Page 9 of Sizzling Nights

"Got it. If you're ready, I'll show you where everything is in the kitchen. You should feel free to make yourself at home."

She swallowed to wet her throat. This felt so weird. Her head spun from all that was happening. She hadn't even gotten sufficiently scared, other than to pack some things and start to leave. In her mind, that was more a resolute circumstance, than fear. She'd always told herself when they found her, she'd move on. It seemed natural.

"I don't think I'll stay long Marco. If they find me..."

"I'll be here to protect you."

"It's not your job to protect me."

"It is now."

"Why?"

He stood and moved close to her. She tilted her head up to look into his eyes, he bent his head down to meet her gaze.

"I've already told you. It's natural for me to protect. And I like you, so it adds a bit more to it for me."

"You can't like me enough to put your life at risk."

"I did it for millions of Americans I've never met when I was in the military. And over the past six months, I've gotten to know you a bit better than most. So, yes, I do know you enough to put my life at risk to protect you. And I think you're worth protecting."

Her nose tingled, signaling the threat of tears. A knock on the door made her jump. Marco put his hand on her shoulder and said softly, "It's okay. It's Mitch."

"How do you know?"

"Knock, space, knock, knock."

His hand on her shoulder was more comforting than she wanted to admit. He made her feel things. Sometimes her tummy felt like there were thousands of butterflies trying to get out. Sometimes she felt...comfortable. Sometimes she felt admiration for such a man. Right now, she felt grateful in so many ways. But she was also afraid. She could never repay him if he got hurt.

7

Marco opened the door to let Mitch in.

"Mitch, this is Theresa Miklovic. Theresa, Mitch De Mario."

Mitch stepped forward with his hand out and Theresa met him halfway with hers. They shook hands and Mitch got right to it.

"I brought one of my cars for you to use. It's in the name of my security firm, MitchCo."

"I hate to take one of your cars. You may need it."

Mitch chuckled. "I've got a few of them. Don't worry about it. I also have a secure garage on the edge of town where I keep them. Your car will go in there and be safe from tampering and them finding it."

"Thank you so much."

Marco watched Theresa's face as she processed all of this. He could see her bouncing between relief and fear. Mitch handed her keys to the car.

"If you come to the window, I'll show you your new ride."

She grinned and it was cute. Everything she did was cute.

He followed Mitch and Theresa to the window and viewed the car from above.

"It's the champagne-colored Buick. It's comfortable, new, and it'll get you everywhere you need to go. I have insurance papers in the glove compartment should you get stopped and need to show them, and I've put a letter in there with all of my contact information if the police need to confirm that you have my permission to drive it."

Theresa looked up at Mitch and smiled. "Thank you. I don't know how I can repay you."

Mitch grinned, then looked at Marco.

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