Guarding Greatness

By Lena Jakes

Gage Martin is protective of his friends, his past, and his heart. He’s seen true love, but doesn’t trust it – so he vowed long ago to live his life in darkness with no ties or roots as he puts out political fires around the world.

Genna VanJohnson is an every-woman - as much as she can be while also being the cousin to a Prince. She knows that a giant spotlight is never far away from her family, and does everything she can to live a normal life for as long as she can – before the spotlight finds her.

Gage and Genna find their worlds colliding when the small island chain Genna calls home becomes the center of a political game of cat and mouse. They’ve been partners in the past, but when the job – and the partner – get personal, they will have to decide if their pasts will bind them together, or tear them apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lena Jakes
• Release date: Jun 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370961849

Lena Jakes

Originally from California (both north and south) Lena Jakes now lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her three dogs and two sons who often laugh at her sudden outbursts and scrambling for something to write a thought or idea down before it leaves her. As the oldest of seven children Lena often escaped into the worlds she found in books full of heroes, romance and adventures. Today, she still escapes, but now she runs to the heroes she writes about.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Genna VanJohnson was literally at a crossroads in her life.

When the light turned green, if she went straight, she would be moving forward with her life - toward a man who always made her smile, and away from the family drama that continued to stalk her no matter how far, or how long she ran.

Then again, if when the light turned green, and she made a U-turn, she could head back to the car rental place, return the car, and get on the plane to the family obligations - and worse - the family business.

The light had been red for at least a minute now, and she would have to make a decision when it finally changed. What about a sign?

The flash of lightning loomed closer, promising an unforgiving downpour. The crack of thunder only seconds later confirmed it.

What the hell kind of sign is that? Did the lightning mean it was a bad idea to move forward… or that it was a bad idea to turn back? She leaned forward and rested her forehead against the steering wheel. Thanks for nothing.

The queen of odd jobs and temporary assignments, Genna rarely needed to be at any one place for long - including her own home. She loved her home, she loved her family, but she felt invisible with them, lost in the shadow of the family name. It was only when she was alone that she felt like her own person.

So, she sat at the stoplight in the small town, thankful no one else had yet pulled up behind her while she made her decision. The light turned green, and Genna’s foot remained firmly on the brake. Lifting her head and glancing in the rearview mirror, Genna nodded to herself, waiting for the green light to turn red again. Just… one more light.

She’d been through three already.

Go straight, or Make a U-turn. Decisions, decisions.

A horn sounded behind her, and Genna looked up at the light. It was green.

Again.

Taking a deep breath, Genna glanced down at her phone, her cousin’s picture fading from the screen, and moved her foot from the brake to the gas. It was dangerous to use a cell phone and drive - and since basically, when one worked for family, one never left home - she could count this trip as a vacation. Right?

Right. Plus, she was minutes away from pulling into the hotel parking lot, and was mere minutes away from the center of town.

Center of town. Genna laughed out loud at the thought.

Five Points Bay was not big enough to have five points, nor was it anywhere near water. The small Colorado town halfway up a mountain was hours away from a decent sized body of water, and only five minutes from the center of town to any given direction before hitting city limits.

Neither the remote location, nor the sudden and unseasonable storm overhead could take away from the beautiful sight before her. The hotel - really more of a resort - displayed a heavy Spanish architectural influence. The buildings all held a thick white stucco, walkways lined with wrought iron, and beautiful red roses that somehow managed to bloom throughout the grounds despite both the elevation and time of year.

Genna knew from previous stays that a small river ran the length of the grounds. A giant fountain in the hotel parking lot marked the center of town, tourists migrated to shops three minutes to the right, while the locals stayed to stores two minutes to the left.

The first drops of rain were heavy enough to echo against the hood of her rental car. Genna wrinkled her nose as she pushed open her door, letting it fall closed behind her, then activated the lock remotely and ran.

Genna ducked her head to keep the rain from falling into her eyes. Her white canvas shoes were still dry as she skidded to a stop on the covered flagstone walkway, but her hair had not been so lucky. She felt her normally fashionably short, straight bob start to curl.

Sidestepping a dog and its owner as they joined her under the awning, Genna bypassed the hotel lobby, and headed toward the small restaurant a few feet away, using the enclosed walkway as cover from the rain.

Where the exterior was starkly white and crisp, the interior of the hotel’s restaurant had been painted in warm amber colors, the tables dressed with dark red cloths. Muted jazz played from the overhead speakers, and with the blinds open, the sunlight prevented the dining area from feeling oppressive or closed in. At night with the lights down low, the room would have a feeling of comfortable intimacy.

At three o’clock, the dining area sat mostly empty - it was after the lunch rush, and too early for dinner. People at the bar waited for the hotel’s official check-in time.

Genna scanned the area before she smiled, finding her friend almost immediately. He sat at the corner of the bar, his back against the wall, a full beer by his side - and a woman willing to try and cover his front.

Gage Martin glanced up and caught her gaze, a pained look crossing his handsome features. He was well over six feet tall, his dark blond hair usually cut short and neat, was shaggy and long. Depending on his mood his eyes shone either brown or green. On occasion, they’d flashed blue. With an internal sigh, Genna reminded herself that he was a friend.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Granted, there were few other friends she would ignore phone calls from her family, or travel across country for, let alone at the drop of hat as she had done for this man. They had known each other only a few years, and usually only spent a few weeks together at a time, but he had been there for her, and she for him.

Lifting a brow, Genna smiled to herself. It was her duty as his friend to help him out of his clearly uncomfortable situation.

Crossing the room, Genna took a deep breath to keep her features steady. She approached the couple, tapped the woman on the shoulder, and crossed her arms.

Did he promise you a night of mind-blowing love-making, too?

Shock crossed the woman’s face. Excuse me?

Genna sighed. He promised it to me once. You know what I got instead? A few minutes of so-so sex, a number for the gas station two towns over, and awkward reunions every time he shows up here during one of my shifts.

You work here? the woman, clearly a visitor to Five Points Bay, pulled away from Gage.

Genna nodded. Yeah, so you know how desperate he’s got to be if he keeps coming back - but hey, Genna risked a disgusted glance in Gage’s direction, if you’re only here for the weekend, at least you’ll get a funny story out of it.

I’m, I… the woman looked at her cellphone. I have to go check in.

Genna frowned. Ah, that’s too bad. Hey, come back and find me later. I can tell you about this great little cafe in town. Genna leaned in and used her best stage whisper. They open early in case you don’t make it back to your room before room service starts breakfast.

The woman shook her head, and grabbed her phone and purse before making a beeline for the double doors.

Have a great vacation! Genna called after the woman with a smile before taking the vacated seat. She turned to the bartender. May I have a hot tea to go, please?

A few minutes of so-so sex? Gage’s voice was low, with no real accent, and could have been dark - had there not been the hint of laughter in it.

Genna shrugged. She doesn’t know any better.

Neither do you, he reminded her with a raised brow.

Details. Genna smiled at the bartender as she accepted the paper cup and warmed her hands on it. Besides, chances are she’ll be too worried about running into either of us, so she probably won’t be back.

You, my friend, are a scary combination of devious and dangerous.

Genna sipped at the hot tea before turning to face Gage. His not blond, not brown hair was shaggier than normal, and had a finger-combed look about it. The circles under his eyes, and the fact that his squared chin clearly hadn’t seen a razor in three days - if not more - spoke volumes about how little he’d been able to relax recently.

What are the chances you called me here for a weekend of poker and whiskey instead of business? It had been a nice dream to think he had come to hang out with her.

If she hadn’t been looking right at him, Genna would have missed the look of regret that flashed across Gage’s face.

What are the chances you don’t already know the answer to that?

* * *

Genna VanJohnson was probably the closest to what Gage Martin could call a best friend. His boss, a former senator, was a public figure - as was Genna’s cousin, the prince of a small chain of islands high in the Atlantic Ocean. The political world had thrown them together years before as on again-off again partners, but their ability to commiserate with each other about staying in the shadows made them friends.

Gage would have been a liar if he denied considering crossing that friendship line - but the thought of ever losing this woman’s smile and relationship - in any form - had kept him on the straight and narrow.

They didn’t see each other often - and never without a work agenda attached. But they managed to find time either before or after each job to hang out. She was funny, smart, and damned easy to look at. Black cropped hair framed her high cheekbones, full lips, button nose, and emerald green eyes.

Do I at least get a poker game out of the deal? Genna tried to pout, but it came off more like someone trying to pretend they weren’t excited about Christmas.

Brenner will be in town by morning. I’m sure he’ll be open to a game or three. Gage lifted his beer and drank from it.

What about Sharp? Genna’s eyes lit up. Thanks to him, I own a small farm in Ireland now.

Easy, tiger. Gage pointed the tip of his beer bottle in her direction. He says he needs that farm back, or his wife will kick his ass.

Hey, he bluffed on two kings - he can earn it back.

Well, in any case, his wife just had a baby, so I doubt he’ll show up.

Fine. Genna gave an exaggerated sigh. I guess we can play for money then, if we have to.

Gage laughed before taking a sip of his beer. He was running on fumes. It had been thirty-six hours since he’d last seen a bed, and longer since he’d had a shower. In three days, he had been through four countries, on six planes, and in two cars. He needed a shower, sleep, and sustenance - and he no longer cared what order those came to him.

His friend and boss, Peter Brenner, knew his schedule, but with the chance of running a job with Genna again, Gage had grabbed the still-packed bag from his last trip, and headed back out the door. With a glance at the duffel bag in the corner, Gage cringed at the thought of what he had left to wear that didn’t stink of camels, sweat, or gunpowder.

Standing, he turned and reached in his pocket for cash. In the time it had taken him to pay the bartender, Genna grabbed the bag, and settled the strap over her slender shoulders. She was tiny - though in fairness, everyone was tiny compared to his six foot five-inch stature.

How long has it been since you’ve slept? You have this look about you, she waved her paper cup in his direction, like you’re done, but not willing to admit it yet.

I admit it. But I’m not so far gone I can’t carry my own bag. When she stared him down, he shook his head. I’ve got about four more hours before I fall where I stand.

Four hours, huh? Genna looked down at the bag that hung from her shoulder before she nodded. I can work with that.

She began making her way through the bar, and left him no choice but to follow her through the winding pathway. The rain had stopped, but the dark sky above promised only a short reprieve.

It took a few steps for Gage to register Genna was no longer by his side. Turning, he watched her enter a small structure. Doubling back, he frowned as he followed her inside the building, and took in the line of washers and dryers lining the walls.

You brought me to the laundromat?

Genna placed the duffle bag on the ground, reached into her pocket, and pulled out a handful of coins.

Win-win. You get the chance to rid yourself of that wet dog smell, and I get to find out what my crown of Edevane can do to help your former senator.

It’s camel, Gage corrected as he took the quarters from her outstretched hand, and I don’t have answers for you, yet.

Genna set her cup down, and braced the palms of her hands against the folding table before she lifted herself up on it. She swung her legs as she leaned back against the wall. When she spoke, confusion colored her voice. You never show up without an agenda.

Brenner didn’t give me details. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of information for you tomorrow. Gage pushed the quarters into the machine and turned to rest his hip against the washer. Tonight is ours.

An afternoon spent doing laundry. You know how to sweep a girl off her feet. Genna laughed.

Well, laundry was your idea. I would have been okay with so-so sex. He wiggled his brows before smiling. How is life for you, Genna?

Good. She nodded. With a sweep of her hand, she indicated her outfit - a red polo shirt, dark blue shorts and white canvas tennis shoes. I’m in yachting now.

"You’re in yachting, or…"

I’m a stewardess on a motor yacht, she amended with a smile. I needed a change.

From river rafting guide?

Genna shrugged. I have a chance to live life however I want - not many people get that kind of opportunity. I may as well enjoy it while I can.

As a maid for rich boaters in the Caribbean. Gage clenched his teeth together to prevent a yawn from escaping. He knew Genna, and if he wasn’t careful, she’d push him into a room, lock the door, and force him to sleep while she finished his laundry for him. He wanted this time - their alone time - for as long as he could have it.

You traveled too, he countered, unless Colorado has a big yachting community I don’t know about. How is it you’re not dead on your feet?

My boss lets me use the private jet, so I took a nap. She grinned. Yay, nepotism!

Speaking of, Gage rotated his shoulders, how is the crowned prince of Edevane?

Joseph Dornier, Genna’s cousin, and sometimes boss whenever he needed a social secretary, was a good enough guy. Joseph had always been happy to lend a hand whenever Gage or his troubleshooting team requested it. Gage didn’t get the feeling Joseph was any more interested in taking over the family business than Genna appeared to be. Then again, running an entire country under the family flag was one hell of a business to take over.

Well - he’s heir presumptive, not crowned prince, so there’s that. Genna yawned, covering her mouth with her hand.

Gage watched the gesture, for the first time seeing the need for sleep in her eyes. She may have had a nap, but like him, she was functioning on a different time zone.

The difference being?

A crown in waiting already has access to the throne. Joseph, as heir presumptive, is waiting to see if anyone cuts in line before taking the throne.

His mother is queen. Gage had met Queen Arica Dornier - a down to earth woman. It appeared all the women in the Dornier family had a charming quality about them. Isn’t that a free pass?

Think of the cheesiest soap opera, add royalty, and you have Joseph’s life. Genna began counting off points using her fingers. There was a queen, she died. The queen had a child, but the child was too young to rule, so the queen’s sister stepped in. Now the queen’s sister has control of the line - unless a member of the first queen’s line steps up - in which case they’ll get a fast pass to the throne.

Is anyone likely to step up?

It could happen. Genna shrugged. It’s a big family with lots of perks like private jets and laundromat dates. Who wouldn’t want perks like that? She wiggled her brows at him. But to answer your question, he’s good. He might be in love.

Joseph was a good guy, but always struck Gage as a party boy incapable of settling down. No shit?

Genna shook her head. Remember Fredric Augstini from that embassy dinner in Bolivia a year or so ago? Well, while you and I pretended to stare into each other’s eyes on the dance floor, it seems there was a real connection for Joseph and Federico.

Gage cleared his throat and shifted against the washer. That night, at least for him, had been very real. It had taken conscious effort on his part to pretend he was pretending. It may have been job as usual for her, but something changed that night for him where Genna was concerned.

The olive guy?

Olive oil baron, third largest family in Italy, and a massive stud? Yes - let’s call him the olive guy. Genna rolled her eyes.

Apologies. Gage smiled. I forgot about the stud part.

Well, Joseph didn’t.

I hadn’t heard anything about it. Not that Edevane warranted a ton of press - the entire island was seventy miles, give-or-take, from start to finish.

That’s because I’m good at my job. Genna’s voice and smile both fell.

Gage watched as Genna tried and failed to hide her frown behind her tea cup.

What’s up, Genna?

She shook her head. I need to let you know in advance that Arica is sick. We don’t know with what yet, but nothing the doctors are doing seems to be working - she’s weak, and tired, and pale.

Gage stepped forward, and wrapped his arm around her for a hug.

Tears flashed in her eyes and vanished as quickly as they had formed. Gage nearly missed them. He had known her long enough to know that spotlight, royalty, or travel aside - she valued family. It was why she halted her life every time they called.

I’m sorry.

Genna took a deep breath. Me too. I just can’t have her out in the public eye.

She lifted her gaze to his.

I’ve never asked you for anything, Gage. I’m asking you for this. Whatever Brenner wants, make sure it doesn’t involve the queen.

CHAPTER 2

Genna stretched, letting the cool sheets chill her bare legs and feet before instantly returning to the warm cocooned spot her body had created throughout the night. Turning, she tucked the pillow between her head and shoulder and sighed.

Nothing personified contentment like a Five Point Bay hotel bed. The mattresses were not too firm, not too soft. The heavy bedding made Genna feel like she was being held throughout the night. The cool air helped spread the scent of lavender through the room, and the blackout curtains kept the sober light of day at bay until she was ready to face it.

Opening only one eye, Genna groaned at the soft glow of the bedside clock. Gage would kill her. She knew he was an early riser, runner, and whatever else healthy active people did before the normal bacon-eating people were out of bed. At eight a.m. he had probably been up for hours, eaten, and made an initial security run through the property to prep for Brenner’s arrival.

She was a horrible partner.

Her only saving grace was the possibility that he also slept in. Gage was a handsome man, an outrageously handsome man, but last night he’d looked tired. She gave him credit, though. In the time it took them to do his load of laundry, he stifled six yawns. If she hadn’t known him so well, she would have missed them - despite his attempts to disguise them as stretches, laughs, and shifts in position.

Not that she knew him that well. They were friends, but hadn’t yet reached the favorite color, or name of your hometown type conversations. Normally, they hit the ground running, in mission mode, and finished with a brief celebration of some sort before one of them was whisked off to the next chapter of their lives.

Genna had no real love life to speak of, so whatever pretend together time she had with Gage, she would take it. She knew the basics from what her cousin’s security team provided her, and let her imagination fill in the blanks. For a man who was such good friends with a former senator, who in turn was such good friends with the crown, his past was a tough nut to crack.

As far as she had been able to dig up over the years, Gage Martin hadn’t truly existed before eight years ago - at least not the Gage Martin she knew.

The echo of knuckles rapping against the front door sounded through the dark room, and Genna slipped deeper under the covers. No one could see her, but maybe if she played dead they would disappear.

She held her breath as she waited, and cursed when the knock sounded again.

Fine, fine, fine. Genna threw back the covers and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She slid from the mattress, and cursed when her bare feet hit cold tile. Hitting the wall, she regretted not having left some sort of light on in the room.

She had been so tired that after closing the door, she’d left a line of destruction with her bag, clothes, and shoes from the front door to the bed. Pure blackness would not bode well for the return trip through the room.

Kicking one shoe, Genna bent and rubbed her toe. Another step and her other foot caught in the strap of her bag, forcing her to fall forward into the door.

Genna?

I’m fine. She rubbed her forehead, her voice holding more snap than she wanted to admit. Her feet were cold, her legs were bare, and the strap of her duffel bag was trying to trip her. Fumbling with the lock, she pulled the door open only a sliver before resting her head against the wall. What?

I brought tea. Gage’s obnoxiously cheerful voice held the disturbing sound of laughter. He held a cardboard cup carrier in one hand, a white bakery bag in the other. And donuts.

It’s early.

It’s eight. He countered.

I’m still in bed.

I can work in the living room. He lifted a shoulder, indicating a backpack strap. You’re not going to win.

Genna sighed. For anyone other than Gage, she would have slammed the door shut with an order to come back later.

But this was Gage. A man she ignored calls from her family for.

Genna opened the door and stepped back, waving him in.

He nodded toward the room. Ladies first.

She sighed, and turned to walk away from the door. I don’t appreciate this early morning side of you, Mr. Oh!

Her foot, caught in the duffel bag strap, slipped on the sweater she had dropped the night before. Genna pushed her arms out, ready to catch herself against the tile floor.

She found herself grasping at a strong arm wrapped around her middle instead.

Slowly he pulled her into an upright position again, her back resting against his solid front. The light spilling in from the door showed the mess on the floor - and that he still held the cup carrier in his other hand.

To most people, eight a.m. is regular morning. His voice whispered low against her ear.

Genna wasn’t sure if it was the pressure of his arm around her waist, or the intimacy of the moment that left her breathless, but the warmth of the man holding her wiped away the chill she’d felt only moments before.

Are you okay?

She nodded, her fingers rubbing against the hair on his arm. Yes, thank you.

They stood silently for another moment before Gage cleared his throat. I’m going to set you down, but don’t move yet, okay?

Genna whispered yes as Gage half-held, half-carried her through her living room.

The bite of the cold tile floor brought reality swarming back, and Genna’s hands covered her face as decency and embarrassment came flooding back, along with her common sense as Gage released her. A moment later, the click of the lamp’s switch filled the room with light.

Damn, woman. Remind me to leave you in charge of booby traps from now on. Gage laughed as he bent to retrieve the bag of pastries from the floor and set them with the cups on the table. You could have killed yourself.

I almost did. She turned and closed her eyes in the hopes that the floor would open up and swallow her whole. Gage stood, her bra dangling from its strap off his forefinger. With a lifted brow, he shook his head and continued cleaning up the floor around her.

I can clean, she offered.

Can you? He laughed as he picked up her mess, disappearing into the bedroom, his arms full of her bags and discarded clothing, before returning seconds later.

He pulled out a chair at the table and cleared his throat. Did you want to put some pants on first or…

Looking down, Genna remembered for the first time she’d slept only in a t-shirt and undies, and stood half naked on display. Shit.

Running into her room, she dove for the duffel bag, now on her bed. Pulling free a pair of baggy sweat pants and socks, she dressed quickly, and put on her bra from the night before.

She considered heading back out to face Gage, but used the opportunity to brush her teeth and run a brush through her hair to hide for a few minutes more.

Genna rounded the corner. Listen, I won’t be offended if we never speak of the half-naked greeting ever again.

Gage was a good guy. He was a friend. She knew he’d understand.

"I have to admit, I’ll be highly offended if we don’t speak about it."

* * *

Gage, who had no intention of mentioning Genna’s state of undress in front of Peter Brenner, cursed silently when Genna made her announcement. As Brenner replied for him, Gage hid his frown behind his coffee cup when Genna squealed before she threw herself into Brenner’s arms.

He wasn’t jealous, he told himself as he watched the