Page 22 of Protecting Christina

“Help your sister.”

“We aren’t going to do anything. I already told you; I’m handling it.”

“Yes. And so far, that’s landed you in a ditch with stitches and duct taped to your bedroom wall.”

She lifted her head and skewered me with a frosty stare. “I don’t appreciate what you’re insinuating.”

I tried really fucking hard not to smile at her obstinate remark. Was she really that obtuse, or did she know how ridiculous she sounded? I figured her pride just wouldn’t let me in.

“Fine. What are you going to do about it?”

“Why do you care?”

“If I know the next time you plan to go after her kidnappers, then I’ll make sure I book the time off from work to save your ass.”

“You did not—” she stood with her finger pointing in my direction, but her legs gave out and I lunged forward, holding her up before she could fall.

Placing her back on the bed, I smirked. “You were saying?”

“Fuck you.”

“Maybe. If you don’t hurt my manhood again.”

“I make no promises.”

Again, my lips twitched, but I kept my smile in check. I’d never had more fun with a victim in my whole life. But Christina would hate me if she knew I described her as a victim. I bet, according to Christina, the violent acts were just hiccups in her plan.

“Admit that you need me.”

“I don’t need you.”

“Fine.” I picked up the duct tape from the floor. “I’ll just fasten this back on you and you can pull a Houdini.”

“I don’t need some guy stalking around me and telling me what to do. If you haven’t noticed, I don’t do well with orders.”

“That’s great because I do.”

“What?”

“Tell me what’s next in your plan.”

She rubbed her face and then ran her fingers through her hair. The arch of her neck caught a ray of light seeping through her bedroom window and my breath caught in my throat.

“Will. Or is it William?”

“The full name’s William, but I prefer Will.”

“Great. William, then. I understand you are used to swooping in and taking control, but that’s not going to happen here. I’ve always taken care of myself and this time won’t be any different. So, while I appreciate it may be your instinct to save the day, your job here is done.”

I considered making a joke about saving her, but I didn’t think she would like it.

I also knew that asking for help wasn’t something that came easily to people. I was quite familiar with it.

“Look, Chrissie.”

“It’s Christina.”

I smiled. “I won’t get involved anymore unless you ask me to personally. I will stay as far away from you as possible. But if you should ever need me,” I dropped to my haunches in front of her and waited for her to look me in the eye. She finally lifted her face and the look of confusion in her gaze caught me off guard for a second. Regaining my thought, I continued, “For anything at all. I want you to promise that you’ll call me.”

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