Page 50 of Untamed Protector

“Okay,” Lexi finally says. I know she felt this moment we just had. It finally feels like I’m getting through to her. I get up and grab a box of tissues from the coffee table. She wipes her nose, takes a deep breath, and looks up at me. “How do you want to do this?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a quick nod from Lena. A silent message of support from Lexi’s best friend gives me a sliver of hope. I think I just gained an ally in my fight to win over Lexi.

As I’m about to talk about my plan, Dominic walks in. “Hey there, Green Eyes,” he chirps, walking over to Lexi and throwing his arms around her in a friendly hug. “Don’t let that guy from the lobby get to you. He’s a clown; we kicked him out of the hotel, he’s done.” He sets her down carefully, surveys the room, and gets his phone out. “Guys, shall I order some food for us? Something sweet to lighten up the mood? Some coffee, maybe?”

Dominic has become a master at handling women in crisis. Maybe the years in the spotlight running the family business turned him into a smooth operator. It’s a far cry from the hot-headed and armed-to-the-teeth guy I used to know on missions.

Unlike Dominic, I’ve struggled more with adjusting to civilian life. Navy was the only life I knew until two years ago. Once in a while, I think about the troubled, arrogant teenager I used to be. Unloved and abandoned by everyone, I joined the Navy to avoid going to prison. It took me two decades to become the man I am today. Now, Lexi is challenging everything I thought I knew about myself.

“I could go for some cannoli’s,” Lena says. “Lexi, let’s get something to eat, relax and make plans,” she encourages her.

“Maybe later when we go to your room. Now, I’d like to hear what Gabriel’s plan is. I need to know what my life will be like from now on; I need some stability,” Lexi says, turning to me.

“Sure. I’ll send the sweets over to Lena’s room,” Dominic says. He makes a quick call to give instructions, then turns back to us. “I don’t know about Gabriel’s plan, but I’ve already come up with a few ideas myself. I talked to Alice, too. She handles my PR. She’s great at what she does, you know,” he says, leaning into Lexi with a reassuring smile.

“You can count me in, too,” Lena cuts in. “I have contacts at all the big tabloids. Let me send them some photos and a little update on you two. By tomorrow, everyone will know you’re a seriously loved-up couple!”

Dominic’s practically buzzing with ideas, pacing a little runway for himself and gesturing like he’s conducting an orchestra. “Okay, great. So, Lena can cover the big papers, and Alice will take care of social media. Now, for the visual proof. We need some convincing pics, you two. How about lunching at the hotel, maybe chilling by the pool? And hey, a casual group shot with the entire crew wouldn’t hurt. You know, the totally unplanned weekend getaway vibe. Alice will make sure these photos go everywhere. Oh, and to really seal the deal, maybe a couple of selfies at home or the beach wouldn’t be a bad idea either.”

Lexi can’t help but smile as she watches Lena and Dominic bounce ideas off each other. I’m also surprised by those two social butterflies and their game plan. I haven’t been in the media much yet. All my clients come from referrals. I get why all the attention freaks out Lexi, but she won’t be alone. I’ll be right by her side.

“That’s it! I’ve got it. I’m throwing a party,” Dominic says excitedly. “Nothing says I love you like a public Happy Birthday wish from your boyfriend, splashed all over the media.”

“No, no way. There’ll be no birthday party. That’s not happening,” Lexi cuts in. A shadow flickers across her face, then vanishes as quickly as it came, replaced by a thin smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She pushes herself up, her fists clenching and unclenching at her sides, and walks away from us.

Dominic and I exchange a confused look as Lena walks over to Lexi, gently touching her shoulder. “Lexi, it’s fine. We’re not going to do anything you don’t want us to. Guys, let’s find something else. It’s not like we’ve run out of ideas. It’s okay. We skip the birthday thing.”

“Sure. We’ll figure something out,” Dominic says, getting back on track. “I’ll call Alice. She’s got the scoop on all the events going on in this city. We’ll find you guys something.”

Lexi heads for the door, visibly upset. “Lena, can we go to your room for a bit? I need a break from all of this.” She walks past me and gently touches my arm, looking like she’s about to cry. “I need to lie down. Please give me a few minutes.” She walks out with Lena trailing behind, waving us goodbye.

As I watch her leave, a pang of regret hits me. I hate seeing her like this. She shouldn’t have to carry this burden alone. I could help her through this… if only she’d let me.

“What was that about?” Dominic asks as the door closes behind them.

“I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” I’ve been watching Lexi closely for the last few minutes. Something’s off. There has to be another secret she’s hiding.

It’s time for the phone call I was planning to make after the Casino night when Lucas acted like a total moron. I told him I’d break his bones if he upset her, and he ignored me. If he thinks he’s safe because of Peter, he hasn’t been paying attention.

“Gabriel! How’s my favorite bodyguard?” Lucas answers on the first ring, like he knew I was going to call.

“You continue to act like an idiot, Lucas, and that won’t help you.”

“Aw, look who’s falling for the little country girl. You know she also tricked my dad into helping her, right?” I hear his arrogant voice. “She’s more dangerous than she looks. Trust me, you’ll soon be sorry you defended her.”

“The only one who’s going to be sorry is you once I track your ass down. Take down that fucking video of Lexi right now. You have exactly fifteen minutes to do that. And another fifteen to hide, you spineless piece of shit. Because I’m coming for you, I just need to decide if I give you a good beating or crack your skull open. You mark my words. There’s no safe place for you in this world. I’ll hunt you down and make you swallow your venom.”

“You know what you are? You’re nothing but a fucking bully who makes a living by throwing punches. If it weren’t for my dad and your rich friends, you’d be begging on the street like the washed-up war vet that you are.”

Fuck. Lucas is as toxic as his sister. Those two should’ve been put in their place ages ago. Either with my fist or using all the things a dumb bodyguard like me knows about them. I could’ve exposed them or had them arrested for dealing and using. But Lucas is right about one thing. Peter’s the only thing stopping me from putting an end to this messy business.

“Lucas, I hope you’re spewing all that crap as you delete the video and pack up. Be careful out on the streets. I’ll find you.”

I hang up. These scum only understand threats and brute force. I’ll have some of my guys go to his yacht. Like the coward he is, he’ll definitely be hiding out there with the rest of his lowlife cronies. He’ll fuck something up soon, and the police will arrest him. This time, Peter better not ask for any favors. There’s no way Lucas can get away after what he did to Lexi.

Dominic throws me a worried look from across the room. He’s never seen me so upset and angry. Whether on my own or with the Protectors, I usually handle cases with a cool head and a logical approach. The guys call me the surgeon of the group since I’m the one who keeps us focused and moving forward. When things get hectic, I figure out the best plan, cutting through the mess and making quick calls.

Dom’s a really good listener. He can connect with anyone, whether it’s a scared victim or a tough suspect. He genuinely has a strong sense of empathy, making people feel safe enough to talk. This is how he gets to the truth, letting people open up on their own terms.

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