Chapter 1

MADISON'S POV

My brother "Carson" had guarded him for three years.

Three years of danger averted, threats silenced, and silent warnings given.

And yet tonight, he didn’t want my brother there.

“You won’t be needed,” the billionaire had said in that calm, precise voice that brooked no argument.

My brother had come to my house later that day to tell me that he had a mission that would earn me some money.Eyes serious,“Wear something elegant,” he whispered. “Be discreet and follow him but stay out of sight.”

"And why do you want me to secretly watch over your boss"I rolled my eyes,"Why can't you or any of the security team do that?

"I can't do that , Dominic doesn't want me or anyone to go with him, Besides Dominic knows everyone in the security team and it's gonna be hard for me ,so that's why I want you to carry out this mission for me."He said.

"He wants to be alone and as his personal bodyguard I can't just let him be alone!!! All I want you to do is to keep an eye on Dominic Blackwood and remember, you're supposed to remain inconspicuous,so try not to look too pretty".He added

"I'm not trained"I warned

"You're an artist. Who else could be better trained in the art of observation? he countered my protest.

"And what exactly am I supposed to be observing?"I sighed resignedly, knowing that I was going to give in sooner or later and it might as well be sooner.

"That I can't tell you,But if you see anything that strikes you as odd or threatening, leave the house immediately.

"What if I get caught?I said.

"Lie" he had commanded.

I raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure this is necessary?”

“Trust me,” he said. And that was all.

I had never met Dominic Blackwood,but Carson had shown me a photograph of the man.His face, while not actually handsome,had been decidedly interesting and I wondered if his eyes were really as green as they had appeared in the picture.

Hours later, I stepped into the Black crest ballroom, the air thick with music, laughter, and crystal chandeliers. I could feel every pair of eyes on me, and yet, I moved confidently, pretending I belonged.

Then I felt it , the quiet, precise gaze.

He was standing across the room, tall and immaculately dressed and I caught a flash of emerald eyes as he moved across the dance floor with a slender black-haired beauty in his arms whose name was Monica . Edging into one of the darker corners of the softly lit room,I watched the couple and It took me a moment to realize she was the one who had organized the party. She was smiling up at him, flirting playfully,while his expression indicated that he was enjoying the attention and suddenly I felt a pain in my chest and that was strange.

After what felt like forever,the music stopped and the musicians were laying aside their Instruments to indicate that they had intended to take a break .Before any attention could be directed at me,i slipped out of the corner and made my way towards the door. Following Dominic Blackwood and Monica Carley at a discreet distance, coming to a halt a few feet away,I found myself intrigued by Dominic' s profile.

There was a shrewdness about the features which gave the impression that he was used to being in command of any given situation and would be a dangerous man to cross.Perhaps it was the sharpness of definition in the bone structure,I mused, forgetting to be cautious and staring at him forthrightly, Unexpected a pair of sea green eyes fell on me forcing me to turn quickly away and bringing a self conscious flush to my cheeks.

I wasn't supposed to attract his attention.Carson would be so mad.I suddenly turned my back and smiled at an elderly man as if he were an old acquaintance,I accepted a drink from the tray of a passing waiter and edged my way towards the fireplace.

As I glanced towards him the final time it was to find him watching me over Monica's shoulder.A nervous twinge threatened me ,I felt uneasy then I had to go outside which was perhaps the safest place for me to carry out my mission without getting caught.I went outside and I was again able to observe Dominic Blackwood from a distance, Monica had rejoined him and was leading him back to the dance floor. Curiously,as If he instinctively knew he was being watched,he glanced towards my newest observation post forcing me to duck back quickly.

Crossing over to one of the windows opening onto the ballroom, I saw him dancing first with Monica and then with several other ladies as Monica played the proper hostess and danced with other male guests which I can see made her so mad and she turned red out of jealously. There was something about this man that struck me like a physical force,He was a big man,as tall as Carson and very near Carson's age,I guessed.

Feeling safe from observation,I was not aware when I lost track of my prey until a warning sense caused me to glance towards the French doors. Dominic had passed through them and was moving purposefully towards me.I felt my heart dropped into my stomach.

What would I tell Carson?