Page 6 of Untamed Protector

“I haven’t told them anything specific. They’re not supposed to know. Only Lexi’s father and a journalist friend of hers know.”

“Okay, I’ll get back to you if anything comes up.” I hear a long sigh and heavy breathing at the end of the phone.

“Gabe, I’m counting on you,” Peter adds.

“Always, Peter. Good night.”

I peek into the Grand Ballroom from the doorway. I can’t see her.

“Dean?” I check in with my team again. “You know what I said before about watching over Lexi?”

“Yeah,” he answers.

“We need to double down on that. Tell the team. Dominic, get a mic on her dress ASAP. I want to hear everything that’s being discussed around her.”

I know Dominic must be rolling his eyes hearing this, but he’ll do what I ask.

A room packed with strangers is the last place Lexi should be now. But it’s too late to get her out. The universe must have a twisted sense of humor. It seems like my avoid complicated situations plan went up in smoke. A complication in a killer dress just swept into my life. And she’s already under my protection, even though she doesn’t know it. Just as she doesn’t know me.

2

Lexi

Oh, wow! Lena wasn’t lying. Dominic lives up to the hype—tall, dark, and undeniably attractive. Annoyingly so, to be honest. But the bad boy persona? I’m not seeing it. He looks impeccable in his white jacket, confidence practically shimmering around him. He’s way more relaxed than that stiff who acted like I was public enemy number one. The handsome, sexy, intimidating, do-not-disturb guy.

“What’s your friend’s name again?” I ask Dominic. Seeing as his earpiece is on, I know the guy can hear us.

“He didn’t tell you?”

“No. Or maybe I didn’t hear him. He was more concerned with throwing me out than introducing himself. Is it a problem if I know his name?”

“I don’t know. Let’s ask Gabriel,” Dominic suggests with a smile.

“I think he already answered you. I can see it in your eyes,” I say, smiling back.

“You can read minds now?”

“No, I just notice things others don’t.”

“He just said: Gabriel Ross, pleased to meet you,” Dominic chuckles.

“Did he say pleased?”

“Not really.”

“I thought so.”

“Let me guess, you could see it in my eyes.”

Yeah, he’s mocking me. Clearly, he found the answers in his earpiece hilarious.

“Whatever. Let’s look for Lucas,” I change gears. “Why isn’t he here? Can you ask your friend? Just so we wrap this up. You guys must have work to do.”

We’re in the Grand Ballroom, close to the stage, and it’s packed. Dominic somehow got us through the crowd to where Lucas is supposed to be waiting for me. I’m finally about to meet my date for the night. I’ve never seen so much glamor, so many glittery uniforms, sparkling dresses, and jewelry in one place. A ball at the Casino is something I’ve only read about. It surprised me when Lucas casually mentioned that I could be his plus one. It fits my plan perfectly, but it could also be fun. Plus, with so many people here, I wouldn’t have to worry about Lucas trying anything. I wouldn’t allow him anything more than a kiss, anyway.

Things got more exciting when Lena found out about this invite. She quickly pulled some dresses from her closet and wouldn’t leave me alone until I tried them on. Squeezed into this black dress, I feel like a secret agent on a mission—a mission to hide the fact it’s three sizes smaller than anything in my closet. Off-the-shoulder magic? Check. Boobs looking their best? Check. This thing is tight, but the thought of dropping hundreds on a new dress right now… well, that’s a luxury I just don’t have.

It’s not like anyone here knows me, anyway. And Lucas surely won’t mind. “He’s getting such a hot date tonight, that jerk,” Lena concluded as I finished doing my hair and makeup.

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