Page 61 of Under Their Protection

“Mhmm,” I smile. “You’ll get your turn. Don’t worry.” I turn and hug Max, who squeezes me.

“You do look nice, Nika,” Max says.

“Thank you,” I say before kissing him. “I picked it because I don’t look fat in this one.”

“Opposed to?” he questions.

“I’m not answering that after challenging Theo,” I giggle. “What I would say is in no way positive.”

“At least you learned to keep your mouth shut,” Emma shrugs. “We should go before Anika ends up not being ableto walk.”

“That’s a good idea,” I laugh and pull away from Max who has his eyes narrowed on me. When I go to walk past Theo, he grabs me and pulls me closer to him.

“You are beautiful and understand there is no way for you to justify saying any different,” he says.

“I’ve not said anything different,” I smile.

“That’s a load of bullshit,” Mia says. “Not two days ago you said over text that you felt that you looked dumpy when you don’t wear makeup and dress up.”

“So, you just blatantly lied to me?” Theo asks.

“No. I have neverdirectlycalled myself “not beautiful” before,” I say smirking.

“That is not what I meant, and you know it, Anika,” he says softly.

“I feel like this sweet tone of voice that you have right now is a trick,” I say.

“It is. You should run,” Annie says as she grabs my hand and pulls me away from Theo.

“We need to leave,” Emma laughs.

“I’m having so much fun watching Anika dig herself a hole though,” Rowansays with a chuckle.

We pull into thecourthouse parking lot, and I am a ball of nerves when Mia and I slide out of the back seat of Rowan’s truck. Theo, Annie, and Emma park beside us as I get out.

“Are you okay?” Rowan asks me as he stops me from walking by cupping my face. I shake my head and he wraps his arms around me. I glance behind him and see Isaac glaring at me from two rows over with Harper and my parents beside him. They are all staring holes in me.

“Fuck. Oh fuck. They’re looking at me,” I say to Rowan. He turns and sees them looking at me and promptly turns back and kisses me deeply. I relax against him, and he pulls away.

“Fuck them,” he smiles and takes my hand. Max looks at Emma and she nods.

“They can know about the three of you, but that’s it,” she says quietly. Max smiles and kisses me just as deeply before placing his hand on my lower back and we all walk toward the entrance. Just before we get to the door, I sense a presence behind me. Emma must also because she whirls around and steps between me and my dad.

“Stay away from my client. I do not like having to repeat myself,” she says. I literally hide behind Rowan and Max, afraid of my dad coming any closer. I know Theo is watching my reaction, but everything is automatic and driven by instinct.

“That is my daughter, and I will talk to her if I want,” my Dad nearly yells.

“Stay away from my client, Mr. Brooks,” she says as she turns back and motions for us to keep walking. I turn and walk with Mia this time with Rowan and Max behind me.

“Are you okay?” Mia asks.

“No,” I whisper. “I don’t feel safe.” She wraps her arm around my waist and holds me close as we walk in. I glance back and see Annie let the door slam shut in my dad’s face and I smile at her.

“He’s a prick,” she says.

We get through security and to the elevator but before the doors can close, Isaac stops the door from closing, and they all step in with us. Rowan pulls me to stand in front of him and Max stands between me and Isaac. I am shaking at this point but no matter how much they try to soothe me, I can’t calm down.

When the elevator opens, I push past Theo and Annie to practically run away. By the time they catch up to me, I am nearing hyperventilation. Theo pulls me off to the side and stands in front of me as Rowan and Max are at my sides.

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