Page 2 of Untamed Protector

“What’s the rush, then? That little thing got to you, didn’t she? Anyway, let me see if I can find Lucas around here.” Dominic is my best friend, buddy, and the brother and family I’ve never had. He came through for me when I got injured and left the Navy.

I leave Dominic and make my way through the crowded room. He has a lot on his plate, anyway. He’s the mastermind behind this whole thing tonight, the official caterer, and the MC of the charity auction later on.

I head to the entrance and spot Dean in a corner by a side door, his body almost entirely blocking the feisty young woman who wants to force her way in. I catch a glimpse of her hair behind his shoulder, but not her face or those piercing eyes that got me out of my den.

“Dean, it’s okay. I’ll take it from here. Go back to the main entrance.”

Dean steps back, and I make my way next to her.

She looks up and flashes me a smile, like she doesn’t give a damn that I tower over her. Emerald eyes, the kind that could pierce a vault, lock onto mine with curiosity. Her black dress hugs her curves perfectly, showing off her delicate shoulders. A silver clutch, held carefully in her tiny hands, is the only splash of color in her outfit. It’s not just her looks that grab me—it’s how she carries herself like she’s on a mission and nothing can stop her. As we make eye contact, there’s a spark of defiance, a playful dare for me to say something first. Trouble with a capital T? Maybe. But something tells me there’s a lot more to her story.

“Good evening, Miss. I understand you’d like to go in. But this is an invitation-only event.”

“I heard your guy Dean tell you about Lucas. Isn’t that why you’re here? To see the woman who name-dropped him?”

“What I heard was you harassing my team. My guys have a job to do, you know, to ensure protection for the guests.” I’m not falling for whatever she’s trying to stir up with Lucas. Peter is the one who supports us, Protectors, and a respected member of the community. His son Lucas, though, he’s just a cocky, entitled brat who could use a good smack now and then.

“You think I’m a danger to your guests? Have you seen yourself? Towering over people with those broad shoulders, ready for combat in the blink of an eye? I mean, come on. But I digress. Look, Lucas invited me here. I thought I was already on the list as his plus-one. Turns out I’m late, and he’s already inside. He didn’t answer his phone, but that’s probably because it’s too loud in there. Can you help me find him to solve this little mix-up?”

She seems sure of herself. That’s some serious attitude right there… Is she trying to sweet-talk her way in, or should she really be here tonight?

She may have a way with words, but I’m still not sure if her story is genuine. People do this all the time to get attention. They name-drop some VIPs they’re sure will be at the event, then force their way in with the crowds.

She looks like she’s in her early twenties. And she knows damn well the effect she has on men, whether it’s the innocent vibe or the way she rocks those red lips with confidence.

I cannot help but stare into her striking green eyes, a shade so deep that you almost drown in them. She’s throwing me off my game, and I can’t have that. Fuck. Get it together, Gabe.

I might as well let her in and see what she does if she gets next to Lucas. She’s not a danger. There’s no way she could have a gun strapped to her thigh in that skintight dress. Although, the stuff I’ve seen… But kicking her out later would be too much of a headache. After all, given how big of a jackass Lucas is, he might’ve brought three dates just to piss everyone off.

Focus, Gabe. Rules are there to keep us out of trouble. And she’s got trouble written all over her. She’s not on the list; she doesn’t get in.

Officers and their dates gather in a bigger group right next to us before heading to the Grand Ballroom. Judging by the growing crowd in this room, most guests are just arriving at this hour.

“Your name, Miss?”

“Dean has already scanned my ID. Didn’t you get it?”

Every question I throw at her comes back with a double dose of snark. This impertinent young girl has been interfering with our business for almost half an hour. It usually takes me or my men only five minutes to handle these situations. The stakes are high, and this is a high-profile event. I should get it over with.

“Let me make this clear. You keep challenging us, and we’ll escort you out this second. You can wait there for Lucas to pick you up. Or you can tell me your name so I know what to call you. And we can de-escalate this whole thing.”

“Fine,” she grumbles. There’s a magnetism to her, a quiet confidence in how she stands and speaks that captivates me. This high-society crowd might not be her usual turf, but she’s got a grace that outshines any celebrity on the red carpet. I can’t help but wonder who this intriguing stranger is and how she ended up here.

“My name is Alexis Flores. Lucas Maier invited me to this event, and you guys have been holding me hostage at the door for a while now, like I’m some criminal out to get Navy officers. Look at me, and you’ll see how ridiculous this is.”

As she tries to back away, using her body to explain, someone from the group next to us loses balance and crashes into her. My reflexes take over, and I lunge forward, arms wrapping around her in a flash to catch her before gravity takes hold. She’s obviously nervous, and I can see her brave face cracking as she lets go of the tension she was trying to hide. Her whole body vibrates with the aftershock, breaths hitching as she leans into me. The press of her chest against mine sends a delicious heat shooting through me. I try my best to ignore the way her body feels against mine and how amazing she smells. It’s only been ten seconds, but the memory of her touch clings to me as she walks back into the crowd, her cheeks on fire.

I’ve got to get her away from the crowd until we sort this out. Since she’s been so persistent, the least I can do is find Lucas. But I know how this story ends. She needs to go back outside. I almost feel sorry for her, but I can’t let this go on much longer. She’s holding us back from the real priority, managing an event of this scale. I should be in front of the monitors now, overseeing this operation instead of letting this stunning distraction hijack me.

“I’m going to ask you to follow me to a quieter place to talk.” I grab her arm so we can walk together and find a room nearby until my men find Lucas.

“Where are you taking me? I’m not going anywhere with you,” I hear the panic in her voice. It’s probably because things aren’t exactly going as planned, and she knows she’s about to get caught.

“We’re just going to find a room and wait until we get Lucas and verify your identity.”

“No way. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to attend the Gala with all the other guests. Not to be stuck in a dusty backroom with some goons.”

God damn it, Lucas. I should’ve kicked your ass when I had the chance. Peter has over-cuddled his kids too much, and now they’re ruining his image and family name.

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