Taming Todd (Maple Hart) Page 4

  “I like being close to you,” Marco said.

  For some reason, that hot little admission pleased me a good deal.

  “Same.” I placed the plates and cutleries on the drying rack before turning to face Marco.

  The Alpha leaned against the fridge with his arms crossed against over chest. I finally noticed Marco had taken off his leather jacket. The plain black tee he wore stretched across the wide expanse of his chest.

  Stop staring at him, I told myself.

  “Marco, about just now,” I began.

  I didn’t need to continue because he neared me. Marco put a finger on my lips.

  “You don’t need to explain. If you hadn’t kiss me, I would’ve been tempted to do the same,” Marco said.

  I drew a shaky breath and looked him in the eyes. This Alpha was telling the truth. My stomach did a strange flip.

  “Are you pulling my leg?” I had to ask.

  He shook his head and cupped my cheek. I didn’t know why I leaned against his big and callused hand like a needy kitten seeking warmth.

  It seemed like the right thing to do. Marco let out what sounded like a strangled groan.

  “Then why are you making this hard for both of us?” I dared to ask.

  “I might fail you if I’m distracted,” he said.

  Marco said something similar earlier, I recalled. I took his hand from my cheek and grabbed his other one. I squeezed his fingers.

  “I have complete faith in your abilities. I know you’d never let me down,” I told him earnestly.

  “You trust me that much? You don’t even know me, Omega,” Marco said in a husky voice that woke my dick.

  “I know you’re protective and caring. When you cooked dinner for me, I realized underneath that tough armor you wear, you can be sweet as well.”

  “You’re dangerous, Todd,” he murmured.

  He was calling little ol’ me dangerous?

  Marco was maybe twice, three times my size and he was all muscle. I was a skinny twig compared to him. Marco could easily break me in two if he wanted but I know he’d never do that.

  Instinct told me Marco would hurt himself first before harming a single hair on my head. That was just how he was made.

  My Alpha was a protector first and foremost.

  My Alpha.

  I liked the sound of that.

  Marco stepped close until our noses touched. I moaned when he sealed his mouth against the side of my neck and nipped.

  I wanted him to bite me harder, to leave his hickey there for all the world to see but Marco held onto his control.

  “Don’t pull away from me,” I whispered. “You told me you didn’t regret kissing me back.”

  I despaired at the thought of Marco becoming all cold and professional around me.

  I’ve already caught glimpses of the real Alpha underneath his complicated and protective layers. I didn’t want to go back to our initial status of client and bodyguard.

  Marco pulled his mouth from my neck. He rested his forehead against mine.

  “We’ll take things slow and easy,” Marco said.

  Then the Alpha pulled away.

  “I need a shower.” Marco announced.

  Thankfully, I managed to open my mouth. “Towels are in the cabinet under the sink.”

  I watched his broad back for a few seconds. Once Marco shut the bathroom door, I let out a frustrated sigh.

  What the hell did Marco mean by taking things slow and easy?

  6

  Marco

  “How long have you been working for Mr. Bright?” I asked Gary, Todd’s assistant.

  The Omega squirmed under my scrutinising gaze although I didn’t understand why.

  I hadn’t made any threatening or aggressive moves towards him.

  In the back of my mind, I wondered if Gary had some connection to Randy the stalker.

  A wild assumption.

  Gary wasn’t the actual stalker though, that I was sure of. I had a feeling Gary was the sort of guy who followed the rules. A Boy Scout.

  If I dug deeper, I wouldn't be surprised if Gary’s record was pristine.

  “Six months,” Gary muttered, still refusing to meet my gaze.

  “Gary, relax. You’re not a suspect and I’m not the police,” I said, running a frustrated hand through my hair. “I just want to catch Todd’s stalker before he does any real harm.”

  A few days ago, I told Gary I wanted to vet all the gifts and letters Todd received from his admirers. I didn’t tell Todd this, but his number one fan had written him more letters. Threatening ones.

  His fan also sent several parcels. They all contained crude and painful-looking homemade sex toys.

  Each time I examined the latest batch of presents and letters, anger stabbed right through my gut.

  Todd wasn’t just good at his job. He genuinely loved acting and was darn passionate about his craft. After a long day of filming, Todd would go over his lines back at the apartment.

  This stalker had upheaved Todd’s normal routine, his life. Todd didn’t need to tell me. I knew he sometimes had nightmares. Todd had a couple of sleepless nights.

  A week had passed since Todd asked me to stay with him for the night. In the end, I moved over some of my things into one of his guest rooms.

  Todd didn’t need to ask or modify the contract. He looked relieved when he found out I decided to be his live-in bodyguard, just until the threat was over anyway.

  What would it feel like to wake up and see Todd’s face the first thing in the morning?

  It was heaven. Todd wasn’t a morning person. He needed three cups of coffee to fully wake up. I decided I liked it when he was all grouchy and rude.

  Morning Todd let all his inhibitions down.

  “Uh, Marco?” Gary’s voice yanked me back to the present.

  Shit. The Omega looked at me with wide eyes. Gary caught me daydreaming on the job.

  Not good. I prided myself on being a professional. I always kept my eye on the prize.

  Didn’t I tell Todd a week ago that I took my duties seriously?

  “You really care about him, huh?” Gary remarked.

  The Omega no longer looked terrified of me. Gary seemed more thoughtful, curious almost.

  “That’s right. I only want to keep him safe. You were there when I looked through the stalker’s letters and presents.” I reminded him.

  Gary nodded. “The guy stalking Todd seems like a real nut-case. I’ll answer any questions you have more seriously now.”

  I blinked, surprised by his sudden change of heart. Before we went any further, I did want to confirm a suspicion of mine.

  “Can I ask why you’re scared of me?”

  I was never the sort of guy who liked to dance around a topic. I preferred to get to the point.

  Gary looked uncomfortable. He kept shifting his weight from one leg to another. Finally, he looked up at me.

  “I’m sorry I gave off that impression. You’ve only been Todd’s bodyguard for a week, but I can tell you’re a good guy. I just ended a relationship. The Alpha I was with—”

  Gary faltered but he didn’t need to explain any further. I had a feeling it had something to do with an ex.

  “He was a dick?” I finished.

  “Yeah.” Gary laughed and wiped at the tears gathering in his eyes. “Sorry.”

  “There’s nothing to apologize for.”

  I disliked arrogant Alphas who thought it was okay to push Omegas around. They were nothing more than overgrown bullies.

  I had to ask Gary one more question. “Did he hurt you?”

  I knew my voice had turned uneven, rough.

  “Not physically but I knew if I didn’t leave him right away, he’d resort to using his fists sooner or later.” Gary looked ashamed by that admission.

  “Hey, then it’s a good thing you left his sorry ass before things got worse,” I told him. “You deserve someone better, Gary.”

  Gary blushed. “Now I’m a little jealous
of Todd.”

  Since he seemed more embarrassed than scared, I resumed my line of questioning.

  “Do you have any idea if anyone would hold a grudge against Todd?” I asked that same question to everyone.

  Gary shook his head.

  “Todd’s well-liked in the studio.” Gary lowered his voice. “Other actors are a lot of work, but Todd’s not like them. He’s down to earth and he’s friendly with everyone, even the janitors.”

  I was told the same thing by the other studio folks I’ve interviewed.

  “Hey, you’re Todd’s bodyguard right?” Asked a new sultry voice.

  Another Omega.

  I frowned, trying to recall his name. He was in his late twenties like Todd and had brown curly hair and sharp grey eyes.

  He was dressed impeccably and his hair was always gelled up and perfect. I’ve seen around the studio a couple of times.

  It occurred to me I haven’t had a chance to interview this guy.

  “Yeah. You are?” I prodded.

  “That’s Daniel Greene. He’s one of the make-up artists,” Gary supplied.

  “No one asked for your opinion, loser. Don’t you have to fetch something, low-fat coffee for Todd?” Daniel asked with a sneer.

  I disliked this Omega immediately. There was no reason to call Gary names or to put him down. Gary dropped his gaze, about to shuffle off.

  I placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

  “Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions,” I told Gary.

  Gary flashed me a small smile, then hesitated.

  “About what we talked about—” He began, shooting Daniel a panicked look.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone else,” I assured him.

  Gary blew out a breath and finally left me with Daniel.

  “Do you need anything?” I asked.

  I craned my neck to check on Todd, who was still on set.

  They were about to do another take on a scene they were trying to perfect since this morning. My Omega looked exhausted, although he never showed it.

  I wished I could spirit Todd away and put him to bed. I’d sit right next to him so he’d feel safe.

  A couple of hours of downtime would help Todd feel rejuvenated and hopefully, fill his mind with clarity.

  Knowing Todd, my Omega would refuse to rest while everyone else was working. I admired that about Todd.

  “So do you guard Todd 24/7?” Daniel asked. “I heard a rumor you’ve moved in with him. Are you sure you’re just his bodyguard?”

  I sighed. Rumors easily flew around the studio. I didn’t bother nailing the source.

  I quickly figured out that gossip was everyone’s favorite past time at the studio.

  “What’s it to you?” I asked, keeping my voice light. I was a little suspicious of this Omega.

  Daniel stood a little close to me for my liking. I put some space between us.

  Ah. So that was the reason he approached me.

  Daniel eyed me up and down, licking his lips. I recognized that predatory look.

  Daniel might be an Omega but he was trying really hard to act like a predator. Maybe some Alphas preferred bold Omegas like Daniel but not me.

  Daniel looked like the kind of guy who could get anyone he wanted. I was just a potential playmate to him, nothing more.

  “When you’re off-duty you can buy me a drink,” Daniel said.

  He drew close and ran his fingers down my chest. I caught them and flashed him a warning look. I didn’t like casual touches from strangers.

  No one did.

  Daniel wasn’t the first Omega to ask me out during my sting as Todd’s bodyguard but I only had eyes for Todd.

  “What’s going on here?” Demanded a familiar voice.

  My Omega stomped his way to us.

  Todd looked mad as hell although I didn’t fully understand why.

  7

  Todd

  I didn’t know why I saw red. Daniel had a reputation for being a slut. The handsome make-up artist had probably slept with most of the actors.

  I wouldn’t be surprised if Daniel had sex with practically everyone in the studio either. He didn’t have standards. It was that or Daniel just didn’t care about the heartbreak and destruction he left in his wake.

  I looked expectedly at Marco. My Alpha looked like he was at a loss for words. Daniel grabbed Marco’s arm and possession surged through the surface of my skin.

  I bared my teeth at Daniel like a rabid animal. Warning him with my eyes didn’t seem enough. If Daniel didn’t get his grubby hands off my Alpha, I was going to lose it.

  I was having a terrible day. I wasn’t able to catch much sleep last night. This morning, I caught Gary trying to hide a bunch of letters and packages addressed to me. I didn’t miss the lavender envelopes that came with them.

  I knew Marco was going through my mail. He’d mentioned it before. That wasn’t why I was annoyed with him. He just conveniently forgot to mention my greatest fan had been sending me more and more presents.

  What was in those packages, I didn’t want to know yet.

  To his credit, Marco pulled away from Daniel. Marco curved his mouth downwards to a frown.

  Daniel looked back at Marco, confused.

  Hell yeah. The other Omega wasn’t probably used to being rejected.

  “Nothing’s going on,” Marco said in a nonchalant voice. “Daniel asked me out but I have to refuse.”

  Those last words were directed at Daniel.

  “Why?” Daniel demanded.

  “I’m taken.”

  My heart started at those words.

  Taken by who? Me?

  The other Omega stomped his foot like a spoiled brat who didn’t get his way.

  “I would like to ask you some questions,” Marco continued.

  “Screw you, you’re not worth it,” Daniel muttered, then stormed away.

  Relief filled me. Marco had refused Daniels’ advances. It was something few Alphas could do.

  I still hadn’t forgiven him completely. I was in a horrid mood. After today’s filming, I had every intention of heading right home but I’ve changed my mind.

  I was feeling a little petty.

  “Where to? Home?” Marco asked me.

  I shook my head. “My brother and cousins invited me to go bar hopping.”

  Aaron kept begging me to go out this week but I always refused. I began looking forward to quiet nights with Marco in my apartment.

  Marco would always offer to cook for me or we’d order take out. We’d normally eat in the living room, sitting side-by-side on the sofa.

  Sometimes, I’d pretend we were a normal couple. In those few precious moments, Marco wasn’t my bodyguard and I wasn’t an actor who was famous enough to have a stalker.

  It shamed me to admit that when I wasn’t memorizing lines, my thoughts lingered on my Alpha.

  My Alpha.

  I wished Marco was mine but apart from a couple of stolen kisses, we’ve never done anything else. I wanted to go further.

  Screw slow and easy. I had a feeling Marco would only pursue me seriously once this job was done.

  As if I could wait that long.

  “I’d advise against that,” Marco said. “We’ve discussed this. The less you expose yourself to the public—”

  “Screw that,” I interrupted. “I’m sick of feeling jumpy and scared all the time. I need a drink and some good company.”

  Marco flattened his lips to a thin line, telling me he disapproved. At that moment, I didn’t give a damn about what he thought.

  I hired him, not the other way around.

  “Fine,” he finally muttered. “Your choice.”

  * * *

  ****

  “Is Marco going to just glower at us the entire night?” My cousin Everett asked me.

  I downed my third or fourth beer and considered Everett’s question seriously. I followed Everett’s gaze to see Marco standing in the corner of the bar.

  Our
gazes met. My cheeks and neck felt hot, probably from all the beer I was consuming. I don’t drink a lot in general but now was a good occasion as any.

  Marco and I argued for a little while in the car. After we arrived at the bar, my Alpha turned dead silent. The glare he directed at me spoke volumes.

  I knew deep down that by going out with my friends, I was exposing myself to danger. I also made his job harder but I couldn’t live the rest of my life like a frightened chicken.

  “Yeah, pretty much,” I told Everett.

  I noticed a few missing faces in our group. Apart from Everett and Aaron, my cousin Nestor had tagged along.

  “Where’s Denver and Gideon?” I asked.

  “Both of them were busy,” Nestor said. “Denver couldn’t find a babysitter and Gideon flat out told me he just wanted to spend the Friday night cuddled up on the sofa with his mate and baby.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Boring.” Was I slurring? I couldn’t tell. “And Clark?”

  “Aunt Marissa’s babysitting the triplets. Clark says he’s taking this precious opportunity to watch a movie at the theater with Dusty,” Aaron informed me.

  “Yawn,” I said.

  I always made fun of my mated cousins but honestly?

  I was downright jealous. Before Marco entered my life, I was completely fine with the way things were.

  I didn’t understand why Gideon, Denver, and Clark would want to settle down.

  I pictured the late nights I had with Marco. I looked forward to that time of the day the most. With Marco, I didn’t need to put on a mask. I wasn’t Todd the Actor. I could be myself around him.

  I loved having conversations with him. Serious ones and ones that didn’t make any sense.

  Drinking myself to a coma didn’t make me feel any better.

  Hell, this was what?

  The third bar we’ve been to and I couldn’t stand the crowd or the music. I noticed an Omega, a smug-looking red-haired and brown-eyed guy in his early twenties sliding his way up to Marco.

  I gritted my teeth. This again. I knew Marco was dark, tall, and handsome. He was a good catch. Marco was great Alpha any Omega would want as his mate but he was my dark, tall and handsome. No one else’s.