[Blake Security 01] • Ryder

**Ryder**

I’ve had the breath knocked out of me plenty of times, mostly during my time in the Navy. Big surprise, Navy SEALs get knocked around a fair bit.

But I don’t think I’ve ever lost my breath at just the sight of a beautiful woman before. Yet here I am, awestruck, trying not to make a fool of myself in front of new clients.

The woman at the top of the stairs must be the most gorgeous creature I’ve ever seen, and when she opens her lovely mouth, her thick, sexy Russian accent puts me completely under her spell.

I struggle to remember I’m here to meet the Bransons, not ogle their stunning nanny. Focus, Ryder…the Bransons’ baby was very nearly kidnapped, and they need your protection. And your professionalism. Getting to interview the smoking hot nanny will just be a bonus.

I’ll have to stay extra sharp, too, because I can tell almost immediately that something is not right in this huge, cold mansion. There’s more going on here than meets the eye, and it seems like everyone has something to hide…even the beautiful Alicia.

**Alicia**

The new bodyguard is not what I was expecting. He’s more enormous, more handsome…and more perceptive than I’d hoped he would be. It seems like he is watching my every move, like I can feel his eyes on me even when my back is turned.

But there’s something about him that makes me feel so safe, too. Perhaps his large, capable hands, or his deep brown eyes, or even the scars on his arms. Maybe he could protect us – protect me – but I can’t take that chance.

There are things he cannot know…things I can’t let him find out.

Because if he did, if a man like him knew this family’s secrets…none of us would be safe. Especially not him.