Page 46 of The Last Call
Damn. Not the way to negotiate with him. He appreciates confidence and directness. I force myself not to whisper. “I mean I–”
“No, leone. You go with me. You’re always with me.”
I want to find comfort in his affirmation. I can’t. Not when I’m this freaked out. “I really don’t mind. Take all the time you need.”
He twists all the way around in the seat to face me. A hardness in his expression that means I’ve pissed him off. I’ve insulted him in some way. “You think I would leave you out here alone? That I would risk your safety?”
“But your men…”
His head jerks with one curt shake. Discussion over. If I was in my right mind I would argue until I couldn’t breathe. But as much as I don’t want to be anywhere near where I was attacked, I don’t want to be alone either. All I can do is nod and accept his hand after he slides out. Hoping he’s strong enough for both us tonight.
Stay here alone.
What the fuck?
My lion really has a lot to learn if she thinks I’d leave her exposed with all the enemies who know my vehicle and would question—and likely seize the opportunity to attack—the SUV left running in front of my club. My men are the best but that’s too much of a risk to take with her.
Her petite hand trembles in mine. Another reason to get her inside. Warm her up with a drink before I take her home and fuck the chill out of her. I tuck her small body against me as my guys clear a path for us through the crowd. Interrupting the dancers smashed together as the music pulses at deafening levels. Some of them too drunk or high to notice. While others gawk and nudge each other. My presence is a big enough deal alone to cause a stir. With her, they’re going fucking crazy. Especially the women. Jealous of her beauty and her place beside me. A clear message to everyone I’m officially taken.
I bypass my booth to keep prying eyes off of her. I’ve shown that she’s mine and that’s enough fucking visibility. Instead, I take her to the waiting area outside my office. Where she won’t be fucked with and will be easy to claim her as soon as I’m ready for her. Hopefully less than five minutes since that’s about all I’m giving Vladimir. Fucker will be sorry if he pushes my good will and my damn patience any farther. Any lenience he received from his father’s service to me ends tonight.
“I—I need to go to the ladies’ room.”
Her breathless request pulls me down to look at her gorgeous face. Unusually pale and lined with uncertainty. I’m not sure what the fuck is going on with her but as soon as I settle this other bullshit, I’ll find out. And fucking fix it.
I nod to Bex. “Straight there and back. No deviations.”
The guard nods and steps closer to her. “Yes sir.”
Almost as if hypnotized she follows his gesture to go first. Not arguing against my orders or accusing me of being an over-protective bastard. Something really is fucking wrong. Damn it. Now I’m even more pissed than I was before.
I shove open the door. Motherfucker leans against my desk with his ass on my papers. His arms crossed with a nonchalance neither of us believe. What he does believe is my fist connecting with his jaw. Stupid bastard slides across the smooth wood before landing on his stomach on the other side. Instantly rolling to his side and cupping his face like a pussy instead of a man. I don’t have time for his shit.
I drop into my chair and click on the monitors, pulling up the hallway. Catching Bex on guard outside the restroom. I keep my gaze locked on the screen waiting for her to appear.
“What the fuck Sabatini?”
That’s what I’d like to know. About her. Since I sure as hell don’t give a damn about him. “You’re a fucking idiot. I’m done talking to you. Get the fuck out of my office.”
“Done? We haven’t even started.”
“Even better since absolutely nothing you say interests me.”
The door finally swings open, and she just stands there. Rare timidity hunching her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she presses her fingers against her chest as if attempting to slow her heartbeat. Flinching and shying back when two guys passing by slow down and glance her way. Then she does what I never fucking expected again. She runs. Son of a bitch!
I haul ass over Vladimir still sprawled on the floor and race into the corridor. Adrenaline flowing like lava through my veins making me fly past Bex already chasing after her. I catch sight of her a few yards ahead of me and easily close the distance between us. Ready to tear into her for her disobedience when I jerk her around to face me. Until she crushes her shuddering body against me. Clutching my jacket and burying her face in the fabric.
“I needed you.”
Fuck me. She wasn’t escaping. She was searching for me. “I’m here lion.”
I engulf her. Trying not to smash her tiny frame in my arms with my own rage bellowing from my suspicions. “Did someone touch you or speak to you?”
“N-no.”
Good because I didn’t want to have to take the time to murder someone when I need to take care of her. Caressing her head and holding her tight, I give her all my heat, my strength, my love. Yet she still convulses against me. God damn it. I hate fucking seeing her like this. Genuinely frightened. Despite my protection and reassurances. I don’t know what or why but I will end it now. I will give her whatever she requires to feel safe. “Let’s go home.”
“Thank you.”
