Page 50 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

“Because she was being unfair and was petty. And I wasn’t lying when I said that you’re not the type of guy to retaliate, so someone had to.”

“Do you know what I think?”

“What?”

“I thought you being jealous would be hot. I know, stupid take,” I say when she rolls her eyes. “But I don’t know, guys like it when gorgeous women are jealous over them. But I was wrong. You protecting me is way hotter.”

Keeping her hands pressed to my chest, I lean down to kiss her. Against her lips, I add, “And damn, baby, you didn’t even break a sweat.”

She throws her head back and laughs. “You’re an idiot.”

Raven squeals, still laughing when I toss her over my shoulder and carry her to bed.

* * *

Later in the evening, my time with her is interrupted when a call comes in. The caller ID has me frowning, but I pick it up anyway.

“Hey, Carl. How’s everything?”

Carl Major is a big shot in the military and looks intimidating as hell, but he’s actually an easygoing guy who thinks it’s hilarious that people greet him as Lt. Gen. Major—except me and a few other people, considering how close we’ve gotten over the years and have kept that friendship even after I left the service.

“I’m doing good. How about you, Christian?”

“I’m not bad. Back at Sweet Haven with an assignment. Are you in Florida now?”

“Yes, I am. Vacationing at our second home here with my wife and grandkids.”

“That’s great.”

We catch up. But at the end of the pleasantries, I already know what’s coming, especially since he’s still my old boss and he only calls me this late for one reason.

“Listen, I have a favor to ask, and normally I wouldn’t ask you since you’re no longer active, but you’re also the only former Navy SEAL in the area and this is a sensitive matter…”

“What is it?”

I listen as he explains, aware that my body is tightening by the second. But I don’t interrupt until he’s done. Even then, I mull over my reply for a few more seconds.

“Can I get back to you, Carl? I just need to check something.”

He’s surprised, especially since I usually say yes without even blinking. But Carl agrees and hangs up, leaving me staring into the dark until movement beside me reminds me that I’m not alone in the bedroom.

“What’s wrong?”

Raven’s voice is sleepy, but I can tell she already heard my side of the conversation. I’m quiet for a while, my head clouded with the information I know.

“There might be a sex trafficking organization running in Jackson. My old boss, Carl, isn’t sure yet and has no concrete evidence, so he can’t officially send active military men there yet. The cops tried and the place was empty when they got there, but he has this gut feeling.” My body tenses again. “In our line of work, we always try not to ignore our gut feeling. He wants me to go and check things out. Form a decision and report back to him.”

A hand squeezes my shoulder. “You have to go.”

“Well…”

“It’s not even a question.” Her voice is firm. “And you can’t think about bringing me.”

I’m already thinking that, but her words stop me short. “Why not?”

“If I’m there, you’ll know I’ll be alone while you do your investigation—and you’ll get distracted. If I’m here, you know I’ll be with your townsfolk and safe.”

“Still alone.”

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