We share a look because we know someone will try their best to find her. We’re talking about a company worth billions, onewho had been slowly expanding and had put forth a lot of effort to become synonymous with luxury and excess. When money is involved, people will go to extremes. Even though she’s over a thousand miles away from the company, that won’t matter.
“Duncan started looking into Luxe Notes once Fallon walked him through everything,” Blake keeps his voice low and I know I should be paying attention, but I’m find it difficult to actually do. “He’ll be putting together as much information as possible that we can use to persuade them to leave her alone.”
Duncan makes a sound filled with disgust in the back of his throat. “There isn’t a single person in the upper level of that company who is clean,” he growls lowly before glancing over at Fallon. “I’ve only scratched the surface, and I’ve already found plenty to keep the IRS busy. Who knows what other alphabet agency I’ll be able to get involved.”
“You’ll be taking care of them?” My question comes out growled.
The thought of the beautiful woman in my living room being in danger has my fists clenching and my vision taking on a red tinge. Putting her in danger, her being scared? It makes my gut churn in a way I’m not used to feeling.
Yes, I always wanted to be a good soldier while I was serving. I was committed to doing everything required of me to keep the people around me safe, whether my fellow soldiers or the civilians in any area we happened to be occupying. Still, it was a job, and it was never personal.
After only being introduced to this woman minutes ago, this feels very fucking personal.
Fallon’s eyes dart around the room, but there’s not a hint of judgement on her face. When her gaze focuses on the viewthrough a window on the backside of the cabin, her face smooths out into an expression that looks almost peaceful.
I’ve never wanted to be someone else’s peace before, but for her it’s all I want. I want to stand between her and danger. She needs to know that I’ll make sure she never feels the sting of violence; I won’t allow it.
I can’t.
What I can’t truly wrap my head around is how much deeper the need to protect her has burrowed its way into me. This is more than her being a client. This is visceral, bordering on feral.
It’s not just a matter of being willing to kill for this woman. It’s more. So much fucking more.
But I don’t understand it.
When I realize Blake and Duncan are quiet, I tear my eyes away from Fallon and look at them. The looks of amusement on their faces have me narrowing my eyes. When they both look toward Fallon, the desire to punch them both and kick them out of my cabin almost takes me to my knees.
I might not shy away from violence, but I don’t seek it out either. Wanting to hurt these men, who I know are both very happy with and owned by their women, is fucking weird.
I bark lowly, “What?”
“I know that look,” there’s a taunting lilt in Blake’s voice as he elbows Duncan in the side.
“I’ve worn that look,” Duncan teases with a big grin on his face.
I narrow my eyes at the guys and huff, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
When my eyes stray toward Fallon again, both men chuckle. The sound brings Fallon’s focus away from the window. Her gorgeous eyes meet my gaze, and a blush slowly starts to color her cheeks.
Fuck.
“Well,” Blake’s voice is filled with amusement, “I think we’re all on the same page. We’ll keep you updated on what’s happening on our end to ensure the right people know Fallon is off limits.”
“I’ll keep her safe,” I vow without looking away from Fallon.
Duncan gives my shoulder a squeeze. “We know you will.” He takes a step away from me toward the couch and I have to fist my hands at my side to stop myself from grabbing him and pulling him away from Fallon. “Fallon,” he calls out to her and her gaze snaps toward him, “I know it might not mean a lot from me, but I’m proud of you. You did the right thing and you’re going to be safe.”
Fallon swallows hard and nods. Her voice wavers, “Thank you, Duncan. Not just for saying that, but for being there in Spokane.”
“Didn’t want to be anywhere else,” he tells her with a soft smile on his face. He nods at her before turning toward me. Something in his gaze shifts and hardens. His voice drops to ensure only I can hear him, “Don’t hurt her.”
I rear back like he’s slapped me. “You brought her here to keep her safe. That’s what I’m going to do.”
“I wasn’t talking about the people after her. I’m talking about you,” he clarifies.
My mouth drops open before I snap it closed. When I look back over at Fallon, Blake is crouched down on front of her and murmuring softly. I desperately want to know what he’s saying to her, but I’m not close enough to hear.
Determination washes over me in a way I’ve never experienced it before. When my gaze swings back toward Duncan, he’s studying me closely. “Fallon is safe with me.”