When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 895

Hearing his voice, Stella almost screamed again, but a massive hand instantly clamped over her mouth.

Her eyes widened in the dark. His hand was so large it practically covered the entire lower half of her face.

She watched the tall shadow lean in closer. "Don't scream, or they'll think we're up to something out here."

She caught the teasing undertone in his rough voice. He was definitely laughing at her.

Staring up at the man looming over her in the pitch black, she couldn't make out his expression at all.

But she knew, without a doubt, that he was amused.

Furious, she tried to shove him away, but pushing with all her might didn't budge him an inch.

Angry now, she stomped hard on his foot. He didn't even flinch. "You still haven't answered my question. Playing cat burglar?"

"I need to use the bathroom."

"Then why are the lights off?"

She kept her head down. "I didn't want to wake you up. Clearly, my consideration was wasted."

Caleb dropped his hand, reached past her to push the bathroom door open, and flicked on the light switch.

Stella braced herself for the blinding glare, but found his large hand hovering right in front of her eyes, blocking out the harshest light until she could adjust.

She lowered her gaze, refusing to look at his face.

She was terrified that if she made eye contact, he would read exactly what she was feeling.

She slipped into the bathroom while he leaned against the wall outside, waiting.

Soon, the intermittent sound of running water drifted through the door.

Caleb leaned his head back against the wall, staring at the ceiling. The image of her stunning curves from earlier that day flashed through his mind, stirring a heavy, primal heat in his blood. She was going to be the death of him.

He glanced down at the boot she had stomped on and let out a low chuckle.

The girl who used to be so hopelessly soft now had a few thorns of her own.

Stella hurried out a moment later, her face burning. Without a single glance in his direction, she flicked off the light and sprinted back to her room.

It was entirely too humiliating.

The next morning.

"With your background, your rates for personal security must be astronomical, right?"

Stella held her breath at the question. "I'm a trust fund kid. I can afford him."

She had technically hired him as her bodyguard, but they hadn't actually discussed money.

Caleb didn't get angry; he just offered a lazy hum of agreement.

Seeing his relaxed reaction, Lemira knew Orion was right. The bodyguard was absolutely here for Stella.

His return was completely driven by his feelings for her.

Having confirmed his motives, Lemira dropped the subject.

The car pulled up to the curb near campus.

Just as the girls were about to step out, Caleb beat them to it, opening the door and standing tall beside it.

"What's wrong?" Lemira asked.

He stared at a vehicle approaching down the street, his tone turning ice-cold. "We have company."