Page 47 of Untamed Protector

“And you wonder why you don’t have a girlfriend!” she scoffs.

“I don’t. You’re the one who keeps wondering. It’s like you’re waiting for me to make you an offer.”

We’re already downtown, close to Dominic’s hotel where Lena’s staying. I haven’t told Lexi about the fake dating plan yet. It was our first night together, and there was enough going on without me springing this on her, too. I wanted her to rest. The door between our rooms stayed open all night. I listened to her breathing slow down, evening out like a lullaby. A part of me wanted to hold her close and cuddle her worries away. She would’ve been better off in my arms, but I don’t want to start something that can’t go anywhere. Right now, she needs someone looking out for her, not another complication.

“What kind of offer? To be your girlfriend, you mean? You already said you don’t do relationships.”

My stomach clenches. I said a lot last night. I would’ve said anything to get her away from me before it was too late. Before we got too hot and heavy and my hands ran down her body, her naughty breasts pressed against me, my tongue slipped between her teasing lips and my cock… Fuck. Get it together, Gabriel!

“We should take advantage of that viral video of us at the Casino and spread the word that we’re together. That’s what the offer was about.”

“And why would we do that?”

“In this city, nobody dares to touch my woman.”

“That sounds… territorial,” she says, going quiet.

Huh. That’s not exactly a decline. No epic eye roll or dramatic hair-flips in protest. Shockingly, Lexi doesn’t throw my offer out the window like yesterday’s garbage. Small victory, I guess.

“Look, I went on some tough missions in the Navy and got to witness things most folks wouldn’t believe. That made me who I am today. Everyone in this city knows me and my business. I’m dedicated to what I do, and I’ll do whatever it takes. People know me for being honest and dependable.”

“I’ll just be your client, then. Should be enough. We can start telling people about it.”

“Let’s just do it my way, okay? You’ll be safer if people know you as my girlfriend than as my client.”

“Is this why we’re heading to Dominic’s? You want to parade me around to show I’m yours?”

“Lexi… You don’t know the first thing about me.”

“I only know what you tell me, Mr. Clamshell.”

“What else do you want to know? What would make you say yes to my offer?”

“Why not tell me who you really are? What do you do when no one’s looking? I want to know about the private services you offer as bodyguard and protector.”

“I have clients who need me around the clock, but not everyone can afford my fees. It can get quite expensive.”

“What’s the longest you’ve ever stuck with a client?”

“Four months. A dignitary on a peace mission in the Middle East.”

“Don’t the military usually take care of that stuff?”

“They do, but he wanted me, too.”

“So, you’re that good, huh?” Lexi says, raising an eyebrow in a silent challenge.

“Pretty impressive, your new boyfriend, eh?” I say, trying to lighten the mood.

“Boyfriend? I didn’t say I’m on board with this yet. I don’t know… it just feels like you’re invading my life.”

She enjoys being pleaded with. Not ideal—I’ve mishandled this. It turns out I’m more entangled in her charm than I first thought. I can’t step in, do my thing as her protector, and get her to listen to me as I do with all my other clients if there’s no contract between us. After all, she didn’t hire me. I’m not even her boyfriend. We’re like frenemies trapped in this mess together. But it’s time to turn the tables and beat her stubborn streak at its own game.

“You didn’t say no either. Look, I don’t think we can stop this from happening. People already see us as a couple.”

“Who cares what people think?”

“You should. Being in the spotlight can actually work in your favor. We should play along with this.”

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