Major Bodyguard

CHAPTER ONE

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Jade tugged his shirt off and unceremoniously let it fall to the tiled floors of his bathroom. He stretched his sore shoulder muscles, eager to get under the warm spray of the shower and work out some of the tension in his body.

But then his phone vibrated on the counter. General McDonald flashed across the screen, and for a brief second, Jade actually considered ignoring it. Exhaustion nagged at his body, and he couldn’t put up with any more recruits and their inability to understand simple instructions. But then the diligent army officer in him kicked in, and he mashed the accept button.

Major Jade Patterson.

Patterson, came Duncan McDonald’s deep voice. I want to see you in my office.

Great. Yes, sir.

In his typical abrupt fashion, the general hung up without even saying goodbye.

Well, there went a nice, long shower. A quick one would have to suffice for the moment, unfortunately. Jade jumped in, jumped out and threw on a clean set of fatigues. Once presentable, he left his quarters and headed to the general’s office.

I wonder what all this is about, Jade thought as he stood outside. He rapped his knuckles against the hard wood and was bid entry seconds later.

General McDonald was pacing the length of his office, wearing a rut into the beige-colored carpet. He glanced up when Jade entered. Jade had known the general for the better part of a decade. He was the reason Jade had enlisted in the first place. Lines now bracketed his eyes, showing his age. His salt-and-pepper hair was another give-away to his age.

Sit, Patterson.

True to his no-nonsense personality, the general’s office screamed functional with little decoration to brighten up the space. In the middle of the room stood a large mahogany desk, covered with littered papers and one picture of his smiling family (them smiling, not him; he maintained his typical stoic face). A leather couch and adjourning seat sat on the right wall, the color rich chocolate and the texture as smooth and soft as butter. A thick layer of dust coated the big screen TV. Other than that, he had a plant, a coffee table, and a file cabinet. Simple. Efficient.

Jade sat on the couch while the general claimed the arm chair.

Let’s get directly to the point, Duncan said.

Shoot.

When I was Major, I had to train a contingent from India led by Major Shankar Singh, Duncan started. "Shankar and I became good friends over the three months he trained under me. After his retirement, Shankar got into politics and is now the Chief Minister of Uttara Pradesh in India. He holds a powerful position and is tipped to become the next Prime Minister of the country."

I’ve heard of the man, Jade admitted. But I’ve never personally met him.

Yes, well, you will soon enough, Duncan replied. "Shankar Singh’s only daughter Alia has struck up a close relationship with Kamal Narayanan, who is the son of the man who opposes the Uttara Pradesh and Shankar."

Jade fought the urge to roll his eyes. Silly, rebellious kids. Despite her father’s wishes, of course.

Duncan inclined his head. Of course. Supposedly, Vigneshwaran aspires to be president himself and knows that Shankar has a better standing in terms of getting elected.

Jade’s mind worked to connect the pieces laid before him. The general obviously wasn’t telling Jade this just to hear himself speak. The general wasn’t the for-shits-and-giggles kind of man. He had a specific reason for mentioning Alia.

Right. And how did Shankar respond? Jade asked.

Duncan ran his hand along his jawline, smoothing the already immaculately kept shave. To avoid all the drama, Shankar has enrolled Alia at California University, so she can complete her last year of medical school.

A frown creased his brows. The university wasn’t exactly known for its prestige. Plus, money wasn’t a concern for someone like Shankar. He could afford to send his only daughter anywhere in the world.

Why California University? he asked. It wasn’t an ivy league like Oxford or Brown, and it wasn’t exactly close in proximity to India. Then it hit him. He thinks Alai might be targeted because of his position.

Duncan nodded grimly, his lips a thin line. Shankar feels that Alia will be safer abroad because he knows I’m stationed here. Shankar wants a bodyguard for Alia because he suspects Kamal Narayanan will follow Alia here.

No. The denial shot out of his mouth before he could trap it behind his teeth. Come on, Dunc, you can’t be serious.

He never addressed McDonald so informally while they were both in uniform, always showing the proper respect for his commanding officer, but he couldn’t help it now.

Very serious. Shankar has made a formal request from me and I told him his daughter would be safe in your care, Duncan said, cocking a brow.

Jade barked out a laugh at the idea of this ridiculous farce. I am a trained officer in the US Army. I don’t want to babysit some rich girl from India who probably feels entitled because of her daddy. No thank you. It sounds like absolute misery.

Duncan’s features hardened. I’m asking you as a friend. Don’t make command you to do it because I will if I have to.

Jaw ticking, he inhaled deeply. So, essentially, he didn’t have a choice in the matter. Fine, he said finally, his tone deadpan. But what about her classes? I can’t imagine professors would appreciate a guy looming over her.

That’s been taken care of. You will be in your final year of medicine at California University as well.

Once again, his mouth worked without his permission. Are you kidding me? This is a stupid plan. I know absolutely zero about medicine. And besides, I’m too old for this shit.

At thirty-five, he hadn’t taken classes in a very long time.

The professors have already been informed of it. All you have to do is take notes and pretend to be interested in the subject.

Right.

Easier said than done. Jade wasn’t eager to start this mission in the least little bit. Why him? Why did he have to be saddled with a young Indian woman who probably knew little about American culture and who would probably whine the entire time? He mentally sighed.

When does she arrive in California? How much longer until the torture started?

Duncan stood, signaling an end to the meeting. We meet them for lunch at the Marriott in an hour. Be there. With that, he settled back behind his desk.

Wonderful.

CHAPTER TWO

Duncan and Jade entered the Marriott, and the black-suited receptionist promptly led them to a back room where Shankar was waiting at a table. He put his phone down when he spotted them. Only his caramel skin indicated his Indian decent. Otherwise, his attire—dark jeans and a fitted sports coat—screamed American. When he spoke, only a hint of an accent laced his voice.

Duncan! Beaming, Shankar stood and embraced Duncan as a brother.

Shankar, it’s good to see you, Duncan said, giving one of his rare smiles. This, he turned to Jade, is Major Jade Patterson, the man I was telling you about.

Shankar shook hands with Jade, his eyes roaming over Jade’s form, silently sizing him up. It’s nice to meet you, Major Patterson.

The pleasure is all mine, sir.

Please call me Shankar. No formalities here. When he smiled at Jade, the lines bracketing his eyes became more apparent.

The three of them settled around the table. Shankar motioned to the waiter to take their drink orders.

My daughter should be here shortly. She’s unfortunately running a little late. The man’s voice softened when he spoke of his daughter, as if he held the words more delicately in his mouth. It told Jade he loved his daughter a lot.

For the first ten minutes, Duncan and Shankar caught up. For the most part, Jade remained silent, not having much to do with the conversation. Being quiet suited him perfectly. He was content to merely listen. He had never been particularly chatty anyway.

Finally, the elusive Alia made her appearance. There came the long strides of high heels and then a woman stopped before them. All three men stood in response.

Alia, Shankar greeted warmly.

Hello, Daddy, she said, and her voice held more of an accent than her father’s had. She leaned down to kiss her father’s cheeks. I hadn’t realized we would be having company. She smiled at Jade and Duncan, showing white, even teeth.

Jade sucked in a breath as he got his first real look at her. Her features were truly breathtaking. Wide eyes with the long lashes that fanned her cheeks every time she blinked. Full, pink lips any man would have loved to sample. High cheek bones, a button-shaped nose and a heart-shaped face.

Her hair, the blackest he had ever seen, flowed down her back in a thick mass of curls, stopping mid-back. The white dress she wore hugged her curves perfectly. A tiny waist flared out to shapely hips. The hem of her dress stopped just at her knee, giving a hint of tantalizing skin but not enough to be scandalous. The color contrast between the white and her copper skin was striking.

His mouth went dry.

Alia, do you remember General Duncan McDonald? Shankar asked.

Yes. It’s lovely to see you again, General. I hope you’re well, she said, shaking his hand.

Shankar motioned toward Jade next. And this is Major Jade Patterson.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, she said, smiling.

When she shook his hand, he noticed how much larger his was compared to hers. Her tiny hand in his made him feel more masculine. Powerful. For a reason he didn’t entirely understand, his skin tingled when she pulled her hand away.

Alia dumped her purse into one of the empty chairs and slid into the seat beside her father as the three men sat down once more. The four of them placed their orders and chatted for a bit before Shankar finally brought up the topic at hand.

Alia, there’s something we need to discuss, he began, setting down his fork.

She cocked a perfectly shaped brow. Yes, I thought as much.

You’re going to be away from India a year or possibly longer. I don’t want you to fall into any trouble in a country you’re unfamiliar with.

She took a sip of her wine. I understand your concern, of course, but I assure you that I’ll be perfectly fine here. You wouldn’t have chosen this school had you not thought so, she pointed out logically.

Yes, well, you know the present civil unrest in our country is advancing with the opposition throwing fuel to the fire. I fear for your safety even here, so I have decided to assign Major Patterson as your personal bodyguard, Shankar said, carefully watching his daughter’s reaction.

It took a moment for the words to register. When they did, her features contorted in shock.

A bodyguard? she repeated as if she didn’t understand the meaning of the word.

It’s in your best interest.

Major Patterson is one of the best, McDonald spoke up. He’s more than capable of ensuring your safety.

She paused, studying Shankar’s face with blatant incredulousness. How am I supposed to live my life with someone’s literally looking over my shoulder?

It is better to have Major Patterson looking over your shoulder rather than anyone else, Shankar retorted. His demeanor was starting to slip, showing the first signs of anger. His words now held a sharper edge to them.

Alia refused to back down. Instead, she faced her father head-on, her back ramrod straight and her eyes sparkling with intensity. This is America and not—

Shankar cut her off. And that’s exactly why I brought you here. I don’t want Kamal or anyone associated with him anywhere near you.

Jade squirmed uncomfortably. He wished the ground would open up and swallow him. He wanted to be anywhere but between a father and daughter arguing. He remembered what it was like to argue with his parents, and this was just as unpleasant watching.

Alia seemed taken aback by the comment. A frown tugged at her lips. Kamal would be stupid if he decides to follow me to California.

"But I’m sure by now he knows you’re here. Anyway, Jade will be your personal bodyguard, and this is simply something that is not up for discussion." His tone brooked no room for argument.

So, I have no choice in the matter? she asked, her voice rising. I am a twenty-three-year-old woman, and I can handle myself without needing a man to take care of me.

Shankar ignored her statement. I have leased an apartment for the two of you that is ready for immediate move-in.

I won’t have a stranger living with me, she said through gritted teeth, glancing at Jade.

Not like I want this any more than you do, sweetcheeks, he thought. In fact, I bet I want this less than you do.

Shankar sighed. Please, Alia, don’t be difficult.

Several heartbeats passed in silence