Page 78 of Fiercely Protective

I turned to walk away, glad that the moisture gathering in my eyes had not leaked down my cheeks. That would be the ultimate humiliation, to cry in front of the man who was breaking my heart.Damn, how could I be so stupid?

But before I could take more than two steps, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back so hard that I slammed into his chest. I tried to look away, not wanting him to see the pain on my face, but he would have none of that. He gripped my chin and turned my face up to his, refusing to let me look away.

“You misunderstand what I am telling you, Angel. I have no intention of sending you away unprotected and certainly not with the idea that I am casting you aside.” His thumb moved over my trembling bottom lip. “How could you have thought something so absurd?”

I didn’t know what to say, the shock had stolen any words I might have formed.

“I have made arrangements for you. A place for you to stay outside the city. It will be safer for you there until I can take care of the business at hand.”

“You will not be with me?”

He shook his head, his lips forming a firm straight line. “No, I will be staying here, as will Blaze.”

My eyes fluttered and I shook my head. “No, this is my fault. Tony is coming for me! This is because of me! I will not let you…” He placed a finger over my lips.

“Enough! I have already decided, and it is done. This isn’t just about Tony Galante. There are other things at play, things that are equally if not more dangerous. You are in my world now, and you will do as I say.”

He kissed me hard as if he were hoping to quell any more arguments I might have had.

“Now, the car is waiting downstairs. Once I have concluded business at the club, I will explain more about where you will be going and who will be responsible for keeping you safe. You must trust me, Bri. I told you if you married me, I would protect you and I will.”

He took my hand and pulled me along behind him as we made our way to the car waiting downstairs. When he told me that he was not simply casting me aside, the rush of relief was intense, but there was more going on than he was saying, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from pressing for more answers. But aside from that, I had a feeling of foreboding sweeping over me, like something was about to happen, something that could change everything.

The ride to the club was quiet and when the car came to a stop outside ofSinners,I wondered if Rogue would expect me to wait outside like last time. But when the door was opened for him, he took my hand and tugged me alongside him. His arm wrapped around my waist to hold me close to his side as we moved past the crowds waiting in line. I noticed the increased security, a few of the men I had not seen before, and something else I had never noticed, they were all wearing protective vests.

“You are expecting serious trouble, aren’t you?”

Rogue’s hand squeezed a little tighter where it rested on my waist. “I’m not sure why you would say that, but regardless, it is nothing you should be concerned with.”

I scoffed at his comment. “Not sure why I would say that? You have a lot more men tonight and all of them are wearing protective vests. I’m not so clueless that I don’t notice things. I bet they are all armed too.”

He laughed quietly. “Surprise, darling. The men who work for me are always armed. That is not exactly a startling revelation.”

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm. “You don’t seem overly worried.”

He stopped and turned to face me. “I’m not. I don’t live in fear, Angel. I make decisions and take precautions. The only concern I have is making certain that you are not involved.”

“I’m already involved. You made sure of that when you refused to let me leave the day I walked into your office for my bogus interview.”

The loud music and flashing lights made it difficult to hold a serious conversation and since he never responded to my comment, I wasn’t sure if he even heard me. We walked to the back of the club to a large booth set back in a secluded corner. Blaze was already there, but as we approached, he stood and began walking toward us.

“You are looking good, little one. No obvious bruises from your session with Michael.”

“Thanks.” The mischievous smile on his face made him look less intimidating.

Rogue nodded toward some men standing off to the side and they came forward. “Stay here, Angel.” He led me to the booth, and I took a seat. “I am going into the office with Blaze, but I have men stationed throughout the club and these two will stay with you. I will not be gone long.”

My eyes flickered to the men who were stationed on either side of the booth. Both stoically staring in front of them. I watched as Blaze and Rogue walked away, and I settled back against the cushions in the booth and observed the crowd moving about the club.

One of the waitresses came forward. Both of my guards instantly became more alert, hands positioned over the weapons I was certain were hidden beneath their jackets.

“Can I get you a drink, Mrs. Delaney?”

“Just a water if you don’t mind.”

She smiled. “I’ll bring it right over.”

She walked back to the bar, and I continued my study of the people in the club tonight. Most were partying pretty hard.Barely clothed young women danced in the cages overhead and some on the stage. There were a few guys by the bar that were getting loud, looked to be a bachelor party. Another group on the dance floor started getting a little rowdy and I saw security step closer to them. As I continued to scan the crowd, my eyes locked on a man standing by the door. He didn’t look familiar, but he was staring at me as if he knew me. It was beginning to creep me out.

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