Page 49 of Raging Inferno

“We don’t know that either. There is nothing to suggest you are a target.”

“I was an honorary Cheerio.”

He ignored her. “Besides, if someone is after you, I’m not about to let you deal with it alone.”

Presley propped her fists on her hips. “Dominic, I’m a security professional, and I used to be in the military and a cop. I also carry a gun. Believe me when I tell you I can take care of myself.”

Dominic crossed his arms. “Be that as it may, you’ve got a bodyguard while you’re here.”

Anger flared quickly. Just because she was a woman, he thought she was helpless. Presley sprang forward and whipped his legs out from under him. She had one of his arms pinned behind his back before he hit the ground.

Presley leaned down to whisper, “I’m also an expert in Muay Thai. You think I can’t take care of—”

Bark, bark.

“Presley, what are you doing to my daddy?”

Presley sprang to her feet at the sound of Gia’s voice. Major thought they were playing. He pounced on Dominic and tried to lick his face off.

“I was demonstrating a martial arts leg sweep.”

“Dope! Will you show me how to do it?”

“Maybe sometime,” she hedged.

Dominic pushed to his feet. “Gia, it’s time for bed.”

“Dad, it’s too early. Can’t we watch one episode ofYou vs. Wild?”

“Gia.”

“Please? I know Presley won’t be here long. I want to spend time with her before she leaves.”

#

Dom stared at his daughter and her hopeful face. He had a hard time denying her anything, especially when he wanted the same thing: to spend time with Presley.

His gaze moved to the woman. He was exasperated with her but still wanted to kiss her more than he wanted his next breath.

She’d caught him off guard. Otherwise, he’d like to think she wouldn’t have taken him down that easily. It still chaffed his hide—and pride—that she’d downed him so fast.

“Take Major outside to do his business. I need to talk to Presley.”

“Okay!”

Gia ran to the door with the lab on her heels. Dom watched them, and when the door closed, he turned to Presley and pointed a finger. “That was devious.”

She lifted a brow. “What? You think an assailant always announces when they are going to strike?”

“I didn’t expect you to attack me in my living room.”

She shrugged a shoulder.

“Fine. You proved your point. You can take care of yourself. It doesn’t hurt to have a partner, someone to watch your back.”

Presley nodded slowly. “I agree with that. But my office offered to send another agent to help. Besides, I don’t want your daughter in danger.”

“Neither do I. That’s why I’m going to call Gia’s best friend’s mom and ask if she can stay with them for a few days. I have no doubt she’ll say yes. I could send her to stay with my aunt and uncle in Arizona, but I don’t want her missing school.” Plus, logistics would be too complicated. He wasn’t putting Gia on a plane alone and couldn’t escort her without leaving Presleyunprotected. Yes, he knew she could take care of herself, but not on his watch.

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