Page 2 of Billionaire Protector

Why indeed? It was a clever ploy – accusing her of the crime he committed. Yet it wouldn’t work. “What a coincidence. I was about to ask you the same thing.”

He shifted her closer, seizing all control. “Unfortunately for you, I have the advantage. You’re not leaving until I discover every last secret. Now let’s get a good look at you.” Without the slightest difficulty, her muscular captor turned her, giving her no opportunity to escape. It was so dark, she could barely make out his shape, much less defining features. Lightning flashed, nearly blinding in its intensity, followed by an explosion of thunder. The illumination cast by the lightning had been brief, but it had been enough.

Enough to see him.

Enough to identify him.

The next second, he released her like she was a demon from hell.

“Cole Carter?” she gasped as she stumbled back. She almost fell to the wet, hard cement, and would have, save for the man who captured her once more, steadying her, holding her,surroundingher.

He pulled her close. “Sarah? What? How?” His voice tightened. “Why?”

Lightning streaked across the sky, pure white webs against a black starless night. Thunder boomed as loud as the drums pounding in her skull. “Let me go,” she demanded, trading concern for confusion, shock and a dash of the unidentifiable at her captor’s identity. In more ways than one, Cole Carter was a dangerous man, but he’d never hurt her, at least not physically.She pulled to escape, yet he seemed no more inclined to let her go than before. He started toward the building – with her as his unwilling guest.

Absolutely not.“What do you think you’re doing?” She dug in her heels, yet the slick pavement was as slippery as an ice rink, as she twisted like an out-of-control skater. She pitched toward the wet ground, but just like before, he saved her an instant before she slammed into the hard surface. Suddenly she found herself hoisted up, up, up into capable arms. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Stop squirming,” he commanded. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“Really? Because it seems a lot less like protecting and more like kidnapping.” She struggled harder. “If you recall, you claimed the role of my protector before. I didn’t believe it then, and I sure as hell don’t believe it now. The only person I need protecting from is you.”

As artificial light illuminated the world, his features came into view, and she froze. She stared, blinked and stared some more. Then another two weeks or so of staring. It was like some massive cosmic joke.

How could the world’s most infuriating man be so damn handsome?

He was all romance novel hero plus movie star plus ice cream sundae with extra hot fudge and fresh whipped cream. With a tanned, chiseled face, a strong jaw and eyes of the deepest emerald, he personified a physical masterpiece, tall and powerful, commanding and dominant, with muscles that showcased all he could do. Yet, it was not a visage without substance, for beneath those green, green eyes lurked a deep intelligence and an understanding of the world… and of her.

Remain calm. Focus. Do not let him affect you.

He pulled her close, shielding her from the rain. “The only person you need protection from is yourself. That hasn’tchanged one bit. If it was up to you, you’d get struck by lightning just to prove a point.”

Lightning flashed, urging her to do just that. They reached the building, but he didn’t try to enter, instead bringing her under the covered walkway. She blinked the water out of her eyes and suppressed a chill, grateful to be out of the elements. Not that she’d ever tell him, of course, not when he’d carried her off like a modern day caveman. “Put. Me. Down.”

“I’ll think about it.” He smiled, that same slightly crooked grin he’d sported since first grade. Then the unimaginable happened, like a freak zombie attack, alien invasion and apocalypse tangled into one…

Her stomach did a somersault.

It was just a smile. Everyone smiled. Women, men, extremely attractive men, yet never, ever did one have the power to affect her like Cole Carter. It made her glare even harder. “I can’t decide what to charge you with. So far, the list includes arson, trespassing, battery, assault, false imprisonment and kidnapping. Am I missing anything?”

His focus burned into her. “Actually, I’m not sure. What else haveyoudone?”

“I’ve done absolutely nothing. And I’m assuming, neither have you, at least when it comes to fire-setting proclivities. Mr. Perfect wouldn’t dare litter, much less play with matches.”

Thunder flashed in his eyes, matching the real thing up above, casting the thrill of danger. Once upon a time, goading Cole had been one of her favorite pastimes; apparently the practice still held appeal.

He folded his arms across his expansive chest. “Not all of us consider criminal mischief their signature hobby. So now that we’ve concluded I’m not the arsonist, why don’t we discuss why you are?”

Stay calm and focused. Cops do not break the law to teach infuriating men a lesson.Breaking law = bad.So much was the same about Cole and yet so much had changed in the decade since their last encounter. He still possessed the same towering stature, the same muscular physique. His skin was still tanned and smooth, his face ruggedly handsome. He even had the same dirty blond hair, but instead of the surfer cut he rocked in high school, now it was shorn short, his face perfectly clean-shaven, even in the late hour. Of course, there was one major difference between now and the last time she saw him.

He wasn’t naked.

“So tell me about your current crime spree.” He snagged her attention. “Is it just for fun, or have you graduated to an actual reason to commit crime? Are you ready to go downtown and explain to the sheriff why you are scouring an arson scene in the middle of the night?”

For the first time since her tête-à-tête with the would-be criminal, a smile threatened. Just wait until he found out who she was. “That might be a little difficult.” She waved her hand with dismissive ease. Too much? Probably. “I’m assuming you haven’t met the sheriff.”

“The new sheriff? Not yet, but you’re about to. Would you like to explain yourself first?”

It was like her birthday, New Years and Christmas combined. “Why bother? You never listened before. By the way, thenewsheriff has been around for two years, and we’re fairly well-acquainted. In fact, I’d venture to say we’re very, very close.”

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