Page 49 of Brutal Ice

Then…

“Violet!”

Micah’s voice. Color Royal shocked.

“We have to talk,” Micah continued loudly, his words followed by another demanding knock. “We have to talk immediately!”

Royal yanked open the door.

Micah’s hand was poised to pound against the door once more. “Oh.”

Royal tilted his head.

“I…thought you had left.”

Then you thought wrong. “Told you already, I’ll be with Violet from now on.” Until I’m sure she’s safe, I’ll be her shadow.

“Don’t you, ah, have businesses to run?”

“Quite a few of them, actually, thanks for your concern.” This prick has been investigating me. The “billionaire bodyguard” line had told Royal that Micah had been looking into his life. Fair enough. I’m looking into your world, too, asshole. “But I know how to delegate, and I have people I trust who can manage things for me.” He lifted a brow. “There a particular reason you are bothering me and Violet right now?”

“I, uh…” His gaze tried to dart around Royal so he could land on Violet. “I was worried.”

“Were you?” Royal knew he sounded doubting.

“Violet has been through some very unsettling incidents.”

Royal grunted. Do tell, asshole.

“I have a friend who is a shrink. Dr. Leo Barnes. I thought she might want to talk to him.” His head craned more. “Violet, I’ve known Leo for ages. He can help you. I took the liberty of calling him a few moments ago, and he said that he’d be happy to talk with you today.”

Royal heard the rustle of her steps. “I’m not talking to him.”

“Why not?” Surprise flashed on Micah’s face. “You need him! I noticed you were already shaking when you got into the coffin, and after what happened—look, I need you to be able to handle the show. I get that Simone is your understudy, but she isn’t you. The tickets are selling because people want to see you. And I need to know that you won’t leave me hanging when the show is ready to start.”

Her soft steps padded closer. She touched Royal’s arm, and he stepped to the side. But stayed close. “I am not going to leave you hanging.” Her chin lifted. “I will be ready for the show.”

“You should meet with Leo,” Micah urged her. “He’s good. Hell, half the dancers in the show see him already.”

“Thanks for your concern.” Violet inclined her head toward him. “But I have other plans for today.”

“Here.” Micah grabbed her hand. “This is his card. In case you change your mind.” He dropped her hand a moment later, as if he’d just been scalded. His gaze skittered toward Royal. “FYI, big guy, one of the cops was asking for you. Thought you’d left but, ah, guess not? Detective…Curran Barlow, I think it was? He asked for you, specifically.”

Good to know. “Come on, Violet.”

“I need to talk more with Violet!” Micah protested.

Okay, this jackass was just getting on his nerves. “Then talk.” He felt Violet put her hand in his. Automatically, his fingers curled around hers. A glance toward her showed Violet’s cheeks were still flaming. Her lips so plump.

And when he turned back to Micah, he realized the guy understood that he’d interrupted at a very bad time.

And Micah looked pissed.

You won’t have her, bastard. Get over it.

“I truly regret that you were frightened today,” Micah said stiffly.

“Yes, I regret that, too,” Violet returned, a little bite coming back to her voice. Royal really liked her bite.

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