Page 32 of Forbidden Protector

If Arnie isn’t lying to me, then that means…

Aimee’s loving smile flashes before my eyes.

No.

I squeeze my eyes closed with the effort it takes to push it down. I can’t deal with this. Not right now. Not when I need to get out of here.

Aimee.

Aimee will be able to explain everything when I find her. Right now, I need to just focus. I need to get out.

When I finally open my eyes again, Arnie seems to be torn between examining me from afar and approaching. There’s a kindness in his expression that plants the tiniest seed in my mind.

“Do you understand now why I need to take you to your brother?” he says carefully, watching my every movement.

With a jolt, I realize a more immediate truth.

Arnie is never going to let me go. Not until he has delivered me safe and sound into Connor’s arms.

The seed begins to take root.

“I don’t want to see him,” I protest again, allowing my tone to sound tired and weak.

Arnie throws me a genuinely sympathetic look.Not much of an actress, huh?I’ll show him.

“I know. But it is the safest place for you to be.”

“Am I not safe here?” I ask innocently.

“Yes,” he says with a frown. “But I’m only one man.”

“You seem fairly capable of managing yourself alone.”

I can see the moment the compliment registers as a flicker of a cocky smile spreads across his lips. Yes, this might be easier than I thought.

“That may be true, but your brother has a small army,” Arnie reasons, pragmatic as ever.

I finish the rest of my wine, making sure to swallow nice and slow. “Why does it sound like you’re trying to convince yourself as much as me?”

Arnie’s eyes don’t leave my throat. “I’m not.”

“Don’t you want me here?” I counter as I stand up slowly, allowing my hand to trail across the table as I approach him. Come on, asshole, take the bait.

“It’s not that… You’re welcome here at any time,” Arnie replies stiffly, watching my approach with an intensity that sends a small thrill down my spine.

I’m not sure if it’s a blessing that he’s so attractive. It certainly makes my job here a lot easier… But those hungry eyes of his feel like they might be able to paralyze me.

“Then why are you so keen to pass me off to my brother?” I say softly, coming to a halt in front of him.

“I get the feeling you might be more trouble than you’re worth.”

His crooked smile seems to bypass his restraint. Got him.

I sink into his lap, throwing a casual arm around his neck to steady myself. My breath hitches as our skin makes contact, and I feel him stiffen beneath me.

Oh.

Not now. Not now. Not now.

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