Page 10 of Bossy Hero

In the few times I’ve heard my given name since I was young, this is the first time it hasn’t set off a domino effect of traumatic memories.

Leo fights off a smile, trying to hide it under his giant paw. “Big Al, what about tonight? I don’t really want to leave her alone. But we can’t bring her back to base. Can we?”

“She can’t sleep in the barracks, and unless she’s got a valid visitor pass, we can’t get her in this late.” I check my watch. “And curfew is coming up.”

Shitty timing for this to happen. Our unit is on a strict curfew this week due to a pending mission I’m privy to. We could be deployed any minute. Any other week and Leo could stay in a hotel with her for the night.

I pinch the bridge of my nose as I play out scenarios, already knowing what I’m going to suggest.

Let’s be real. I knew it the moment we got here. That gnawing ache in my gut has been telling me to protect her since I caught sight of her in that damn booth. All battered and defeated. Yet hopeful.

Well, here goes.

“Leo, there’s a motel nearby where she can stay. You can take her car and head back to base before curfew. I’ll drive her to the motel, get her checked in, and ensure she’s settled for the night.”

And stay outside her room all night to ensure she’s safe.

But I don’t say that.

Instead, I explain, “Tomorrow, we’ll get her an access pass to be on base, where she’ll be safe. And we’ll push through an emergency leave request.”

I can get away with not sleeping on base despite curfew. But not my men. I don’t sleep in the barracks, and my CO won’t go looking for me tonight.

Lionheart’s eyes dart between her and me, the internal conflict evident in the click of his jaw.

I clap him on the upper back. “I’ll look after her.”

“Alan, I didn’t come to impose,” Madeline starts, her tone a fascinating mix of tender and firm.

“No, you didn’t, and you’re not. You came because you need protection. And we’re going to give you that. You’ll be safe with me.” I meet Leo’s gaze, instilling confidence into my tone. “You get back to base before curfew. I’ll take care of her as if she’s my own family. I’ll keep an eye on her motel room door all night long. You can trust me.”

“I know,” he concedes.

I swipe the check the server dropped off on my table along with the one gripped in Madeline’s fingers. “I’ll pay the checks. You two can discuss it in private.”

“Alan,” Madeline scolds me with just my name.

And Ireallylike it.

Fortunately, that’ll stay my secret since no one can see the grin I’m sporting while I’m speeding toward the cashier.

Ten minutes later, I escort her into the Holiday Inn with my hand on her lower back.

I really like that too.

Once I’ve got her tucked away safely in a room booked under my name, I exhale a breath of relief. If her husband is somehow monitoring her credit card activity, he won’t be able to find her since I paid for it. Regardless of her objections.

Her delicate hand braces against the doorjamb. “Thank you for your help, Alan. This was very kind of you. I’ll find a way to pay you back. Are you heading back to base now?”

My eyes catch the scratches on her wrists and forearms, the clear signs of a struggle. As if the cut on her face, black eye, and neck full of bruises weren’t enough proof.

That fucker will pay for what he’s done to her. One way or another, I’ll see to it personally.

“No,” I answer flatly. “I’m staying here.”

She cants her head to the side. “Are you getting a room too?”

“No. I’ll stay out here where I can keep an eye on your door.”

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