Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector: Enemies To Lovers Romantic Suspense, page 1
Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector
ENEMIES TO LOVERS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
DAISY GRACE
Copyright © 2024 by Daisy Grace
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Epilogue
Thank You Gift
Sneak Peek Of Hearts Of Investigation
About the Author
Chapter 1
I tucked the sunny yellow sweater into my snug jeans. I felt the soft fabric against my skin. My sleek black hair cascaded down in thick waves. It framed my face with a touch of elegance and charm.
I grasped a bulky plastic bag filled with essentials in one hand and a morning ritual, a chocolate bar, in the other. Admittedly, this daily treat wasn't healthy. But, its rich flavor was a hard-won pleasure. My life was overwhelming. It left me little energy to pick healthy foods.
My plate was already full, weighed down by financial problems that threatened to crush me. The main stress was the looming bankruptcy of the small radio station where I worked. It was a key part of the local community and now on the brink of collapse. I was unsure about my job security. Losing steady income was a constant, gnawing worry. It dominated my thoughts.
I let out a frustrated sigh and slammed the grocery bag down. Its contents were bought with credit and were a bitter reminder of my money struggles.
I didn't like being in debt, but that morning, I felt hopeful. I believed my actions could improve my life. I pictured my bills gone and life back to normal. However, my peace was short-lived. Strong knocks echoed on the wooden door.
“Great...” I groaned. I turned to face the door. My powerful instinct was already making a wailing emergency sound. I wondered who would be at the door. And indeed, there stood my landlady who had been on my neck for weeks now regarding my overdue rent.
At the moment, I was obviously not ready for one of those unpleasant encounters. All I wanted to do was prepare for the job interview my friend, Lisa, had set me up with on the phone last weekend. It was a great opportunity. I had always dreamed of working for something so prestigious.
I took a final bite of my chocolate bar and then tossed the half-empty bag in the trash by the front door. My slippers slapped the floor. Their sound echoed through the house in a soothing rhythm. I reached to turn the handle when I heard a woman's voice through the door. She shouted, her words slicing through the silence like a knife, causing me to startle. "Where are you hiding?" I froze, my heart pounding, unsure of how to respond.
I sighed loudly. I pulled open the door with the most apologetic expression I could muster. I hoped it did convey the sincere message that I didn’t mean to worry the woman. "Morning, Miss Kiel…" I greeted quietly. My brown gaze was lowered to hide the slight irritation that lingered in my eyes. I had just heard my name yelled from beyond the door. “Sorry for the delay, I was--”
"Whatever you were doing is not my business, Miss Evans," the other woman cut in firmly. She effectively ended my apology with a stern expression. "My only business with tenants is the rent. Speaking of that, don't you think you should pay as much as you owe me?"
I let out a deep sigh. My shoulders slumped in defeat as I broke eye contact with Mrs. Kiel. Her piercing gaze made me feel like a guilty child caught red-handed. "I'm doing my best to repay every penny I owe you," I told Mrs. Kiel, frustrated.
This time, I received no immediate answer. The older woman just crossed her arms, clearly unsatisfied with my response. "Then, why haven't you paid yet?" she demanded, her tone sharp and accusing.
"I know this is selfish, Mrs. Kiel, but can you please give me some more time?" I asked hopefully, gazing up at her with my brown eyes. They showed my sincere request.
My statement earned me a snort and an incredulous look from the older woman. "I've heard those words so many times, I even lost the count now," she answered dryly, giving me a pointed stare. "If you're unable to pay the rent within the next ten days, then your tenancy will be terminated."
I attempted to speak further, but words denied coming out. The truth of my landlady's words was undeniable. It was clear that relying solely on luck wouldn't be enough. I needed to secure the funds to sustain this place for another year, and I hoped my upcoming interview would help me do that. And considering my lack of luck thus far, it was evident that I needed a solid plan.
Tears welled up in my eyes as my lower lip quivered, and I struggled to form the words. The lump in my throat made it difficult to speak, causing my voice to sound hoarse and shaky. "I will make sure to pay you the full amount I owe you before the deadline," I managed to say, my voice filled with determination and regret. The older woman didn’t say more. She left with a quick click of her heels on the floor. The sound of her boots echoed in the empty house as she went to her car.
As I closed the heavy wooden door, a heavy feeling of sadness washed over me, making my bones feel heavy and my heart sink. Leaning against the cool surface, I could feel the weight of disappointment pressing down on me. With a heavy sigh, I tried to steady myself, feeling my body tremble with the effort to regain composure. It was a good thing that I had managed to convince my landlady to wait for another 10 days. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even have a roof on my head tonight.
As I struggled to find my way out of the suffocating fog of depression, a small but significant glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. It was the imagining of myself working at SoundEase, a cherished dream I had clung to despite the odds. That fleeting thought brought a gentle, comforting smile to my face, a sensation that was as unexpected as it was welcome. It was as if the weight of my depression, which had been pressing down on me like a physical force, had momentarily lifted, allowing me to catch a glimpse of a brighter future.
And that was enough to shake off the dim emotions that had settled in my heart in a matter of seconds. With renewed hope, I resolved to proceed and finish getting ready for my job interview. If luck favored me, perhaps my dream would soon become a reality.
Chapter 2
"This sucks," I deadpanned, my voice a deep, gravelly tone that I reserved for my subordinates. The words hung in the air, heavy with the frustration I felt. I watched their reactions, their faces a mix of concern and uncertainty, knowing that my tone conveyed the seriousness of the situation.
I shoved my hands into my jeans pockets. I concentrated on the project, my admin specialist was presenting. I couldn't help but notice my employee’s sneaking glances through the windows. They clearly felt intimidated by the CEO's rare appearance across the hallway.
It's not like they don't know who I am. I'm the sole heir of the Woodrow family. I run California's largest company, which has an annual revenue of about $20 billion. Plus, I'm next in line for the CEO position since my father got disqualified from running the company. From my father, I inherited the responsibilities of running a multinational company. From my mother, I supposedly got her striking blue eyes.
"We are aware of that, Mr. Woodrow," Jake tried to stay silent. But he watched me nervously as I began pacing around the area wearing my signature scowl.
After a deliberately lengthy silence, I spoke again, my tone demanding. “When is the due date?”
“Four days,” Jake replied without missing a beat. I groaned. Not so much at him, but at the eager employees. They were huddled on the other side of the glass with their phones in the air. It was a well-timed reaction, though. It kept Jake wondering. Good. Let his anxiety yield results.
"Hey, what's my schedule for today?" I asked suddenly. I strode out of the glass-walled room, paying no attention to the onlookers. I smoothly made my way down the hallway with Jake following.
Jake looked at his clipboard. "You have to attend a job interview this morning at eight in the auditorium, sir."
I slowed to stop, turning to look down at the smaller man who had been struggling to keep up with my pace. "Was that scheduled for a later week?"”
“It was sir. But the date has been postponed. This is to favor your appointment with the senior consultant. He is coming from London.” Jake spoke with his head held down, his words dripping with anxiety.
I clenched and unclenched my fists. I did not have time for this today. I let out a resigned sigh before answering.
“I won't be attending that for long, Mr. Cameron. I'm paying hundreds of people for reasons. Picking out new, qualified workers is one of them,” I growled. I stared him down for a few seconds before resuming toward the elevator.
Jake replied wi
"My name is… my name is Cassie Evans…” I whispered softly, but the distant cheers drowned out my words once more. I let out a sigh filled with frustration, giving up on my speech practice. I turned around to see where the noise was coming from, curious and a little annoyed.
I searched all around but couldn't figure out what made the noise. Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my purse, and I quickly reached for it. It was a message from Lisa, wishing me luck just like she always did. I couldn't help but smile at her constant support.
The phone conversation ended in two minutes. It returned me to focus on the situation. A faint nervousness washed away as the call ended.
I took a deep breath, not wanting to mess anything up. Working at SoundEase had always been a dream of mine. Even my fidgeting feet showed nervousness. But, they were not going to stop me from landing a job at such a remarkable broadcasting company.
“Number 98?”
My heart nearly leaped out of my chest when they called my number. I thought I was prepared for anything. I had practiced my lines a lot. But, when I turned to face the stern person calling, another shiver ran down my spine.
I followed the given directions and smartly walked into a ground floor office. My brown eyes swept the room, taking in every detail. I saw the technology: a desk, chair, and a couch.
The space resembled an old movie or a sci-fi set, with its advanced technology. Everything seemed out of place. However, the office was perfect. But, my gaze suddenly stopped. It stopped when a pair of blue eyes appeared right before me. They were at a short distance and fixed me with a look of curiosity. The person's familiar eyes widened a bit when they saw me. It felt like a special connection sparked between us.
My breath hitched. There I stood, frozen in my tracks as I stared at him in absolute shock. Only one name came to my mind at that moment was : Leo Woodrow. Even after all these years, he still looked captivating. He had blonde hair, pale skin, and a perfect jawline. Despite losing touch and the pain of his heartbreak, I could not forget his face. Not even once.
My mind buzzed with questions as I tried to figure out why this man was among the panelists. What was his role here? Was he working for SoundEase? And most importantly, why did I still feel so unsettled and thrilled at the sight of him?
I could tell he was also surprised to see me. Normally, he wore a blank expression. However, a slight furrow in his brow revealed his amazement. Then, I noticed another emotion creeping onto his face. His red lips rose slowly until I saw that familiar little smirk.
It showed a lot, including the fact Leo Woodrow seemed to still be that heartless jerk I used to know.
Chapter 3
FOUR YEARS AGO
The bright sun beamed over the campus on a lively Wednesday. I eagerly anticipated the results of my final exam. Summer break was just around the corner.
The school publicly posted the final year students' results, sending a wave of anxiety through the halls. But when I saw my name on the notice board, I beamed with pride. My straight A's were no secret, and everyone knew I had achieved them.
The pungent aroma of a strong cologne wafted through the air, signaling the arrival of someone important. As the scent grew stronger, the murmur of the crowd shifted, and bodies began to part like a human curtain. Heads turned, eyes fixed on the individual making his way through the sea of excited and devastated students, their faces a mix of thrill and despair.
He had a confident stride. He knew he belonged. He navigated the crowd with ease, his presence commanding attention. I turned to see who it was. My smile vanished when my brown eyes locked with the most famous ice-blue ones in all of Shelly Ford.
I didn't consider myself as Leo's friend. I thought, why would a cool athlete like him want to spend time with a bookworm like me? But, it seemed like Leo was well-known by everyone at Shelly's High School.
Leo was the star quarterback of the football team, and he always seemed surrounded by a group of admiring classmates. His confident stride and easy smile made him stand out in the crowded hallways. Leo's popularity was evident as he effortlessly navigated through different social circles, earning respect and admiration from all corners of the school.
He boasted an impressive pedigree, with a family lineage that commanded respect. However, it was his own accomplishments that truly set him apart. He had a reputation in his field. I, a recognized intellect, had come to see him as a worthy academic adversary. Our rivalry was built on mutual respect. We constantly pushed each other to new heights.
This dynamic drove us to question, to experiment, and to innovate, ultimately leading to breakthroughs that benefited our entire academic community. My acknowledgement of him as a rival was, in fact, a badge of honor, a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication to his craft.
His tall frame passed through the space created for him like peasants for kings. He made his way to the female standing near the bulletin board.
As he stepped into my space, the pungent scent of his perfume wafted up, filling my nostrils and making me wrinkle my nose in distaste. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and a faint furrow creased the skin between his eyebrows, a subtle sign of frustration. Then, in a voice that was deceptively soft, he hissed, "Get out of the way." The sudden harshness of his tone caught me off guard, and I blinked in surprise, my eyes snapping back to his as I stared at him with newfound confidence.“
What?” I didn't hesitate to scoff. I wasn't certain if that was the problem, but I was pretty sure that he was not blind. There was plenty of space around us for him to move but this jerk was showing unnecessary attitude.
Leo raised a brow. His expression darkened a bit at the sight of the woman not scrambling away. “You heard me, didn't you?” He stated. His voice was now laced with irritation. His eyes bored into mine, trying to intimidate me. But, I wasn't going to let him.
"I arrived at this spot before you did, so please find another place to view the results," I asserted firmly. I met his unfriendly gaze with a determined look. I stood with my hands confidently on my hips and focused my stare on his chest to show my unwavering resolve.
I had always wanted to challenge my archenemy academically since they were freshmen. Fate had finally given me the chance to glare at his face while mentally asking how he kept up such great grades. Especially when he hardly showed up at school.
The tension between us was starting to increase by just the look he sent in my direction. But then, to my surprise, he relaxed. A slight smirk appeared on his face. His blue eyes quickly checked the notification behind me.
“Cassie Evans.” His gaze came back to settle on my face. “Is that you? The one whose plan to be the best student of the year always get failed by me?” Leo questioned with the most scrutinizing gaze of all time.
At this point, I couldn’t fight back a sneer at the insane amount of arrogance oozing out from every word he spoke. My eyes narrowed at his taunting tone. My fingers curled into fists as I clenched my dress to stop from punching him.
"Wow, I thought you never noticed. You've been so frustrating for four years," I retorted sarcastically.
To my big surprise, I noticed a tiny smirk playing on his lips as I spoke. "It might have been simpler if you didn't wear those fashion-disaster outfits all the time," he teased, giving me a disapproving look from the corner of his eye.
I felt my cheeks heat up at his remark, not being able to stop my shoulders stiffening at his words. He was mocking me. Oh God, he really was mocking me. I wasn't the only one who had heard that. I could tell from the stiff chuckles and giggles a few meters away.
The disapproving stares from my classmates didn't improve my mood. It seemed like every single person in the hallway gazed at me with a mixture of disappointment and anger, their eyes demanding that Leo Woodrow, the self-proclaimed "school king," take action against me for not following their unwritten rules.
The air was thick with tension, and I could almost hear their collective whisper: "How dare you defy us?" It was as if they wanted Leo to summon his inner dictator and publicly humiliate me for my disobedience. The weight of their expectation pressed down on me, making my shoulders slump in defeat.
