Page 65 of Protected

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Later, at Supreme, Chelsey might’ve been monitoring the front desk, but her mind was still on Parker. They had a lot going on these days and it all played on loop through her brain, forcing her to think about everything but work.

This morning had been interesting, to say the least. The sex was amazing as usual, but there were moments since leaving home that Parker’s nightmare overshadowed those memories. Did it mean anything that the dream had recurred? Maybe all the work he’d been doing on theDestroy Wolfproject was starting to get to him.

The last few weeks, Parker had been busy at Supreme while also working with Rock, Angelo, and Kamora to make sure everything was on schedule in taking down Wolf. His days started early, and they sometimes ran late into the night. Was it all stressing him out? Or had something happened to trigger the dream?

Chelsey wasn’t sure, but she was worried. Mainly because of how the nightmare was making him behave. Parker was normally the most laid-back, fearless person she knew, but he told her he was afraid that something would happen to her. As if the dream would come true.

Before leaving home, she tried telling him that it was just his subconscious messing with him, but he didn’t believe her. He’d even had the nerve to tell her that he wanted to put security on her.

That still pissed her off, and she shot that idea down. How crazy would it look for her—a person providing others with protection—to have a security detail on her?

Nope. She could take care of herself, and that’s what she told him. But what started as a simple conversation had turned into a major disagreement.

“What’s on your mind?” Kenton asked, interrupting her thoughts. He was sitting next to her at the front desk. “You’ve been spacing out for the last ten minutes.”

“I’m still mad at you,” she said, though she was over his freak-out weeks ago regarding her and Parker’s relationship.

Kenton shrugged. “It’s not the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. It comes with the territory as a big brother. So what did Parker do to piss you off?”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “What are you talking about? He hasn’t done anything.”

“Oh, I figured your brooding had something to do with him.”

Chelsey debated on whether to tell him about Parker’s dream. Kenton could be a pain, but he was a good listener. Still, she didn’t like the idea of discussing her and Parker’s personal business.

Then again, her brother had experienced his share of nightmares. They’d started after one of his FBI assignments ended with the death of his confidential informant, as well as his partner. Kenton had almost died that day, too, and it took years of therapy for him to get his life back on track. He’d probably understand Parker’s frame of mind better than anyone. Maybe…

Her cell phone, that was sitting on the long receptionist desk vibrated, and she glanced at the screen. It was a text message.

Parker: I’m sorry, baby. I worry about you, but I know you can take care of yourself.

Chelsey placed her hand on her chest. God, she loved this man. Even though he was afraid for her life, he was trusting that she knew what was best for herself.

She sent back a quick text.

Chelsey: I forgive you, and I love you.

Parker: I love you more. TTYL

She grinned at the five heart-eyes emojis he added on the end of the message. Her big strong, manly-man sending emojis was too cute. Especially because he only sent them because she loved stuff like that.

“I guess you two made up,” Kenton said dryly as he rocked in his chair next to her.

Chelsey laughed. “Whatever.” She shoved her phone into her pants pocket.

“But seriously, despite how I acted, I’m happy for you and Parker. He's one of the good ones, and I know he’ll treat you right.”

Chelsey’s heart melted at her brother’s kind words, and she hugged him. “Thanks, bro. That means a lot coming from you.”

In their family she and Kenton were the closest in age. Growing up, he’d been her best friend, her confidant, and her protector. So his opinion meant everything to her.

“That doesn’t mean that I won’t kick his ass if he hurts you.”

Chelsey laughed and playfully punched him in the arm. “See, you had to go and mess up a beautiful moment with threats. But just so you know, if you lay a hand on him again, you’ll have to deal with me.”

“Ohhh, I’m so scared.” He mock-shivered. “You always did think you were all that and could beat up somebody.”

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