Read Online Wilde for Him by Janelle Denison - Free Book Online Page A

cotton candy. "You're such a liar."
    "And you're looking for trouble in a short skirt like that," he retorted bluntly. Not to mention those fuck-me boots you're wearing.
    She looked momentarily taken aback by his reply, and he was grateful that he'd kept the latter part of his comment to himself.
    "Trust me, it's not that short compared to what some of the women wear to Envy," she said, her hands on her hips and her stance full of sass and attitude. "Besides, that's what I've got you for, to protect me from trouble."
    Knowing just how unruly guys could be when it came to a woman who looked as hot as Christine did tonight, he narrowed his gaze. "You're not making my job very easy on me, now are you?"
    "We're going to a night club, Ben," she said with a long-suffering sigh. "This outfit is completely and totally appropriate."
    "And sexy as hell," he said gruffly, realizing too late that he'd spoken his thoughts out loud.
    A confident, Cheshire cat grin curved her too kissable mouth and her eyes lit up with silent mirth. "Ahhh, so you do like it, then."
    "That was just an impartial observation on my part."
    Her light laughter was infused with delight and too much satisfaction. "Sure it was."
    He didn't say a word, figuring it was his smartest, safest bet in keeping the rest of his dignity intact.
    She set her small purse down on a nearby chair. "Look, before we go, I have a huge favor to ask."
    Grateful for the change in topic, he gave her his undivided attention. "Sure. What do you need?"
    She started pacing in front of the coffee table, distracting him all over again with the provocative sway of her hips as she walked. "I know having you by my side for the next three weeks isn't an option," she began, giving him a smile that didn't quite erase the nervousness that had suddenly crept into her voice. "If my father hadn't hired you as my bodyguard, it would have been some other security agent in your place."
    "True enough." He was beyond curious as to what she was getting at. "What's the favor, Christine?"
    Her pacing came to a halt and she met his gaze. She bit her lower lip anxiously. "Do you think that maybe, possibly, when we're out in public together I can introduce you as the guy I'm dating?"
    He blinked at her, not sure what to make of her unusual request. "You mean, as your boyfriend?"
    She nodded, looking relieved that he hadn't outright refused her. "Sure, that works for me."
    He settled back against the couch cushions, trying to analyze her proposal, but unable to figure out her motive for making such a suggestion. "And just why does that work for you, Christine?" he prompted. "Why the charade?"
    Again, she started that restless back and forth walk in front of him. "Two reasons, actually. First. I hate having the typical, obvious security agent walking three feet behind me and looking like a bodyguard."
    A grin twitched the corners of his mouth. "Cramps your style, huh?"
    "That's not how I meant it." A small frown marred her delicate brows and she shook her head. "I honestly hate the fact that everyone knows that I have a bodyguard, because in the scheme of things I'm just not all that important. The whole setup just seems so… pretentious, and I don't like bringing that kind of attention to myself."
    So far, he was finding her explanation pretty darn convincing, and he truly believed that flaunting a bodyguard was so not her style. She might have always lived a privileged life, but she'd never given him the impression that she was a spoiled, pampered princess.
    She slanted him a quick glance to gauge his reaction so far, and when he said nothing, she went on. "If I could introduce you as my boyfriend, everything would be much more casual and relaxed when we're together, instead of so awkward, stiff, and formal with you lurking in the background."
    He didn't disagree with her rationale, but he wasn't ready to concede to her plan just yet. "And the second reason?"
    "I have to admit that this one is a bit more