I'm a monster when it comes to this girl, a maniac with one mission—to protect Penny.

I'll take out her stalker with my bare hands if I have to. I won't let anyone hurt her and that goes double for me. I'm determined to get my obsession with my charge under control, to banish the lust I feel every time she innocently touches my hand.

But soon her stalker steps up his attacks and Penny and I are forced into hiding in a secluded cottage, where the only girl I've ever loved says four words I never expected to hear—I want you, Payne.

Me. She wants...me.

I should tell her no. I should quit my job and find her a new bodyguard, do whatever it takes to save her from being ruined by a beast like me. But my beauty is too damned tempting. I have to have her, no matter how high the cost.