Page 54 of Her Intense Protector

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Ezio left Samantha in the conference room and then did a conference call with Leo and Asher and explained what was going on.

“Samantha needs me to go over to her apartment to pick up her stuff, and I’d like one of you as back-up when I go over there.”

“I’m in,” Leo said.

“In that case, I’m out,” Asher said with reluctance. “Eden’s brother Pete is in town early. I really want to spend some time with him. I want to hear what he’s doing over in Vegas.”

“Oh yeah, he owns and operates Force-Tactical in Vegas,” Ezio remembered. “Former Green Beret lost his leg overseas and started that training center run entirely by disabled vets that does firearms, martial arts, and combat training. I want to meet him.”

“Me too,” Leo seconded.

“I’ll see if we can have some kind of barbeque or something over at our house before Pete leaves and get the team together.”

“Perfect,” Leo enthused. “So, what time do you need me, Stark?” Leo asked Ezio.

“Probably four or five hours from now. I’ll give you a call when she’s sprung.”

“Great, see you then.” They all hung up, but Ezio was not surprised when his phone immediately rang. It was Ash.

“Yeah?”

“You just fooling around with her?”

“Jesus, Asher, that’s kind of personal, isn’t it?”

“Nope, it’s not. She’s Eden’s best friend. That means she’s under my protection. She was basically dumped at the altar almost a year ago. Eden says she’s not, but I think that underneath Poker Playing Polly, she’s still fragile and I don’t want you just fucking with her.”

Ezio took a deep breath. He was new to this team. Asher had only known him for roughly nine months, so he didn’t know him. This was fair. Didn’t mean it didn’t piss him the fuck off. But it was fair.

“Asher, I might be Italian, but unlike the rest of my family I really don’t wear my heart on my sleeve. I take my time and use my head in situations like these. Samantha’s admitted where she’s at right now. So, I plan to take things slow with her. I want to make sure we’re both on the same page before we jump into anything that leaves either of us hurt. So, to answer your question, if this moves forward, I would be just as invested as she is. But that’s as much psychobabble bullshit you’re getting out of me. Are we clear?”

Asher gave out a big laugh and Ezio cringed. “Oh, we’re clear as glass, my friend. Clear as fucking glass.”

“Asshole.” Ezio hung up the phone.

* * *

“Guys, I still don’t know why you brought my drafting table here.” Samantha stood in Ezio’s house and looked at all of her stuff taking up a quarter of his living room.

“This took us less than an hour to do,” Leo said for the third time. “Ezio doesn’t mind, so why should you worry about it?”

She turned to look at Ezio. “But I’m invading your space.”

He shrugged. “Samantha, you could be here for a week. You need this for your work. This is no big deal at all.”

She put her hands on her hips and looked from one determined male to the other. Then she realized she would get nowhere. “Fine. In that case…” she walked over to Leo and gave him a big hug. “Thank you, Leo.”

She could feel Ezio behind her and his tension was mounting. She released Leo and turned to Ezio and put her arms around his neck. “And thank you soooo much, Ezio. I couldn’t think of anyone better to be staying with.” As soon as she said those words, it was like she unlocked something inside him, because he immediately relaxed and grinned.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” He dipped down and gave her a light kiss.

Yep, he was definitely staking his territory, and she liked it.

“Samantha,” Leo started.

She turned around to look at him, but Ezio kept his arm permanently planted around her waist.