Sweet Seduction ✔︎

|11| 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

“If you take out the planters and topiary, you can string the lights along this row of trees and around the windows.” Gavin pointed to the map denoting the exterior of the villa. “I’m okay with you keeping the courtyard open, but I’ll be stationing three extra men at the perimeter. The entire interior team is composed of fully trained close protection operatives. They will also all be dressed appropriately and look like regular guests.”

Freya leaned forward on the sofa to study the map that was spread out on the coffee table. She’d gotten out all the wedding binders, and they’d been reviewing the entire event from start to finish.

“What about the entry from the parking lot?”

He explained the revised plans for access control, and though Freya didn’t love the idea of checkpoints, she understood the need for them. It also looked as if everything would be okay if she didn’t fight Gavin on every change and they worked together instead. She conceded that it must be a pain for him to have to modify all the security measures because of last-minute changes to the plan. And of course she didn’t want anything even slightly bad to happen at the wedding.

She gave him new contact information for several of the vendors, confirmed that only certain people would be making deliveries, and agreed to his changes in access control.

“Where will you be during the event?” She gestured to the map.

“I have a command center set up here.” He tapped a room beside the kitchen. “But I’ll be patrolling the whole area and in communication with all teams.”

“And the fireworks?” Freya asked.

“I’ll review the details and talk to both Isabelle and the guy who’s organizing them,” Gavin said. “I won’t make promises, but if it checks out okay, you can still have the fireworks.”

She smiled, the last threads of tension easing from her chest. “Even though they’re a surprise?”

“As you said, they’re not for me.” He rolled up the map and set it back in his briefcase. “I can handle surprises for other people, as long as no one’s safety is compromised.”

“I’m glad you’re the one in charge.” Freya liked his efficient movements, his large, capable hands that could perform any task. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, feeling tired but satisfied at what they had accomplished. “I know everything will be fine in your hands.”

He shot her an amused grin. “You didn’t think that at first.”

“Yes, I did. I didn’t like you messing with my plans, but I’ve always known you can handle anything, especially protecting other people. There’s nothing you can’t do. It’s just one of the reasons I’ve liked you for so long.”

He closed his briefcase and turned to slide his hands around her ankles. He tugged her feet onto his lap.

“Trust me, sweetheart.” He rested his head on the back of the sofa. “There are a thousand things I can’t do.”

“Well, making me feel good, both physically and emotionally, isn’t one of them. Because you do that so well.”

A faint, humorless smile tugged at his mouth. He stroked his hands over her bare feet, trailing his fingers over the curves of her ankles and arches.