Page 45 of Fiercely Protective

I realized there was no use fighting or arguing anymore and followed him into the elevator. Once the doors closed, he pulled me into his chest and kissed me. His lips were warm and possessive, and I found myself melting against him.

“You look beautiful.” His hand came up and a finger traced over the curve of my cheek. “I can see the worry on your face. Why do you look so afraid?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because my life has been turned completely upside down over the course of just a few days. I was forced to marry a dangerous crime boss so that his enemies would not go after me. I’m sure you remember that conversation, don’t you? The one where you suggested I could either marry you or be faced with extreme torture or death. And to make matters worse, the crazed stalker who almost killed me in Colorado has discovered my whereabouts and has sent other dangerous men to find me. Other than that, it’s been a fairly normal week.”

His deep chuckle made me want to hit him, but the elevator doors opened, and his friend Blaze was waiting for us.

“The car is here, and all security precautions have been taken.”

He looked from Rogue to me without a hint of emotion in his eyes. “Have you talked to her?”

My eyes darted to Rogue’s face. “Talked to me about what?”

He took my arm and led me to the car. “There are certain things that have been put into place to ensure your safety.”

I climbed in the back seat followed by Rogue, and Blaze sat up front.

Rogue reached over and took my hand.

“I’m waiting. What sort of safety protocols have been put in place? From the way that your friend looked, I’m not so sure I will be happy about them.”

I heard Blaze grunt from the front seat.

“You will always have an escort. You may not go anywhere without either myself or Blaze at your side.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “That seems a bit drastic. So, I am to have an escort to the ladies’ room?”

“Yes.” He said without hesitation.

“You are serious?”

“Most definitely. Alessio Messina’s wife was accosted outside the restroom of the Guggenheim in New York at an event very similar to this one. He discovered her in a hallway fighting against a man whose hands were up her skirts”

My hand flew to my mouth, instantly feeling sympathy for a woman that had been through a situation similar to mine. “What happened?”

He raised my hand to his lips. “Alessio killed him. And since I have other plans for tonight, you will abide by these rules.”

“Killed him?”

Rogue’s eyes narrowed a fraction. “Do you still not understand? I am the type of man who takes what I want without apology, and I will mercilessly protect what belongs to me with violence if necessary. So, just as Alessio protected Eden, I will not hesitate to kill anyone who disrespects you.”

I felt a lump in my throat and wasn’t sure how to react to such a bold statement. I had never had anyone in my life to protect or care for me. I had been alone since I was six years old. Raised by an uncle who spent more time in a bottle than he did taking care of his niece. At twelve, I went to live with a cousin who provided a place to sleep and food to eat but ignored me completely. When I turned eighteen, I moved in with my friend Allison. Having someone want to care for me, and provide for me, was a foreign concept and hard to adjust to.

“Is the event we are going to dangerous?”

“Just because these people have money and are for the most part considered the diamonds of society doesn’t mean that evil doesn’t move about in their circles. I am proof of that.”

Rogue

I knew my words had shocked her, as I had meant for them to do. It was important now that she obeyed and followed the guidelines that I set. I needed her to understand fully the type of man that I was.

“You are missing something.”

She turned her face to mine, her eyes still wide, the passing lights of the city shining in them.

I took her hand; she was trembling. Frightening her had not been my intention. I wanted her to know that I was serious about the protection she would receive and the lengths I would go to shield her from anything that could hurt her, but I was not a man she should fear.

“Are you afraid of me?”

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