Miami Bodyguard Read online

  Miami Bodyguard

  Book Five in the Kendall Family Series

  Jennifer Ann

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of writer’s imagination or have been used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. Namely: ESPN, Highly Suspect, Nike, Uber, eBay, Instagram, Twitter, Baccarat Hotel

  MIAMI BODYGUARD (KENDALL FAMILY #5)

  Copyright © 2018 Jennifer Naumann

  All rights reserved.

  Cover designed by Najla Qamber Designs

  Image © Lindee Robinson

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  1. Angelina

  2. Asher

  3. Angelina

  4. Asher

  5. Angelina

  6. Asher

  7. Angelina

  8. Angelina

  9. Asher

  10. Angelina

  11. Asher

  12. Asher

  13. Hunter

  14. Angie

  15. Asher

  16. Angelina

  Epilogue

  Note from the Author

  Also by Jennifer Ann

  The Secrets Between Us

  ONE

  Inferno Glory MC

  ONE

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  1

  Angelina

  The heat of the lights shining down on the red carpet is so intense that I expect the diamond necklace I was paid to model will melt off my neck and fall into the vintage gown that costs more than my oceanside apartment. Miami’s already hotter than balls, having reached record highs earlier in the day. The lace fabric clings to my breasts and hips like a second skin, making my skin itch everywhere. My pinched toes sting from the 4-inch stilettos. There’s nothing glamorous about the way I’m feeling at the moment. Considering I made a cool half a million from the designers simply for flaunting their creations, I shouldn’t complain.

  Knots thicken inside my stomach, weakening my knees. What if I’m not meeting the expectations of everyone who came out for the event? What if I’m not as pretty in person as they were expecting? What if the dress shifts enough to make me look fat? What if my makeup begins to run and unflattering pictures circulate through social media? What if the psycho fan that groped me earlier returns?

  It all could come crashing down at any moment. My career, my looks, my status in Hollywood…everything I’ve built my life around. Plus these fucking lights are making me woozy. I dig my blood-red fingernails into my diamond-studded clutch, longing for enough privacy to take another pill that will make all of this easier to endure.

  As I fight to escape my own personal hell, I manage to put on a dazzling smile at my costar’s side, waving at the sea of screaming women jumping up and down behind the ropes in-between posing for photographers and taking interviews.

  Becoming an overnight sensation has been a real trip—one I wasn’t prepared to take despite warnings from everyone I know in the business. Less than twenty-four hours after the first season of Vampire’s Kiss was released, I’ve been catapulted into a world where producers and paparazzi are tripping over themselves to get a piece of me, gossip of awards for best leading actress is being thrown around, and my publicist has been hounded for countless endorsement deals.

  “You doin’ alright, babe?” Theo bites out through a terse smile, squeezing my arm. I’m transfixed by the scent of his designer cologne as his beautiful blues fix on me, waiting for assurance that I’m not about to lose my shit.

  If the perfect man really did exist, handmade by God himself to be aesthetically pleasing to the female hormones, Theo Carr would be it. Someone was watching over me the day I was given the leading role in the paranormal series with the coveted actor. Up until I auditioned on my agent’s advice, I was nothing more than an aging model struggling to stay relevant among a younger crowd. Finding myself working alongside someone with his good looks and talent, working through scenes that involve endless hours of passionate kisses and touching each other in ways that almost compensate for my non-existent sex life? It’s as realistic as having a genie grant my every wish.

  The thing is, I’ve never felt so alone. After losing the man I thought I’d marry to a younger model, nothing really matters anymore. The excitement of my success is lost along with the fact that I’m in a meaningless relationship with my insanely hot costar. I’m numb to all the things that should make me ridiculously happy—money, fame, and the “perfect boyfriend.”

  It’s all so…empty.

  I stand on my toes and press a kiss to Theo’s soft lips, warranting applause from the crowd and a storm of flashing cameras.

  “You should’ve taken a hit with me in the limo to take the edge off,” he whispers as he backs away, brandishing the dazzling smile that’s earned him millions.

  Another reason Theo won’t ever be the guy of my dreams? He’s into the hard stuff. Cocaine, mostly, although sometimes he breaks up my anxiety meds and snorts those too. He swears he’s only a recreational user, but I’ve seen him snort enough white powder to kill an entire football team. I don’t have a lot of room to judge considering just how much I need my benzos.

  There’s a sudden uproar from the women gathered behind the rope. Their screams become downright desperate, almost as if they’re in pain. I casually glance over my shoulder, expecting an A-list celebrity. When I spot my little sister and her highly-coveted rockstar husband stepping onto the red carpet, warranting the attention of everyone in attendance, my heart soars with the first real emotion I’ve felt all night.

  Finally something that matters. Family.

  The studio would’ve allowed for me to invite all my siblings, but Sharlo’s due to have their second child very soon, Nolan and Sofia are busy running a charity event at their casino in Vegas, Braden and Katie have their hands full with the twins, and Hunter’s in the midst of spraying crops. I was excited when Evelyn agreed to attend, knowing she had experience with the level of chaos that comes with stardom. The two of us were never close as she’s six years younger. Around the time I began to see her as a sister and not an annoying little brat, I was getting ready to move to Miami to give the modeling gig a real shot.

  Part of me will always wonder what would’ve happened if I had stuck around and gone to college like all of my classmates. Maybe my two sisters and I could’ve formed a stronger bond. Seeing Evelyn now stirs a sense of nostalgia that almost knocks me off my already weary feet from donning these obnoxious shoes.

  As I start for them, I barely hear Theo calling my name over the excited cries of fans and reporters alike. I throw my arms around Evelyn, holding onto her as tightly as her pregnant belly will allow. For the first time since she returned to her hotel this morning after the team of stylists arrived, I’m relatively at peace with a sense of calm washing over me.

  “You look gorgeous,” Evelyn whispers, gently rubbing her warm fingers over my exposed back. “How’re you holding up?”

  “It’s a lot to take in.” My voice cracks with a rush of tears that I refuse to let fall. Until this moment, I didn’t realize how emotional the experience has made me. “I’m
a little shook up, to be honest. Some guy grabbed my ass right before we stepped onto the red carpet, and had to be tackled by security. It’s disgustingly hot, and this scene is a total madhouse. I’m not convinced I’m cut out for this sort of thing.”

  “You are. Trust me on this. I know it’s a little overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to the screaming and psychos wanting a piece of you…and your man.”

  We back away at the same time, giggling and sniffling. She gingerly pats at the corner of my damp eyes with a knuckle, then links our fingers together and smiles warmly. My gaze trails down to the strapless satin gown in a shade lighter than the honey color of her eyes that so elegantly flows over her baby bump, then back up to her flawless makeup and the relaxed curl of her long brown locks covering her bare shoulders.

  God, she reminds me so much of our mother that a painful ache spreads beneath my ribs. I haven’t been able to stop wondering what Mom and Dad would think of all this if they were still alive. I would’ve flown them down here and pampered the hell out of them. Dad most likely wouldn’t have been impressed, but I’d like to think the glitz and glamour would’ve excited Mom.

  “You look beautiful too, Ev,” I tell her. “You’re glowing.”

  Her eyes flicker up to the sky. “You’re exaggerating. You think you’re overheated? My feet are swollen to twice their normal size. I literally feel like a stuffed turkey. Probably look like one too.”

  Charlie returns from signing an autograph to wrap her in his arms from behind, cradling the base of her belly in his hands. In tight gray jeans and a black sports jacket over a v-neck t-shirt, he’s one of few not wearing a tuxedo tonight, and he’s by far the most striking. The way he carries himself alone alludes the kind of charm only a rockstar could possess. Add the fact that he has the sexiest eyes and voice in existence along with a fit body you could bounce quarters off for days, and he’s even more ideal than Theo.

  For a time I was jealous as shit that my baby sister snagged him. Once I got to know him a little better, I was delighted for them both. They’re perfect for each other. Today though, I’m back to being envious.

  “No one talks about my wife that way,” he scolds before kissing the side of Evelyn’s head. “You’re the most gorgeous woman here tonight, Freckles. No offense to Ang.”

  “You two are ridiculous,” I tease with a quiet giggle.

  Theo steps into our sacred circle, offering his hand to Charlie. I huff under my breath, instantly annoyed. Why does he assume I want to introduce him to my family? I’ve been staying over at his place every now and then, but only because my apartment reminds me of John. The rules we set from the beginning included no moving in together. I assumed he understood that meant this thing between us is not family-worthy.

  “Theo Carr. I’m a big fan of Thrashtag.”

  The photographers go apeshit, shouting over each other to get the attention of the two men.

  Something in Charlie’s expression shifts when he takes Theo’s hand. It’s definitely not flattery, but I can't pinpoint what exactly passes through his beautiful gaze. “Didn’t we already meet last year, when the band was doing a gig in Toronto?”

  Theo reclaims his hand to rake it through his perfectly messed blond hair. “Don’t think so. I’d definitely remember meeting you. I was a fan way back before you broke out and did the solo thing.”

  The muscles in Charlie’s jaw twitch. “Anyway, congratulations on the show. Haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, but I hear it’s a hit.”

  I’m trying to process their odd exchange when one of the suited security guards approaches, gently brushing his fingers over the patch of skin directly over my ass crack. At first I think it’s an honest mistake until he does it again, this time a little more slowly and sensual like someone attempting to seduce a lover.

  I suck in a sharp breath, knees trembling with rage and stomach churning over itself. While it’s not the first time someone in this business has made an inappropriate move to make my skin crawl, it still doesn’t make it right.

  He motions for us to leave with his other hand. “Keep moving along, folks. The line is getting congested with your little gathering.”

  His fingertips lightly drag over my back like they’re drawing a figure 8. With an angry flush warming my cheeks, I spin to face him, sneering. “Get your hand off me.”

  “Whoa!” Charlie quickly nudges between us, moving in close to the guy until they’re chest-to-chest. “Hands to yourself, asshole!” Glancing over his shoulder at me, he frowns. “You alright, Ang?”

  An involuntary shutter rips right down my center. I only press my lips together in reply.

  The guard backs away, palms of his hands held out. “Didn't mean to overstep any boundaries. Only doing my job, Mr. Walker.”

  Veins in Charlie’s reddening neck stick out as he whirls back around to face the man. Even though the man has Charlie by an inch and he’s considerably wider, I’ve seen Charlie go up against my brother, James, in the ring enough times to guess he’s a bigger threat when it comes to professional fighting. The guy must sense this because when Charlie shoves him back even more, he seems ready to piss himself by the rapid blinking of his eyes.

  “Your job does not involve coping a fucking feel of my sister-in-law!”

  In the blink of an eye, Evelyn’s at his side, pressing one hand against his back while rubbing his arm. “Babe, everyone’s watching. Now’s not the time for this.” Even though she looks calm and collected, her voice seeps with malice when she adds, “We can have a nice little chat with this man’s boss after the premiere.”

  My brother-in-law’s jaw finally relaxes, and his face returns to its normal shade. Brows still knit with irritation, he eyes Theo for standing back and watching without saying a word.

  “Let’s get you inside,” Charlie grumbles, taking my arm.

  Before screening the first episode, Theo and I take the stage to address the audience. They break into wild applause when we humor them with an open-mouthed kiss. I slip into a robotic mode, numb to his touch. Putting on a show for our fans can’t be mistaken for genuine happiness, although I do my best to sell the lie.

  Just before the lights go down, I take the open seat beside Evelyn in the front row. It’s oddly painful to watch myself on the large screen—especially when I appear nude in one of the very first scenes involving the morgue. I sink a little further into my chair, wishing I could disappear. They aren’t kidding when they say the camera adds ten pounds. I’ll have to work harder on getting my flabby ass into prime shape.

  My sour mood lightens when I catch Charlie draping a hand over his eyes, and Evelyn giggling at his reaction. I’m grateful when my sister begins firing questions about the filming process a few minutes later, giving me an excuse to tune out.

  The studio throws a small afterparty for cast and crew in a bar across the street from the theatre. I suck down a few glasses of champagne, skipping out the minute Charlie and Evelyn head back to their hotel. On the way back to my apartment, I down another pill with a bottle of champagne provided in the private car. Although the rest of the night went by without a hitch, my feet are killing me, and I’m exhausted from so many emotional highs and lows.

  After the fiasco on the red carpet, Charlie showed a lot of hostility toward Theo. In fact, at one point I was convinced he was going to throw his fist into Theo’s face for failing to defend my honor. I didn’t have the courage to set my brother-in-law straight and tell him Theo isn’t actually my boyfriend. It would be difficult to explain out loud the reasons why I’m going along with the charade when I don’t have many valid excuses.

  I hooked up with Theo over Christmas break. He came back to my place after a party for the cast, and walked out naked the next morning, promising a little fun. Becoming involved with my costar felt natural after we spent so many hours making out and simulating sex, so I allowed it to continue. I loved receiving affection for the first time since John walked away.

  At some point, I rea
lized what Theo and I have would never be anything more than a meaningless fling, and I became completely detached. It only reminded me why the relationship I had with John was rare, and why I’ll fight to win him back. He’s the one who should’ve been at my side tonight. He’s the only one who could’ve made this night special.

  I stumble a few times on the way home. Everything’s fuzzy and seems abnormally far away. As I’m bracing myself against the wall, trying to focus on the numbers dancing across the keypad, the door to my apartment squeaks on its hinges.

  Chills race down my spine. Theo was still at the premiere when I left. With the exception of my publicist and cleaning staff, who wouldn’t have any reason to be here this late, no one else knows the code.

  “Is someone in there?” I call in a trembling voice. When there’s no answer, I reach for my smart phone. “I’m calling the police!”

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” a woman answers from inside. “We need to talk, Angelina.”

  The walls dance around me as nausea rips through my stomach.

  I’m swallowed by darkness.

  2

  Asher

  Wheels skip over the pavement runway, and I lurch into the seat ahead of me as a disembodied voice welcomes us to Miami. Nice fucking welcome.

  I brace myself against the armrests, staring out the window. For the hundredth time, I wonder if I made the right decision when accepting Evelyn and Charlie’s last-minute invite to come down. I’m sure more than anything it was an offer out of pity, knowing I’m stuck in a dead-end job in a shitty town that won’t allow for any kind of real future. But the idea of hanging out on the beach for a few days with one of those umbrella drinks in hand, watching women parade around in skimpy swimsuits was enticing enough to get me down here.