Her Broken Bodyguard by Laura Ann

Author:Laura Ann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: clean and wholesome romance, sweet bodyguard romance, clean military romance, christian romantic suspense, clean romantic suspense, action and adventure romance, contemporary romance
Publisher: Angel Music
Published: 2022-04-06T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Two days ago, the pain of Harlan’s rejection had made Cora feel as if the world was coming to an end. That was nothing compared to what she was feeling now. He’s trying to scare me off. He’s trying to put distance between us.

Harlan snarling and growling at her made her feel like he was some wild animal. He was reacting out of instinct rather than logic. He was wounded and defending himself. Cora tried not to take his words personally, but it was hard. They stung no matter what the true reason for his words was.

“Still fancy yourself in love with me? Hmm?” Harlan cocked his head to the side. “Can you love a broken man, Cora? Someone whose mind as well as their body will never be whole again? Is that the happily ever after you were looking for?”

The only sound between them for a few seconds was Harlan’s harsh breathing. His chest was heaving with the weight of his emotions. Perspiration dripped from his temples, soaking the edge of his T-shirt. Cora felt as if her voice had been torn from her throat. She could barely breathe through the tears, but every fiber in her knew that she needed to speak up. Harlan needed to hear what she had to say.

“Yes,” she whispered hoarsely.

He jerked back, shock taking some of the anger from his face. “W-what?”

“Yes,” Cora said more clearly. “I can...and do love a man like that.”

Harlan shook his head and stumbled back a step. “How can you say that? Pity isn’t love.”

Cora stepped forward cautiously, her hands up as if approaching that wild animal she had thought him earlier. “You’re wrong, Harlan. I don’t pity you. I don’t see you as lesser because of what you went through. And you’re also right. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. The thought that someone would...” Her eyes drifted down to his foot and Cora closed her eyes and shivered. “It makes me want to tear someone’s throat out.”

Harlan’s beautiful blue eyes widened, obviously surprised by her anger.

Cora stepped forward again. “Do you know why I can’t imagine any of those things, Harlan? Do you?”

He shook his head, not moving as she grew closer and closer.

Cora brought her shaking fingers up until she cupped his face. His skin was flushed, and his breathing grew more rapid as she settled her skin against his. “I can’t imagine it because people like you keep it from happening to the rest of us.” Her voice was low and raspy. Cora swallowed hard, taking in air for courage. “Your bravery...your sacrifice is why people like me never see that part of life.” She shook her head. “You’re not broken, Harlan. Lost, maybe...but not broken.”

His blue eyes were glassy as they darted back and forth between hers.

“You’re also amazing,” she whispered hoarsely. “Not many people are willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. How can I help but love someone like you?”

“You shouldn’t,” he whispered.

Cora shook her head. “It’s too late.

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