Page 38 of Sebastian

“Why were you crying?” He placed his hands on her face and she melted into the warmth.

“Gage scolded me.” When Seb sent Gage a murderous glare, Emma added, “and rightfully so. I went into the alley by myself.”

“Sprinkles. You know you’re only supposed to go back there at the end of the day and only if one of the guys is going with you.” He planted a kiss on her forehead before taking a step back from her.

“Yes. Let me re-iterate for the one millionth time that I do know that. It was stupid of me. I was distracted and on some level thought I could make it back, no problem…”

“But?”

“But….I don’t know. I felt like someone was watching me, and then I forgot that the door would lock behind me and got myself stuck out there. I was a second away from panicking and running out front when Gage opened the door.”

“What were you doing that she was able to slip out the door without you noticing?”

“It isn’t his fault.”

“I want to hear what was more important than doing his job and making sure you were protected.”

“It’s a fair question, Em. I dropped the ball, Cap. It wasn’t anything to do with Emma or her step-father. There was a detail I picked up on for that case we’re working with the FBI. I don’t think it will end up being anything groundbreaking, but I was about three bank accounts deep when the text alert came through about the back door and I took off trying to get to her.”

“Don’t let it happen again, Tracker. I was clear, the top priority, and honestly the only priority I care about, is Emma’s safety. That’s why your butt is parked in her bakery all day.”

“Yeah, I understand. I’m sorry, Cap. Emma. I’ll make sure I’m not distracted again.”

“You’re being unfair,” Emma said, looking Sebastian directly in his stormy gray eyes. “Gage was doing his job, I was the one who went against the rules. If anyone needs to be scolded, it’s me.”

“Well, I’m here now to keep an eye on you myself. Gage, you can head back over to the office and finish whatever you need to until you head back to the hotel.”

“Yeah, got it, Cap. See you both later.” Gage left the kitchen and Emma placed one hand on her hip while the other pointed a finger at Sebastian.

“That was uncalled for, Suits. He’s been the nicest out of all the guys to me and we just had a really nice bonding moment before you barged in here.”

“He’s not here to be your friend, Sprinkles. He’s here to make sure no one hurts you again.”

Thirteen

“Hey, John. What can I get for you?” The deputy strolled into the bakery the next morning and smiled at Emma.

“Hey, Em. Can I just get a large hazelnut cappuccino to go?”

“Sure thing. It’ll just be a minute.”

“Wait. I mean, shit Em…“ he removed his hat and ran his hand through his hair. “How are you doing after everything? Is your leg okay?”

“Yeah, it’s okay. Sebastian didn’t let me put any weight on it that first day, so it’s been healing great. Barely even remember that it’s there.”

“Good.” His eyes scanned the bakery, landing on Stone sitting with his eyes glued on Emma. “And I see you’ve got better security in here now.”

“Another one of Seb’s demands. New cameras and locks, not just here but in my apartment, too. Oh, and that good looking stud over in that booth that keeps staring at me, he’s one of my new security guards.”

“Wow. Sebastian’s really going all out. Looks like you’ve snagged a billionaire’s heart.”

“I don’t know about that, John.” Emma laughed. “I think I’m just a pain in his ass and he doesn’t want anyone thinking he’s behind the attack.”

John stared at her, his expression blank. “Uh, no Emma. Men don’t think like that. He’s protecting you. You obviously mean something to him.”

She handed the cup of coffee to him, along with two double chocolate cookies.

“What’s this for?”

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