Taming Todd (Maple Hart) Read online

  I hardly recognized my friend. Two years ago, Clark didn’t look ready to settle down. I was in the same boat.

  Relationships took a lot of work. I’ve fended off plenty of jealous boyfriends and psychotic spouses from my clients.

  Love made people do ugly things. In my opinion, it wasn’t worth the effort.

  Still, hearing Clark passionately talk about his family filled me with unfamiliar longing.

  What would it feel like, to come home to a noisy and big home?

  These days, I only had my empty and silent apartment to greet me.

  I wasn’t getting any younger either. I was a 31-year-old Alpha who didn’t have many friends. I worked too much and I hadn’t been in a real relationship in years.

  Clark, on the other hand, was 7 years younger than me.

  Who was better off?

  “Oh shit. I’ve done it again. I’ve talked non-stop about my mate and family,” Clark said, keeping his photos. “What about you, Marco? How was it like, working for Shane Mayer?”

  I snorted. “Shane’s a spoiled celebrity. They’re all the same you know? The money’s good so I stuck around. A month ago, I decided I’ve reached my limits so I quit working for him.”

  I told myself I was here to get a better understanding of Todd’s situation.

  If I didn’t like the job, I’d politely decline and recommend someone else, someone as capable and deadly as I was.

  Clark wouldn’t hold it against me.

  Still, having seen Todd on screen made me wonder how he was like in real life. Most actors and other famous folks I’ve worked for were so different from the characters they played.

  “You mentioned on the phone you felt burn out working for celebrities so I appreciate you meeting us here,” Clark said.

  “Us?” I hadn’t meant to sound so testy but his cousin still hadn’t arrived.

  Did Todd Bright like making others wait for him?

  “Todd can be mischievous and a little much sometimes, but he’s a good guy,” Clark said.

  “You saying bad stuff about me, Clark?” Said a new voice.

  I didn’t know what to expect, certainly not Todd wearing a ratty grey hoodie and sweatpants. The slender Omega looked terrible.

  He was far too pale. There were dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he just got up from bed because his dark brown hair was sticking up.

  “I’m so sorry I’m late,” Todd said, looking from Clark then to me.

  Was it my imagination or did his gaze linger on me a little longer than necessary?

  My senses sharpened. I inhaled the most enticing smell that emanated from Todd.

  Omegas gave off special pheromones that made it easy for an Alpha to pick them out in a crowd but this was something else.

  Todd smelled like mint and vanilla.

  For some reason, I didn’t like seeing Todd in this state.

  I wanted to yank him down to my lap and offer him soothing words.

  What would it feel like, to kiss that trembling mouth? Would Todd grip my shoulders and respond to my kiss?

  I clenched my jaw. I was glad neither Clark nor Todd could see the erection poking through my jeans.

  I pulled my mind away from the gutter.

  This wasn’t like me at all. I’ve never had such a visceral reaction to any other Omega before. Todd came here, seeking my help because he had a stalker, a potential predator on his tail.

  The least I could do was maintain some level of professionalism.

  Clark moved closer to the window, making space so Todd could sit next to him.

  “You look like shit, Todd. You got hammered last night?” Clark asked in a reprimanding voice.

  To my surprise, Todd punched my friend in the shoulder.

  “Don’t you start. I know I look horrible. I don’t usually drink this much,” Todd added. I had a feeling said those last words for my benefit.

  Todd squinted at me. “So you’re Marco?”

  “That’s right.” I leaned across the table and held out my hand.

  Todd shook it, his grip surprisingly strong. For a couple of moments, I marvelled at his small and smooth fingers.

  They were a sharp contrast to my big and callused ones. I released his hand, terrified I’d suddenly do something inappropriate like lunge across the table to fist his shirt and pull his mouth towards mine.

  “Clark said you wanted to meet me first before agreeing to the job,” Todd said.

  Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded.

  Todd took out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans and continued, “Clark emailed me your resume. It’s pretty impressive. You’ve worked for a couple of B and A-listed celebrities.”

  The little Omega had suddenly turned the tables on me. Now I felt like I was the one being scrutinized.

  I didn’t mind that Todd was curious about me.

  “You were Shane Meyer’s bodyguard for two years. Why did you quit?” Todd finally asked.

  The Omega looked more sober and awake now. I didn’t miss the curiosity in his voice.

  “The truth? I’ve had enough. Shane was a horrible employer.”

  Todd blinked. I didn’t blame him. Clark also must’ve heard the vehemence in my voice.

  “Wow. You’re honest at least,” Todd said.

  Clark flagged a waitress and Todd ordered coffee.

  “Bring the whole pot,” Todd told her.

  “Show me what we’re dealing with. Clark said your stalker sent you some fan mail?” I asked.

  Todd widened his eyes. “Does this mean you’ll—”

  “Not yet. I need to assess the kind of trouble you’re in.” I reminded him.

  Todd looked at Clark. At Clark’s nod, Todd sighed and pulled out a stack of letters from the inside compartment of his hoodie.

  He pushed the pile of lavender envelopes across the table towards me. I picked up one and opened it.

  By the time I finished going through all the letters, Todd was on his third or fourth cup of coffee.

  I’ve dealt with my share of psychos before but Todd’s stalker was on a whole new level of disturbing.

  I wanted to agree to the job right away. Under my protection, Todd wouldn’t need to worry about his stalker every second of the day.

  He’d be untouchable because I wouldn’t let anyone or anything harm a single hair on his handsome little head.

  Where were these possessive feelings coming from?

  I knew Alphas were aggressive by nature. We were born protectors but I’ve always managed to separate my private life from my professional job.

  Guarding Todd would blur those lines.

  Todd was dangerous to me although he didn’t know it yet.

  We’ve only met today and yet for some reason, Todd felt like the stranger I’ve known all my life. The stranger I was destined to meet.

  “Why didn’t you call the police?” I asked point-blank.

  “I didn’t want my little problem leaking out to the press. If a reporter got wind of this, my stalker could get agitated and resort to something impulsive. That’s my line of thinking anyway,” Todd explained.

  “Will you agree to be his bodyguard, Marco?” Clark asked me, looking at me in the eye. “You’re the best guy I know.”

  I laughed. “I’m the only guy you know who works in security.”

  “Well, that’s true but you also have plenty of experience when it comes to matters like these.” Clark reminded me.

  I glanced at Todd. The Omega lifted his cup to his lips but his fingers were trembling.

  “You mentioned earlier that you don’t usually drink,” I began.

  Clark shot me a questioning look but I warned him with my eyes not to interfere.

  “Are you drinking more because you’re worried? Anxious?” I asked Todd.

  Todd bit his bottom lip and stared hard at the table. Like this, Todd seemed insecure and miserable, completely the opposite of his on-screen persona.

  “Yeah. I’ve been more twi
tchy and jumpy since I received that special box of chocolates. I hate staying up late at the filming studio because I keep imagining he’ll suddenly jump me.” Todd shuddered.

  This was a no-brainer. I would worry about the fact I was insanely attracted to this Omega later on. Right now, he needed my help.

  “I’ll take the job,” I told Todd.

  “Really?” Todd blurted. “Then I’ll have my assistant Gary email you the contract.”

  I rose to my feet. To my surprise, Todd launched himself at me. I easily caught his slender body, surprised when he hugged me.

  I swallowed. My dick thickened at his touch.

  Fuck, but the enticing scent that drew my attention before wrapped around me like a long lost lover.

  “Thank you,” Todd whispered. “You won’t regret this.”

  His face, his mouth was so close. It was all mine for the taking. It would be easy to kiss him, taste him.

  Then I remembered we weren’t alone. Clark was watching us. My friend wouldn’t think much of me if I took advantage of the situation.

  However, Todd felt so warm against me. So tempting.

  I cleared my throat. Todd must’ve realized what he’d done because he took a few steps back and flashed me a sheepish look.

  “Sorry, I’ll behave better next time,” he said.

  I paid for my coffee and walked out of that diner, feeling a little lightheaded.

  I couldn’t wait to start this job.

  During our conversation, I’ve never seen a single arrogant bone in Todd’s body.

  He was so different from Shane and the other snobby celebrities I’ve worked with before.

  Todd wasn’t snobbish or pretentious. He was genuine. Fame hadn’t gotten to Todd’s head yet.

  I truly hoped he’d stay that way.

  3

  Todd

  “So Todd, who’s the glowering hottie that’s been coming in with you for the past three days?” Asked Lawrence, another fellow actor.

  “I heard that Alpha is Todd’s new bodyguard,” added Janine, the actress who played Todd’s mother on the show.

  Neither Lawrence nor Janine waited for my answer. When I didn’t rise to their bait, they moved on to other juicy news.

  I sighed.

  These people had nothing better to do than gossip during our downtime.

  I munched on my sandwich. We were on a fifteen-minute break while the production team rearranged the props on set.

  I knew that bringing Marco to work would attract unwanted attraction but I had no choice.

  Marco mentioned my stalker might come after me while I was working.

  Who could blame the other actors and staff for being curious about Marco?

  The dark-haired and blue-eyed Alpha was a sin to look at. I finished my ham sandwich and glanced at Marco, who was standing by the food table.

  Marco seemed oblivious to the comings and goings of the staff in the studio but I knew Marco was silently cataloging everyone and their actions.

  The Alpha was dressed entirely black, like always. Black leather jacket over a black shirt. Jeans and work boots.

  Marco seemed to know how to blend into the shadows and tight corners, but it was hard not to notice him anyway.

  I met Marco’s gaze. The Alpha nodded to me, his blue eyes unreadable.

  Had I mentioned that Marco had great hair?

  I’ve been tempted several times to run my fingers through Marco’s thick and wavy black hair.

  I thought we had a moment in that diner. When I threw myself without shame against the Alpha, I swore I felt Marco’s hard-on.

  Too bad Marco was professional to the core. Every single day, Marco picked me up every morning and drove me back to my apartment after my shoot.

  “Alright, take five,” said the director.

  I hopped off my chair and focused on getting back to character. To say I’ve been distracted lately had been an understatement.

  Part of me wondered if my reaction to my stalker was a little extreme. Maybe I had every right to be scared.

  I was only taking the necessary precautions.

  Five hours of filming later, I was exhausted. I headed back to my dressing room. I was eager to head home and collapse on my bed.

  Marco tailed me like a silent shadow, his eyes alert. I had invited Marco inside my apartment for coffee twice now but I’ve had zero success. This was new to me. Most men had a hard time saying ’no’ to me.

  I was starting to wonder if I had imagined Marco’s reaction at the diner.

  Maybe my attraction was one-sided.

  Bummer.

  I couldn’t exactly explain why I was drawn to the Alpha. I had never felt this way about any of the guys I dated in the past.

  If Marco didn’t always wear his professional and neutral mask on, I could get a better read on him. Too bad the Alpha’s outer shields were airtight.

  “I won’t take long,” I told Marco.

  “Hey, Todd? Your secret admirer sent you flowers and chocolates again,” said my assistant Gary before I entered my dressing room.

  I stared at the elaborate bouquet of roses on the table and swallowed as I noticed the lavender envelope.

  “Let me examine them,” Marco said.

  He entered the room with me.

  I stood back and Marco looked at the flowers and the accompanying card.

  Was it my imagination or did the smell of rot fill the room?

  I studied the roses carefully and noticed the flowers weren’t fresh at all. Yellowing leaves and petals had fallen on the table. That had to mean something.

  Now more than ever, I was relieved I took Aaron’s advice and hired a bodyguard.

  Marco then lifted the lid off the chocolates. The Alpha swore.

  Curious, I approached Marco and peered over his broad shoulder. It took me a couple of seconds to process what I was seeing.

  The box contained dozens of squirming and wiggling bloated white things.

  Maggots.

  I suddenly felt sick to the stomach. Marco closed the lid and turned to me.

  “I’ll get rid of this shit,” he said.

  “Why maggots?” I found myself asking. “Can I see what he wrote on the card?”

  Marco hesitated, like he wasn’t sure if I should read my stalker’s message.

  In the end, Marco must’ve remembered I was his client. Marco examined the envelope, then its contents, before handing it over to me.

  I pulled out the card and swallowed it. My stalker’s handwriting was usually neat and elegant. The handwriting this time was jagged and rushed.

  Angry almost. I was no crime expert but had Randy somehow discovered there was another man in my life?

  “You broke my heart, Dave. I sent you dying roses and a box of maggots,” I read out loud. “Take these gifts as a reminder. You’re mine and I won’t give you to anyone else.”

  My mind returned to Randy’s other disturbing letters. I pictured some faceless man snatching me right from under Marco’s nose.

  Then Randy would bring me to the special love dungeon he created. I’d rot there for eternity, being someone else’s prisoner or until he got sick of me.

  My stomach clenched. As usual, my active imagination got the better of me.

  I swayed unsteadily on my feet.

  Marco placed his hands over mine and I realized I was trembling like a leaf. Marco’s touch and his solid presence yanked me back to the present.

  Marco wouldn’t let anyone take me, not under his watch.

  “I intend to have a chat with your assistant. I’ll tell him to throw away any gifts from this fucker,” he said.

  The anger in the Alpha’s voice took me by surprise. To be honest, it pleased me as well. It was nice to imagine that I was more than a job to Marco, that the Alpha saw me as more than his employer.

  Yeah right.

  Continue dreaming, Todd.

  “Okay,” I whispered. “That sounds good.”

  I closed my eyes for a co
uple of moments.

  It was suffocating in here. I needed to get out of my changing room. I felt like a prey animal trapped in a cage.

  “Marco? Can you take me home now?” I asked.

  “Sure. This shit would be gone in the morning,” Marco said, gesturing to the flowers and chocolate box. “Come on.”

  I didn’t mind Marco grasping my wrist and leading me out of the room. We walked past the set and eventually the studio.

  A couple of staff members and one or two actors gave us stares. No doubt I would be the topic of gossip the next morning but I didn’t give a damn.

  I was just that shaken.

  Finally, we were outside the studio. Marco opened the car door for me. I got in, still feeling numb. Part of me still couldn’t believe this was truly happening to me.

  I kept hoping it was all a bad dream but it wasn’t.

  Marco got behind the wheel and started the engine.

  “Seat belt,” he said.

  I sighed, placating him. Marco always liked to remind me constantly to put my seat belt on.

  “I’m not a kid,” I grumbled. “What’s with you and seat belts?”

  I sounded cranky, like I wanted to pick a fight with someone. Marco just happened to be there.

  I was sick of feeling scared and anxious all the time. I even had trouble sleeping lately.

  I kept wondering if Randy was hovering right outside my apartment, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.

  “My parents died in a car accident when I was a kid. That’s why I’m a careful driver.” Marco explained.

  I let out a breath, suddenly feeling thoughtless and petty. Insensitive. No wonder Marco always got tight-lipped when I asked him about his family.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—” I began.

  “It’s okay. You’re under a lot of stress.”

  “It’s not fine. I acted like a dick.” I pointed out. “I’m sorry, about your parents I mean.”

  “Don’t be. It was a long time ago,” Marco said with a shrug. “I can barely remember their faces.”

  I hesitated.

  We weren’t close.

  Heck, Marco, and I barely knew each other although I hungered to know more about him. I wanted get under his skin, to discover the Alpha, the man underneath the bodyguard.

  “Can you tell me more about them?” I asked.