Page 36 of Her Intense Protector

Too tired to argue, she rolled the window back up.

“How’d you find me?”

“Your phone.”

She nodded. She’d seen things like that done on TV, and Eden said the SEALs were crazy scary with what they could do.

“Why are you so angry?”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” He looked over at her as he waited at a stop light. “You could have gotten killed tonight.”

“You’re overreacting, I had things under control.” She kept her voice calm. It was the same voice she always used with her dad when he thought she’d pulled a crazy stunt. Seemed like Ezio was a worrier too.

“Samantha, you had nothing under control. There were men with guns, people running into the street, and when I found you, you were about to wade into a fight between two men.”

“But we got out of there and we were about to get into my car. Plus, I saved Toni and Phil’s money.”

“And your wrist? What about that?” He asked, his jaw clenched.

“That’s minor. I’ve had worse injuries on the volleyball court.”

“You’re telling me you had purple bruises in the shape of a man’s fingers on your body before?”

She flushed. “The light’s green.”

He moved the car forward, then took a left that would get them onto the freeway.

“Ezio, seriously I think you’re making too big of a deal out of this.”

“I suggest you don’t talk until we get to Asher’s.”

Samantha sighed.

* * *

Just looking at the bruises on Samantha’s wrist was sending Ezio into orbit. There was no way something like that should ever happen. What had she thought she was doing? And Toni? How did she have the nerve to put Samantha in such a precarious position to begin with?

He could feel the angst emanating off of Samantha the rest of the way to Asher’s place. Part of him wanted to make her feel better, but he knew he’d probably end up yelling. His younger siblings had pulled some stunts in their time, but nothing even close to this.

When his hands started hurting, he realized he was throttling the steering wheel, so he eased up. He glanced furtively over at Samantha. She was staring out the window, her jaw clenched. Okay, maybe she didn’t need soothing, maybe he was going to be in for a fight when he got to Asher and Eden’s place. Fine. Good. It would let him work off some steam.

When he pulled into the drive, he saw Eden’s Honda was already there. Asher had made good time. He probably didn’t want to be alone with the dumbasses any longer than he had to be. Samantha made a move to unbuckle her seat belt.

“Let me.”

“Thought you were mad at me.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t want to help you. Doesn’t mean I ever want you to be in pain.”

She sighed and smiled up at him. “Should have known that. I suppose you’re going to open the car door for me?”

His lip twitched. “Damn right.”

When he went around to the passenger door, he held out his hand and she used her left hand to grab it, her right leg coming out of the car first.

Ezio couldn’t believe his eyes. She was wearing garters. He was seeing garters!

Lord have mercy.