderie softened her heart and negated some of her guilt. She moved her gaze back to the clouds. Although she still felt like his presence was an invasion in her life, she wasn’t too proud to admit he had done some good. She wasn’t sure how much money he had given Joqi’s family, but it was probably more than she and David could afford. And out of his own pocket? That went above and beyond his duty to protect her. Joqi’s family would be well taken care of. At least their finances wouldn’t be a burden on them during their time of grief. Her gaze met his. “Thank you…for Joqi.”

  “Of course.”

  His warm hand on her knee made her jump. He calmly removed it with a brief smile. “Don’t worry, Princess. Just trying to reassure you.” He stood, his large form filling her vision. His waist at her eye level made her heart beat a touch faster. “If you need me, I’ll be in one of the rooms sleeping. Try to get some rest while you can.”

  Zuri was wide awake thanks to him. She asked for another cup of tea and a few snacks. She wasn’t hungry but wanted her adrenaline to go somewhere. Might as well eat. Billionaires served the best food. Even on a plane.

  Chapter 6

  Zuri had never been happier to get off a plane. Although they had traveled in style, she felt like a prisoner trapped in a gilded cage. It had begun to mess with her mind, and when the cabin doors finally opened, she was the first person out, much to Daemon’s displeasure.

  A car waited to take them to the terminal building where state department officials met them. After receiving her entry paperwork, Daemon escorted her back to the car for the long drive out to the city of Ashburn in Virginia.

  “I thought we were staying in DC,” Zuri asked when the car finally came to a stop.

  “I think you’ll be more comfortable at my command control headquarters.”

  “Doubtful,” sh
e muttered. She had been unsuccessful at reaching David for an update on the situation in Bendola and didn’t take a moment to look around. She’d seen images of DC on television and had been looking forward to staying in that city.

  Daemon offered his hand, which she accepted without thinking. When she exited the car, her eyes widened at the sight in front of her. No tall buildings. No sounds of people’s voices. It was nothing she had ever expected.

  “I can protect you better in a more secluded location. Not that I can’t do it in the city, but if anyone knows you’re here, it’ll be crowded and logistically more difficult to get you to safety.”

  She continued to stare.

  Daemon put his hand on her lower back, gently nudging her forward. “Welcome home, Princess,” he whispered into her ear. “At least for the time being.”

  “Is this yours?” she whispered.

  “It is. Like it?”

  Like it? The large gray brick home sat prettily among lush green pine trees. It had at least three stories and probably a basement. Tall, wooden double doors made the entrance castle-like. She spotted cameras and other technical equipment at nearly every corner of the roof, in the trees, and along the driveway. Were the windows bulletproof? Probably. He could afford it. Zuri followed Daemon up the cobblestone brick steps to the front door.

  “What do you need all this space for? Your family?”

  “I’m single.”

  “So a single man needs a large house?”

  “I inherited it from my mother.”

  Zuri’s heart constricted. Inherited? “Does that mean…?”

  “Yes,” Daemon said quickly.

  His mother was dead. Zuri felt sorry for him. Her mother had also died several years ago after battling a difficult illness. What had taken his mother away from him, and how he had dealt with it? Only the passage of time eased the pain. She had been grateful that her dad was there to help her.

  The doors opened for them. A man dressed in khakis and a polo shirt with the Knight’s Shield Protection emblem over the left breast greeted them. He stood taller than Daemon by a couple of inches, but they both shared broad shoulders and watermelon-sized biceps. Had this man been in the military with Daemon?

  Daemon stopped to talk to him while Zuri slowly walked through the entryway and into the great room. It looked more like a command center than a family home. Multiple flat screens lined the wall, all pieces to a puzzle showing a large map of the globe with several lights flashing in various countries. A long conference table sat in the middle of the room. Multiple computer stations occupied by several individuals filled the space. Why did she think it would be just the two of them?

  At least the house smelled wonderful. Like warm baked cheese and cookies. Was someone cooking?

  “Let me show you to your room,” Daemon said from behind. His arm brushed hers as he came beside her. His eyes closed and inhaled slowly. “Ah, dinner is ready. You can eat anywhere you want. If you prefer to stay in your room, I’ll have a tray brought up to you.”

  “Butler is part of your service?” Zuri teased.

  Daemon smiled. “Whatever you need, Princess.”

  She shivered, hearing more in what was left unsaid.

  “Main living quarters are on the second and third floors. There’s a home theater on the fourth, if you want to watch movies. A popcorn station is ready to go, and if you want nachos and cheese, you can have it. A full kitchen is there too, and the fridge is stocked with a lot of other movie theatre junk food.”

  Zuri didn’t respond. She was taken by the fact that he had an elevator installed in his home. The doors closed. Daemon leaned against one of the walls, his clear blue eyes taking her in with veiled interest. Zuri took a step back, the compartment feeling too small with his large frame taking up quite a bit of room. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his.

  “The pool and gym are on the level below this one. Open all the time. Showers and a sauna are there as well. I personally recommend the hot tub. Do you have a bathing suit?” His mouth hinted at a smile.

  She gave him an annoyed look. “Why would I have a bathing suit?”

  He chuckled. “I don’t mind if you prefer to swim in the nude.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll have time for swimming.”

  “Maybe not. But I’m not sure how long we’ll be here.”

  “Mr. Knight—”

  “Daemon.”

  “—I plan on returning to Bendola. Very soon.”

  He arched a brow. “You do?”

  “You think I’m going to stay here? How can I lead a rebellion from a hot tub?”

  His head toggled from side to side as though he was considering. “You have a point.”

  “Please make arrangements for me to return as soon as possible.”

  “That’s going to be difficult, Princess. My men on the ground say tensions have escalated quickly since the attack on the meeting the other day. It’s too hot to show your face.”

  “All the more reason for me to be there! I have to lead them.”

  “David is there. He knows more about leading from his time in the military than—”

  “Me?” she snapped. “You think because I haven’t spent any time in uniform that I don’t have a clue what I’m doing?” She stepped forward, her shoe hitting his. She’d forgotten the small size of the compartment compared to his frame. Eyes narrowed, she said, “Let me remind you that I have been training for this moment for years. My father taught me well.”

  He straightened and their legs briefly connected. His eyes sparked with hot, icy defense. “I have no doubt, Princess.” He put his hands on his hips, drawing Zuri’s gaze to his waist. She suddenly felt smaller the longer her eyes dragged up his massive torso. Her heart thumped against her ribs. The thought of his biceps encircling her evoked butterflies in her stomach. Tingles raced up and down her spine, causing trembling. How slow was this elevator?

  “Then you’ll do what I ask.”

  He smirked. “Did you ask, though? It sounded more like a demand. And although I promised your father I’d take care of you, I didn’t promise that I would do whatever you wanted.” The elevator door opened, bringing in a rush of cool air that chilled the sweat on Zuri’s back. “I’m the one protecting you, so I call the shots.” He gestured for her to step out first. “After you, Princess.”

  She stalked past him and made a turn down a hallway.

  “Eh, wrong way, Princess. Have you been here before?” Daemon chuckled.

  Zuri halted and slowly faced him. His grin infuriated her. How was she supposed to help lead her people if she was holed up here, soaking in a hot tub? She wasn’t spoiled, but she felt a strong urge to stomp her foot and demand respect. A free Bendola had meant so much to her father. She couldn’t let his death be for nothing.

  Daemon opened the door to her room. It was decorated in a soft feminine style, with an arched headboard and a light pink quilt at the foot of the bed. A painting easel sat in one corner with fresh paper on it and paintbrushes on a nearby stand. An overstuffed armchair draped by an afghan caught the light from a nearby window. Zuri’s nerves instantly relaxed, the sweet fragrance from a burning candle on the nightstand calming her racing thoughts.

  “This was my mother’s muse room,” Daemon said. “She’d come in here and paint or read. Get away from the day’s business.”

  “It feels very calming and inviting.”

  Although he smiled, his eyes were sad. “Good. I’m glad you approve.” He pointed to an open door. “En suite is there. And on the wall near the bed is the intercom system. You can ring almost any part of the house. My room is labeled, in case you need me.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Uh-uh, Princess.” His teasing grin set more butterflies in her stomach to flight. “Don’t say what you don’t mean.”

  Zuri moved past him and set her bag on the bench at the edge of the bed. But she kept her mouth shut.

&n
bsp; Daemon chuckled. “Like I said, dinner is ready. You probably want to shower first, so take your time. The chef will keep it warm.”

  “Chef?”

  “Yup. We have one on staff. Several, actually. Can make just about anything, if you ask nicely.” He winked.

  “Traditional Bendolan food?” She challenged, crossing her arms over her chest. She smelled something raw. He was right, she needed to shower again. He probably couldn’t wait to get out of that elevator. Zuri lifted her chin as embarrassment flooded her.

  Daemon shrugged. “Not quite sure. Probably. I’m almost certain I mentioned it when I called from the plane. Either way, there are always cookies available because that’s my weakness.” He patted his stomach. “Don’t take the last one, or I’ll hurt you.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  He showed his teeth. “It’s a promise. And I always keep my promises.”

  Zuri settled onto the bed after he left, her nerves frayed and her chest hurting from her heart’s attack. She jumped at the sound of a ring from the phone on her nightstand. She tentatively picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Princess. Patching David through to you.”

  “Zuri?” David’s voice came over the line.

  “David!” Zuri gripped the phone tightly. “David, are you okay?”

  “Yes, yes. I heard you made it to DC safely. Aren’t you glad Daemon is there?”

  “Yes, I did make it,” Zuri acknowledged, ignoring the part about Daemon. “What is happening? Please, tell me everything. I feel…I feel like I’m out of the loop.”

  Zuri felt relief to hear Joqi’s body had made it safely out of the city and was on its way to his village. “I hope his family can forgive us,” she said softly.

  “Well…his wife was inconsolable. She curses you, Zuri.”

  Zuri closed her eyes as tears threatened to run down her cheeks. “Does she know how sorry I am?”

  “She does. Daemon’s men relayed that, and I spoke with her personally on the phone. She…she thinks you and your father killed him.”