Page 8 of Untamed Protector

“I didn’t know you.”

“And now you do? Such arrogance, Gabriel Ross.”

“See, you keep arguing with me.”

“See, you continue to be bossy.”

“By the way, where’s Lucas? Your date,” he says, his voice holding a clear edge as he stresses the last word. I didn’t hear him say anything good about Lucas. And his buddy, Dominic, shot him a dagger stare earlier. I guess it’s a turf issue or unfinished business. It’s not surprising since Lucas is a master at making enemies. He’s got carelessness down to an art form, and his arrogance makes it all the worse. Peter didn’t get much luck with his kids—a social idiot and a ruthless viper.

The Maier family and others like them think their money gives them the right to do whatever they want to people. One of them nearly killed my father and me. We barely escaped, battered and broken. But they won’t get away with it. I won’t rest until I see them behind bars.

Gabriel is part of their world, and he seems close to Peter. He was ready to throw me out earlier when he heard I was here for Lucas, so he must be protecting him somehow. Get a grip, Lexi. This man is not your friend!

“Yeah, he’s my date, but I think he needed to say hi to a few people. He must be around here somewhere. I’ll find him, or he’ll find me. Let’s walk over to that side, and I won’t keep you any longer. I’m sure you have important things to do.” Lucas shouldn’t see me with him. I’ve been working for weeks now to get him to trust me. Gabriel Nosy Ross could easily ruin everything for me.

A familiar tingle shoots down my spine as his hand finds its way back to my upper back. His fingers brush against my skin, sending a delicious warmth through me. He leans in close, his breath breezing against my ear as he whispers, “There’s something I want to show you,” before leading me toward a hidden side door.

The thumping music cuts out like a flicked switch as he swipes a keycard. We step into a silent hallway, the noise replaced by a tense stillness that makes me hyperaware of every breath.

“Hey, where are we going? Lucas is waiting for me at the bar. There’s no bar here.”

“You said you’d love to see the Casino. I thought I’d give you a private tour. So that you’d forgive me for whatever you think I did wrong tonight.”

“Is this your idea of an apology? Because it sounds weirdly similar to you saying you did nothing wrong, and this is all in my head.”

“Now, that was uncalled for. Are you always this feisty?”

“I thought we already established that. Are you always bossing people around?”

“Touché. Well, that comes with the job. So, do you want your private tour or not? The offer expires in four, three, two…”

“Fine, let’s just go. God, you’re annoying.”

“I really am sorry. That’s the most formal apology I can offer for the mix-up at the entrance earlier. We were only doing our job.”

“Here you go again, trying to defend yourself. Did you think I had a gun hidden under my dress?”

He takes a step back, his eyes burning into me as he gives me a head-to-toe inspection. My cheeks flame red, the heat radiating outward. Shit. Did I even put on lipstick?

“No. There’s no way you’re holding a gun under that dress.” A triumphant smile flashes across his face as he beams with pride for making me blush.

“So that’s a yes for the tour? It’s my peace offering. And…” He pauses, his hand reaches out, two fingers gently tilting my chin upwards until our eyes meet. “…I’m sorry that you were in that unpleasant situation earlier. I mean it.”

This apology feels different. It feels sincere.

“We probably don’t have time for a real tour,” I say, forcing myself back to earth, tearing my gaze from Gabriel’s eyes that transported me to another world.

“Then let’s explore a couple more interesting rooms before the auction starts and your date claims you back.”

“Can you take me to see the stained-glass dome?”

“Yeah, it’s close. Follow me.”

We go up a staircase and then down a corridor to the other wing of the Casino, which is rarely open to the public.

The stained-glass dome is impressive, filling the room with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, like a kaleidoscope. The moonlight casts mesmerizing, jewel-toned shadows that dance everywhere on the floor.

This unexpected moment with an enigmatic stranger is undeniably romantic. His earlier intimidating scowl feels strangely protective now, and I find myself drawn to him.

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