Page 59 of Perfect Liar

“There’s no need to panic, Elle. I want you to meet the security team while I’m here, that’s all.”

As the words left his mouth, three men came through the basement door, Ben came out of the library, and two others entered from the foyer.

The security team. Six former soldiers. Skilled shooters and combat fighters. Will’s private army. To the public, they were a security team for the family’s properties, but really, Will also employed these men to help keep me alive.

I just stared at them with my big mouth hanging open.

“This is Ellie James,” Will said.

He gave a clipped nod to one man who stepped forward.

“Elle, you know Ben, of course, head of security operations. And this is Joe Turner…your lead protection officer.”

Joe Turner took another step forward and bowed his head.

“No one will get to you on my watch, Miss James,” he said.

CHAPTER 18

Will wiped his mouth on his dinner napkin and then tossed it onto the table.

“Come to bed with me, Elle.”

I gave him a smile and batted my lashes just a little, knowing it was something he liked.

“As soon as you tell me what I want to know.”

He jumped up and swept me into his arms, heading through the hall to the staircase.

“On the way up. Ask me quickly.”

“Why six? And why military trained soldiers?”

“I would have nothing less,” he said.

I kissed his neck as he climbed the stairs.

“Go on, Will. Tell me more.”

So connecting the dots for me, he outlined the level of violence taken against other families like mine in the past.

“Understand me, Elle. These people are no different than any other vile extremists.”

I swallowed hard, then nodded.

“You have daggers. Why do you have them?” I whispered.

I’d noticed him packing two in his bag before our flight.

He ignored my question.

“Please. I want to know.”

“Do you?”

“Yes, tell me.”

We hit the first-floor landing, and he let me down to walk.