Jake watched the rearview mirror carefully, speeding through the side streets along the route he’d planned. Every parasite knew where they were going, but he didn’t care to be followed. Lily sat ramrod straight in the leather seat, her blonde hair damp around her shoulders. Even now, with her world crumbling, she looked perfect. She was every inch a woman, and yet she still radiated a child-like innocence that had him doing things for her he’d never even consider for someone else. And she hated him for it. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. Lily would need to get over that. He had to protect her now. The alternative wasn’t even an option. She took off the sunglasses shielding her eyes and folded them carefully in her lap. His glasses. She hadn’t thought to bring any, and he hadn’t wanted to risk her crying in front of the vultures who’d come to the service to pick over the carnage of William Harris. To her credit, she hadn’t shown any sign of weakness, none anyone who didn’t know her as well as he did would notice. “I don’t know why we are bothering with trying to keep away from the reporters. They’ll be at the house anyway.” “Not if we lock the gate.” Lily let out a long sigh. “We can’t do that. People will be coming all day to pay their respects. It’ll make a bigger fuss if we screen everyone before they come.” “No one is coming to the house. They’ve had enough of a show for today. Besides, you’re not up for people who claim to be your friends prying for information.” “That’s not the way it works, Jake.” “It is today. After we arrive the gate will be locked and guarded until all this dies down.” He downshifted as he entered the exclusive neighborhood. Ten houses set far back on sprawling plots of land, all held for generations. Buying a house here was unheard of. He’d been the first in decades. “Anyone who is truly your friend will understand, and you don’t need the rest of them.” He swung into the drive, his scowl softening at the two burly men standing in front of the gate. What the iron bars couldn’t hold back, he knew these two would be able to handle. Being in the construction industry came in handy when you needed a job done quickly and quietly. “It’s just not done, Jake. People will be offended.” “Good thing for you I’m not a slave to social niceties.” With a nod to the men, he passed through the gates, relaxing a bit when he heard them close. She was safe here, for as long as he could get her to stay put. “Your politeness and civility can’t protect you right now. Life isn’t a party, Lily. You should have learned that by now.” “Of course, all I know how to do is waltz like a proper lady and design a seating chart.” She stared out the window, her delicate jaw clenched so tightly he thought she might crack a tooth. “You have led a spoiled and sheltered life,” he agreed sardonically. “If you listen to me, you will make it through this. Your father was my friend and I’ll do anything to make sure you’re protected.” Lily sniffed. “Does that include from you?” “Do you really fear me?” he mocked. She did, he’d known it from the first time she had to shake his hand. But he was through playing beast to her beauty. “I don’t need protecting, and I don’t need you trying to run my life.” “I’m not trying, Angel. I’m doing it. It’s for your own good.” He parked the car and killed the engine. “You have no idea what’s good for me.” “Of course I don’t. What would some scholarship case from the projects know about holding on to pride?” He pulled the key from the ignition. He hated how she could do this to him, make him feel like he both needed to slay any dragon that came her way and throttle her himself. He never lost his cool, never let emotions rule his actions, but Lily Harris knew exactly which strings to pull to make him crazy. “Don’t push me right now, Lily. Never show all your cards before you know what game you are playing.” He climbed out of the car, slamming his door to release some of his ire. She was the most frustrating woman he’d ever known. Anyone else would be grateful. But then if she were anyone else he wouldn’t have bothered. If Jake were so sure she needed her privacy now, why wouldn’t he leave her alone? Lily hated the fuzzy blur of emotions that swirled about her and had for the last three weeks. Pancreatic cancer had snuck into her life so quickly, turning everything upside down and backwards until she barely knew how to stand up straight. Every day of those last days with her father she’d had to see Jake Tolliver. Though he’d been a partner in her father’s architecture firm for the last two years, she’d avoided him with the skill of a tax evader. Jake attended every party given at the house, showed up to most events she went to with her father. Even with familiarity, she’d never grown accustomed to his dangerous demeanor. “You’re being silly,” her father had said when she told him she didn’t trust Jake. “He is absolutely brilliant, Lily. I’ve never known someone so intelligent and talented at the same time. He works harder than three men together. Honestly, there is no one I trust more.” Whenever she tried to explain her aversion she was treated to another ode to Jake. She’d heard everything about him, everything he wanted people to know at least. The generous charity donations, completing jobs others deemed impossible, making deals no one could believe. None of it could make up for the raw power than emanated from him. Such sharp predatory focus barely contained beneath a patina of sophistication. She saw the utter ruthlessness every time she looked into his dark eyes. One day he would pounce.