Page 10 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

Chapter 4

Raven

I should have asked for a name.

That’s the first thought that stirs in my mind when I stare at Christian, who’s gaping at me like he’s just seen a miracle. Or the devil. I know I didn’t ask for a name because I trusted Honey Lee, and I know whoever she recommends will be more than enough.

But yes, names would have prevented so many things right now.

Holy shit, is the second thing running through because…well, who expects to see the man again after he ghosted me not even an hour after sleeping with me? It’s the lowest of lows, especially when he doesn’t even have the courtesy to say goodbye or leave a note.

Don’t even the shortest of trysts have protocols?

I’m speechless for too long, but it’s he who recovers first and clears his throat.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

Politeness coats his tone. I glance at Honey Lee, who’s smiling her warm smile and waiting expectantly. Realizing I’m stuck, I gulp down my shock and nod just as politely.

“Likewise.”

Honey Lee chatters to give us more information that confirms Christian is indeed what he told me he was, though he left out the Navy SEAL part…oh, and the agency part. There’s so much pride in her voice, too, indicating they know each other well, and I curse the fact that I didn’t choose the talk-all-night option and instead let my needs dictate my decision last night. If I knew he was going to be the agent assigned to me…

Then what?

“I’ll leave you two to get acquainted. Talk about it and all that.”

Just like that, my cousin’s gone and it’s just the two of us. The moment she’s out of the room, his polite mask drops and those green eyes stare hard at me.

“You didn’t tell me you were running away from your ex.”

Taken aback, I can only stare before I raise my chin.

“You didn’t tell me you owned a protection agency.”

“I told you I’m a business owner.”

“In California, and not what kind of business.”

His brows furrow. “I don’t have to tell you I’m taking assignments here, too. I don’t owe you that information.”

I lift an eyebrow at his response.

“Not when we met at the bar, anyway.”

The Southern gentleman I met—and the one who charmed me out of my panties—is gone, and in his place is a cool, no-nonsense man who’s too arrogant and flippant for his own good. Did I say I found his arrogance charming? There’s nothing charming about him now.

And no, I don’t care that his brown hair’s all carelessly tousled and he looks good scowling. I don’t care that he looks good in his black jeans and white shirt, not when he’s throwing remarks that rile me up.

“It goes both ways, you know. I don’t owe you that information, either.”

“So, you’ll just sleep with a random guy knowing what you came here for?”

“And you’ll just sleep with a random woman, knowing what you came here for? I’m allowed to unwind.” I glare at him. “I’m allowed to not reveal details about my past to a random guy.”

That startles him and has him mulling. I brace myself for a softening, maybe even an apology for how he left so abruptly last night.

Instead, Christian frowns. “I should have known. It would have changed things if I’d known.”

---