Page 4 of When He Protects

Only for the moment. “My job is to stop those bastards. I can’t stop them while I’m locked in here.” He let her go and turned back for the balcony doors once more. Double doors. He shoved one open and stepped onto the narrow balcony.

She inched right with him. “Yeah, this isn’t going to work for you.” She looked to the left and then to the right. Her index finger pointed. “That’s like…what? A five-inch-wide ledge near the side of the mansion? You really think you’re going to magically fit your giant self on that tiny ledge and make it over to the next room?” A shake of her head. “I doubt it would even hold your weight. Way too flimsy. You try, and you die.”

“Not like I have a lot of options.” Sitting on his ass wasn’t on the agenda.

“Sure, you do. Or at least, you have another option that doesn’t involve your immediate death.” She curled her fingers around his. “Come with me.”

And he did.

She led him back into the library. Stared up at the massive row of shelves and books on the left-hand side and frowned.

The moments ticked past.

She kept staring. And frowning. And he was pretty sure he’d just heard a scream from the other side of the library door. Tyler’s shoulders tensed. People needed hishelp.“Dammit, I have to go?—”

“I think this is the one.” Her delicate fingers reached out and curled around the edge ofGreat Expectationsby Charles Dickens. She pulled, and the shelf a few feet away swung open.

What in the hell was that?A freaking secret passage?

“Voilà.” A shrug of one slim shoulder. “Instant escape hatch. This should take you into the billiard room next door. And if the bad guys aren’t looking, you can use your mad, bad skills to take them out.” A pause. “I am assuming you do have incredible skills, yes? Don’t disappoint me and say no.”

“How the hell did you know the passage was there?”

Her long lashes fluttered. “Because, unlike you, I’ve been to Jorlan’s parties before. I know his secrets.” She waved toward the open passageway door. “So, are we going or what?”

“Yeah…No.” He curled his fingers around her shoulders and gently pushed her back. “You aren’t going anywhere.”

Her expression tensed. “What?”

“You’re staying in this room where it’s safe because you are a civilian. You aren’t about to run into danger.” Knowing her, she’d jump between him and the jerk with the gun again. “You stay here. And I’ll fight the bad guys.”

“How incredibly brave of you.” She fanned herself.

His eyes narrowed. “Who are you?”

“Who areyou?”

His mouth opened.

“And don’t even think about giving me a fake name,” she warned. “I want the real you.” Very, very serious.

“Tyler.” A rumble.

“I’m Esme.”

Curses rose from outside.

“Sounds like you have a job to do.” Her lips pressed together, and she nodded. “Okay, here’s the deal. I don’t like staying behind. Not really who I am. But I promise you, I will be in this exact spot when you return. And youwillreturn, won’t you? Because I find that I don’t like the idea of you getting hurt.”

She didn’t like theideaof him getting hurt? What the hell? “You don’t know me.”

“Yes, I do.” Then she surprised the hell out of him. Esme fisted her hand in his tux and hauled him down toward her. Her mouth pressed against his. Her lips parted. Her tongue snaked out to lick against Tyler’s and, holy fuck, his whole body seemed to ignite. Lust plunged through his veins as she gave him the hottest kiss he’d ever had in his life. He wanted to grab her, hold tight, and fuck her. Right then and there.

Not him.Not his MO at all.

But…

I want her.

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