Pampered Princess

CALLUM

“Stay behind me, please,” I instruct Miss Conner, positioning myself as a shield between her and the bustling crowd of Heathrow airport. We’re making our way to the terminal where our private jet awaits. Home is finally within reach.

I’m eager to see my girls, Zach, Tyler, and to sink into the comfort of my own bed after a grueling two-week trip. We’re heading back earlier than expected because Miss Conner decided she’d had enough of spending her father’s money. Small blessings, I suppose.

She’s a pampered princess, and I hope our kids never turn out like her. I’m starting to think Rogan and Josh conveniently fell sick to avoid dealing with her childish antics.

“Sir, plane is ready for boarding. Over,” Ryan’s voice crackles in my earpiece as Garret and I guide Miss Conner through the airport.

I’d sent Ryan ahead to make sure everything was in order at the gate and on the plane. Plus, he has a somewhat unprofessional crush on our client.

“Good, we’ve just left the shops. We’ll be there in about four minutes. Let’s get home.”

“Eager to see Violet, aren’t you?” Ryan teases, his laughter echoing in my ear.

“Do you want to lose your job, Ryan?” I retort, suppressing a smirk and glancing back to ensure Miss Conner is still with us.

She is, but her attention is completely absorbed by her phone. No wonder her father insists on security; she’s oblivious to her surroundings.

“Sorry, sir, no. I like this job.”

“Or maybe you just like checking out the ladies?”

“Guilty as charged, sir,” Ryan confesses, and I can’t help but chuckle as we reach our gate.

“We’re at the gate, Ryan,” I inform him as the stewardess opens the door for us to board the private plane.

“Ready and waiting, sir.”

Boarding the plane is a breeze. I greet the pilot and co-pilot before settling into my seat with Ryan, Garret, and our high-maintenance client.

Miss Conner retreats to a room as soon as we’re airborne, slamming the door behind her like the petulant teenager she is. Meanwhile, the three of us remain upfront, gathered around a small table.

“So, about Violet…” Ryan begins, dealing out a set of cards for a game of gin rummy.

“Do you want a black eye, kid?” Garret interjects, taking a swig of beer and smirking at our youngest recruit. Ryan, fresh out of school at nineteen, is our apprentice. He’s been shadowing me for weeks, learning the ropes while studying for his badge.

I slide a beer over to him. We’re on this plane for fourteen hours, and there’s not much that can go wrong at this altitude.

Once we land, two of our team members will take over and drive Miss Conner home. Meanwhile, we’ll get a few days of well-deserved rest. Garret will head home to his wife and kids, while Ryan will stay at Sense Security headquarters. So, why not share a beer among colleagues?

“Ryan, I won’t tell you again. Violet is off-limits. Get my fiancé out of your damned head,” I warn him, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice.

“But you guys share her… why not one more?” Ryan retorts, earning a growl from me.

“Kid?” Garret chuckles, pushing my pile of cards toward me. “Find your own damn harem.”

“Harem?” Ryan echoes, looking confused as I sort through my cards.

“A group of girls, other men, and girls. Just not the boss’s. He won’t be the only one ready to string you up if you so much as look at her the wrong way,” Garret explains. Ryan smirks, the audacious little bastard.

If he weren’t so promising and likable, I’d have fired him by now.

“Stop fantasizing about my woman and focus on the game,” I command. To his credit, Ryan doesn’t bring up Violet again. We play gin rummy for a while, and as usual, Garret wins every time.

A couple of hours into the flight, I decide to take a nap in the spare room, leaving Ryan and Garret to their game.

But sleep eludes me. I’m too excited about going home. To see Ella and Violet. And Zach and Tyler. Even Tilly. And Lola, our dog.

I never had a pet growing up, and Lola is the best dog I could have asked for. I love that dog.

After a few restless hours, I give up on sleep and head back to the main cabin. I find Miss Conner sitting with Ryan by a window. He catches my eye and grins before turning back to her. She’s engrossed in her phone, seemingly oblivious to his presence.

Kids!

“He doesn’t mean anything by it. He’s just a kid,” Garret murmurs, noticing my gaze.

“I know, Garret. You don’t need to be so protective of him,” I reply, and he sighs.

“He doesn’t have any family… he’s been in foster care for eleven years. We’re the closest thing he’s had to a family since his parents died,” Garret reminds me.

“I know. I did the background check myself, remember? That’s why he lives at headquarters.”

“I know, boss. Just remember, he’s a fool, but he’s not stupid. He wouldn’t touch Violet,” Garret assures me.

“I’m sure if he had the chance, he would.”

“But he doesn’t, so he won’t,” Garret counters, giving me that strange look he always does when we discuss our unconventional relationship with Violet.

“Are you still planning to take next week off?” I ask, making myself a cup of the mediocre coffee provided.

“As long as that’s okay with you, boss?”

“Enjoy your time at home with your family. I’ll be doing the same. Want a coffee?”

“Sure, why not. What are you going to do with Ryan?” Garret asks, watching the young man who’s now staring out the window at the passing clouds.

“He can stay with us. I’ll invite him over for dinner or have him help out with the horses. I’m sure my mother-in-law will find some chores for him,” I suggest. Ryan isn’t yet qualified to go out with the others, so he’ll be on holiday while I am. The sooner he gets his badge, the better.

The rest of the flight goes smoothly, and we land just after eleven p.m. As expected, Rogan and Josh are waiting to take over and escort Miss Conner home.

“Make sure you take her into the house and stay on guard until morning. Her father wants a full report. I’ve sent it over. Let him know.”

“Yes, boss,” they respond in unison as Garret, Ryan, and I switch cars with them.

“See you tomorrow for debriefing?” I call out as we drive away.

“Let’s get home, shall we?”

I drop Garret off first. He doesn’t linger, instead rushing into his house like he’s being chased.

“Nervous?” Ryan asks as I drive us home.

“Why would I be nervous?” I reply, checking the mirrors before making a right turn.

“To get into bed with your harem?” Ryan teases, using Garret’s term.

“Ryan, there’s a line between professionalism and disrespect. You’re crossing it,” I warn him.

He laughs, then realizes I’m serious.

“Sorry, it just fascinates me,” he admits.

“It works for us, but there’s no room for anyone else. Violet is ours. Remember that. I like you, kid, but my family will always come first. Understand?”

“Sir, yes, sir,” Ryan responds, and I can’t help but laugh.

“You’re a good kid, Ryan.”

“I try,” he replies, staring out the window with a melancholic expression.

“Not looking forward to having time off?”

“I don’t have a reason to want time off,” he admits, and I understand.

“My mother-in-law’s place is just up the road. She’s got stables and I’m sure she could use an extra hand for the next week or so. Plus, we could always use help with Black and Chase.” I try to keep my tone encouraging, but I’m not sure if I’m succeeding in hiding my judgment.

“Thanks, Callum. You’re a good boss. I think I’ll stay put. Maybe I could shadow one of the guards, learn how they secure the property?” I mull over the idea as I steer us down the private dirt road that leads home.

“That’s actually a pretty good idea. I’ll see what I can arrange, alright?”

“Thanks, Callum.” We pull up to the towering iron gates and I punch in the code. It takes a few minutes for the gates to swing open completely, but we wait patiently for them to close behind us before proceeding down the freshly paved brick road toward the house.

“Why did we wait?” Ryan asks in a hushed tone.

“Just making sure no one tailed us, kid.”

“Got it,” he replies, his voice filled with excitement. He’s always so eager to soak up new information.

As we pull up to the house, I notice not just Arnold, but also Leon standing guard out front. It’s past midnight and I’m surprised to see them on patrol so diligently.

“Morning,” I greet them, stepping out of the car. I grab our overstuffed rucksacks from the back, hand Ryan his, and then gently close the car door.

“The security system woke us. We didn’t expect you back today,” Arnold approaches, ruffling Ryan’s hair before giving my shoulder a friendly squeeze. “Are you ever going to tell me why Violet jumps every time I walk by her?”

I frown at his question. “If she wants to tell you, she will. Otherwise, it’s none of your business. And why the hell are you getting so close to her that she feels the need to move away?”

“I was just helping her with the kids. I opened the car door for her,” he explains, holding up his hands in a gesture of innocence.

“Just be careful not to frighten her. Now, I’m off to bed. Ryan, I’ll see you bright and early at nine,” I call over my shoulder as I head toward the house.

“Sir.”