Page 44 of Untamed Protector

“You’re with him right now?”

“No. Why would you think that? Come on, Lexi. I only met Dominic for a quick minute. His guys brought me in, and his sis, who turns out to be a doctor, fixed me up. Then, I got room service and a key to the jacuzzi. And how are you?”

“Clearly, not as well as you. I’m stuck in Gabriel’s bedroom. We had dinner, and then he kissed me.”

“No way. Did I hear that right—he kissed you? With tongue and everything? Damn. Good for you, girl!”

“I don’t know about that. At least you can move around freely, and your host, Dominic, gives you space. Does your head still hurt?”

“No. Nothing hurts anymore. You know, I could get used to living in Dominic Monti’s world. I mean, if I didn’t hate him.”

“Right. You hate him now, but maybe you’ll reconsider. Stepping in like that to help you… you have to admit, that move was undeniably sexy.”

“Lexi, I’m telling you. These guys… something’s definitely not right. The way they support each other and have this entire entourage taking care of everything… you were on to something. They’re like professional fixers, but the kind you wouldn’t want to owe anything to.”

“I don’t know. But the idea of another kiss and him asking about why I’ve come here to the city makes me nervous. I’m worried I might blow my cover. Tonight, I got away with it. But tomorrow, we’re coming to meet with you and Dominic. Has he said anything?”

“No. But he probably will. I can’t wait to see you, though. It was weird how they split us up.”

“Lexi, do you need anything else before I turn off the lights?” Gabriel shouts from the kitchen.

“I’m okay, thanks. Good night.”

“Did he just barge into your room?” Lena asks, half amused.

“No. He was getting the lights. Cut it out, Lena. It was an innocent kiss on the lips. He saw my scar after we ate. That’s all. And a hug, whatever. That was it.”

“Why do you sound so nervous, then?”

Splash…splash… Lena must be shifting around in the tub. Sounds like she’s reaching for something—maybe a glass of wine or some grapes. What a life!

“Lena, I’m so happy you’re okay and getting spoiled. Let’s just be careful with these guys tomorrow so we don’t give ourselves away. They’re up to something.”

“My lips are sealed, but yours aren’t. Or maybe they’re just sealed with a kiss.”

“Oh, we’re dropping song lyrics now? I think we’re done here. Good night, sleep well.” I hang up, wishing she was here so I could hug her. I want to call Dad, but it’s too late, and I know he’ll worry if I sound off. He always knows when something’s wrong.

The phone buzzes on the bed. It’s Lena again. “Hey, did you forget something?” I answer.

“I was just more thinking about how these guys would jump in for each other immediately. That’s a little over the top, don’t you think? Like, what’s the connection between them?”

“Well, they’re friends. They help each other out.”

“Really? And that’s why Dominic rushed to protect me? You know, I’m not sure I buy into this whole protection stuff.”

“Maybe Dominic had other reasons for jumping in to protect you. And maybe your dislike for him isn’t entirely mutual.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. He’s a classic player, the type who can’t resist a chase. That’s usually his game, but in this case, I have a hunch there’s something else going on,” Lena says.

“The journalist in you must be itching to share a theory. Let’s hear it.”

“You know that urban legend about the Protectors, that mysterious group who step in for people in trouble? So, here’s a crazy thought—what if Gabriel and Dominic are in it?”

“So, about these Protectors… what exactly do they do? Because officially, Gabriel’s company protects rich clients, but something about him feels… different.”

“I’m not sure yet. I heard they help people. But I don’t know what kind of people and in what situations.”

“That’s just a rumor, Lena. You know what? I think these are just rich, influential men playing mind games with us, messing with our heads for their amusement.”

---