Her Protector

by Rianna Campbell

  “No worries, love.” He soothed, rubbing her back. “I’ll keep you safe.” Somehow, Alexandra believed him.

  ✽✽✽

  Connor could have kicked his own arse for making a promise he knew he might not be able to keep. After all, he’d failed before and he could fail again. But he couldn’t fail this time. Alexandra had been through something no one should ever go through. She’d survived all of it and came out the other side a strong, vibrant woman. He wouldn’t let anyone put her through hell again, even if it killed him.

  He’d given Sam Whitmore’s name after the initial meeting, but he’d been focused on Alexandra and hadn’t pushed him for more information. That had been a mistake. Now, more than ever, he wanted to know where that shitheel was and what he was doing.

  The note he’d found on his windshield when he’d walked Archie out had put matters into sharper focus. He was quietly furious, mostly at himself. He’d been too busy thinking with his dick to do a proper job of… his job. He needed to find out who was behind all this and make them go away, one way or another, before he could focus his attention fully on Alexandra.

  He’d have suited up and checked out the neighborhood, but the condensation on the note indicated it had been left hours ago, possibly in the middle of the night. Whoever left it was long gone by now.

  Alexandra’s phone rang and he reluctantly released her so that she could answer it. She winced slightly but accepted the call.

  “Hi, mom.”

  Connor raised his eyebrows but she shook her head slightly.

  “I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy with work trying to tie up loose ends before I leave for London that I’ve hardly had time to breathe.” There was a pause before she continued. “Um, yeah. Maybe. I mean I’m flying out Saturday afternoon, so I’ll have to pack and stuff on Friday night.”

  Alexandra got up, as if unable to keep still. She toyed with the ends of her hair and then went to the oven to check on the heavenly smelling breakfast she’d been making when he found her earlier. Apparently it was ready, because she pulled it out and set it on the stovetop to cool as she listened to her mother on the phone.

  “Okay, okay. I get it, Mom. It has been a while since we’ve had a girl’s night.” Her gaze flickered over Connor uncomfortably and he understood the issue. She wasn’t sure how to explain him to her mother. Being estranged from Mr. Hughes, she may not know what was going on if Alexandra hadn’t told her. Considering how adament she’d been about keeping the situation under the radar as much as possible, he’d bet she hadn’t.

  “Why don’t we have dinner here? I can cook and you and Amanda can help me pack.” Another pause. “Okay. I’ll see you then. Love you.”

  Alexandra ended the call with a sigh and rolled her eyes.

  “You haven’t told your Ma, have you?” Connor asked.

  “No.” She said miserably. “And I made Amanda promise not to tell her, either. She doesn’t need to know, she’ll only worry. But I hate lying to her, you know?”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “I mean lots of people lie to their parents. Hell, it’s practically a requirement when you’re a teenager. But I’ve always hated doing it. I just knew if she ever found out she’d be so disappointed in me and that was my biggest fear. Still might be.”

  “Ah, the ‘I’m not mad, I’m disappointed’ parenting style.” Connor nodded sagely. His father was that way whereas his mother, when she’d been around, had just gotten angry and screamed the house down. He didn’t know which hurt more, his mother’s anger or his father’s disappointment, but the latter definitely worked better at keeping him in line.

  Or perhaps that had just been because his father seemed to genuinely care about him in a way that his mother never really had. His mother had loved him, he knew that, she’d just loved herself more.

  “Exactly, although it was mostly self-imposed. They weren’t cold or anything. They made it clear they’d love us no matter what, but they were both so… capable. I didn’t want to let them down. They didn’t push us to achieve greatness like so many parents do, but they made it clear they believed we could. I love them so much for that, but it makes it hard to fail without feeling like a failure.”

  “You felt like you had to justify their confidence in you.” Connor said. She gave him a wide-eyed stare and then a small disbelieving smile.

  “Yes. How did you know?”

  Connor couldn’t help but grin. He shrugged and sipped his coffee. “I’m not just a pretty face, you know.”

  “Clearly.” She said with a wry smile. “But, your face is very pretty.” She blushed as she said it, but her smile turned coquettish all the same.

  “Pretty?” He scoffed.

  “Your word, not mine.” She pointed out. He laughed.

  She sliced and served breakfast and he marveled at how something with just a few ingredients could taste so good. He was no slouch in the kitchen, but he cooked out of necessity and as such his meals were basic at best.

  Alexandra smiled and blushed at his effusive praise and he had a mind to haul her back upstairs and spend the rest of the day making her blush over and over again. There was something about her that just had him totally addicted. He hadn’t had so much trouble controlling his impulses since he was sixteen and raging with hormones.

  Still, there was all that she’d told him that morning. It didn’t change how he felt about her in the slightest, but ever since hearing her story, he’d had a feeling he couldn’t shake. He’d already texted Sam and told him to make Lucas Whitmore his highest priority.

  He wondered if he should mention the possibility that Lucas was involved in her current situation. She hadn’t seemed to connect those dots and he didn’t want to drag those memories back or make her more afraid that she already was. He understood how difficult it could be to relive a traumatic event. She’d been brave and strong this morning, but there was no point in bringing it up until he had more information to work with.

  “So, after you’ve conquered the laundry,” He teased as she pulled a load out of the dryer. “What’s next on the agenda for the day?”

  Alexandra gave him a coy smile and set the basket on the table. She leaned over him, placing a hand on each arm of his chair. His gaze immediately went to her mouth as she gently bit her lower lip. She looked up at him through her lashes and he swallowed convulsively, wanting nothing more than to claim that hot mouth. For a start.

  “Something very exciting.” She breathed, smiling that seductive smile at him. “Something… indulgent.”

  “What’s that?” He asked. His voice was rough even to his own ears. She leaned over and whispered into his ear.

  “Mani Pedi.” She whispered.

  What?

  She leaned away from him and gave him a gamine grin. She laughed at his confusion.

  “I had to promise to take Janie out to get our nails done to make up for missing our workout yesterday.” Alexandra explained.

  “Naughty wench.” Connor growled, smiling. He stood abruptly and gave her a smacking kiss. “You’ll pay for that later.”

  “Is that a threat?” She asked, breathless. Her eyes narrowed but her smile and her blush betrayed her.

  “A promise, lass.”

  Connor followed Alexandra’s directions to the nail salon where he waited impatiently, flipping through the only decent magazine in the place. He kept an eye on the door while he corresponded with Sam via text to see if he’d made any progress. Sam had been snippy, telling him that it was a process, and these things took time, blah, blah, blah.

  Connor sat, watching Alexandra laugh and chat at the far end of the salon, sitting in some crazy chair with a footbath attached. He was glad they were in the back and away from the windows, but he would have loved to know what they were talking about. Especially when their glances darted in his direction more than once.

  He’d been trying hard not to replay the events of last night, and this morning, but he was finding it difficult. It had been a w
hile since he’d been involved with anyone, and he really liked Alexandra. A lot. He should be focusing on the job, but getting close to Alexandra had made it difficult to concentrate.

  He not only spent time thinking about her that he should have spent focusing on his surroundings, but he was also emotionally invested in her safety, which took away the cool detachment and objectivity that was crucial to doing the job well. Emotions were messy. They caused mistakes and mistakes could cost lives. He’d learned that the hard way.

  “What do you think?” Alexandra asked, sidling up to him with a hand extended. Her nails were short, square and painted mint green. The shade was subtle, feminine, but striking and unexpected. And it sparkled.

  Just like her.

  “Brilliant.” He smiled. “Suits you.”

  “Thanks. My toes match.” She added in a whisper. Janie joined them and Connor frowned.

  “Didn’t you have yours done?” He asked, puzzled. She nodded and held her hand up by her face. The nails looked like natural nails except maybe smoother and shinier. “Looks like you got swindled, lass. They didn’t do a thing.” Janie laughed.

  “It’s supposed to look natural, but better. I like to keep my nails and makeup natural, as if my beauty is effortless.” Janie tossed her red mane for emphasis and Connor laughed. Oh, yeah. He liked Janie. She was a spitfire.

  “But, my toes don’t match. Those are fire engine red because in this weather, if a man sees my toes then the jig is already up.” She winked and Connor laughed again.

  “Janie, heaven help the man who sets his sights on you.”

  “Damn right.” She agreed with a smug smile. “Speaking of which, I’m off.” Janie waggled her eyebrows and waved over her shoulder as she sauntered out of the building.

  “She on the prowl again?” Connor asked, surprised. Just last week she’d been hot for some drummer.

  “Perpetually.” Alexandra sighed. “But hopefully, not for long.”

  “What does that mean?” He asked, warily.

  “Nothing.” She said, winding her arm around his. “Now feed me, I’m starving.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The rest of the week passed in a blur. They’d ordered in and eaten in front of the TV while the new security system was installed on Sunday afternoon. Connor had gotten a call from his sister Sunday evening and reluctantly left, promising to call her Monday afternoon.

  They spoke on the phone several times throughout the week, but they’d both been busy with work and Alexandra was preparing for her trip. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a full week off. She was really looking forward to it, despite having the Doom of Damocles currently hanging over her head.

  Still, even with good reason for the separation, by Thursday Alexandra really missed Connor. She had enjoyed spending time with Jackson and getting to know him better. They apparently both had a misspent youth listening to punk bands and they both enjoyed detective novels. She also enjoyed his sense of humor and how much he clearly cared about his family, who he was looking forward to seeing for Thanksgiving this year.

  She’d even managed to pry a little more information out of Parker. He had served with Jackson in the Marines and having no family, he’d come to New York when he left the service and they’d ended up working together. He was very self-contained and didn’t volunteer much information. He seemed to be uncomfortable talking about himself, almost as if he were shy.

  He was a puzzle, but Alexandra loved a good puzzle. Besides, Amanda had asked about him after dinner Friday, and again on the phone Monday. What kind of big sister would she be if she didn’t do her due diligence?

  Sam was polite and witty. He and Connor had served together in the Army and they had reconnected two years ago after Connor started his own company. He was easy to talk to about a variety of topics and she found him well-informed and highly intelligent. She wondered idly if she should set him up with Charles.

  She wasn’t sure when she’d decided to be a matchmaker, but maybe she’d just never had the opportunity before. Her social circle had always been small, and it had only gotten smaller over the years. She worked long hours most of the time and, with the exception of Charles and Janie, she didn’t spend a lot of time with her co-workers out of the office.

  She’d certainly never suddenly found herself with a plethora of male acquaintances, especially hot ones. It felt selfish not to share them with the eligible females, and male, in her life. She’d introduced Janie and Amanda to the guys, and she’d offer a little nudge here and there, but she didn’t want to get too involved. She decided that if the opportunity came up, she’d introduce Sam and Charles and let them take it from there if they were interested.

  Dear God, do you have nothing better to do?

  Honestly, she didn’t really. She should, but she’d managed to settle the case that she’d cleared her schedule for this week, and she couldn’t start anything new when she was going to be out of town for the next week.

  She buzzed Janie, just to be sure. Janie came in and settled into the chair in front of her desk, sitting primly on the edge, legs crossed, steno pad ready. She had no idea anyone even used those anymore, but Janie said she liked old school pen and paper versus a tablet. She didn’t trust technology not to crash a crucial moment. She backed everything up multiple times a day. And kept extensive hand written notes.

  “You rang?” Janie prompted.

  “What am I working on right now?” Alexandra asked.

  “Not a thing. The settlement agreement was finalized on Wednesday in the Diaz suit. We’ve already prepared and filed our Answer to the Holland Summons & Complaint, as well as the Motion for dismissal on the VanDerBurg case.”

  “What about the pro bono stuff?” Alexandra asked. She tried to volunteer her time when possible to help out at several local community centers, mostly tenants rights and helping people file insurance claims or fill out small claims court paperwork. It wasn’t much, but she liked to think she was helping people who needed it the most.

  “Miracle of miracles, they didn’t need you at any of the centers this week. Apparently they had all the volunteers they could handle right now, but they want you to keep calling.”

  Alexandra nodded.

  “Are you… bored?” Janie gasped in mock horror.

  “Yes. It’s… weird.” Alexandra admitted, fidgeting in her chair. “Stay and talk to me for a minute. What’s going on with you? Any luck on the meat market?”

  “No.” Janie huffed, slumping back in the chair. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately. I’m just not feeling it with anyone.”

  “Maybe it’s time to cast a wider net. Someone outside of your usual type.”

  “Maybe.” Janie said, chewing a manicured fingernail.

  “Cut that out. That cost you sixty dollars!” Alexandra scolded.

  “Shoot, you’re right.” Janie gasped, examining her nails. She put her pen in her mouth to chew on instead.

  “What did you think of Connor’s friends?” Alexandra fished. She’d been dying to know, but she didn’t want to ask and make things weird.

  “Are you sure he isn’t a Chippendales dancer? I mean yikes. All his friends are crazy hot.”

  “I’m sure.” Alexandra laughed. “But I know what you mean. I wonder if he requests head shots with his employment applications.”

  “Ooh, you don’t think he’s secretly gay, do you?” Janie grimaced. “Remember Greg?”

  “Ugh, please. I’d rather not.” Greg had been one of Janie’s boyfriends for all of a minute and a half. It ended badly when Janie found him canoodling with his ‘business partner’ one afternoon. “But trust me, Connor certainly is not.”

  “Ooh, spill. Details, woman. I’m in a dry spell over here.”

  “Nope. My lips are sealed.” Alexandra smiled, despite the fact that her skin felt too tight at the prospect of discussing details of her sex life. She didn’t want to get into it. She loved Janie, and she knew logically that she wasn’t a j
udgmental person, but she just couldn’t get past the fear of being humiliated. It was irrational, and she knew it. Girlfriends discussed this sort of thing all the time. It wasn’t even as though Alexandra participated in some sort of aberrant sexual behavior or bizarre fetish that she’d have to worry about.

  Sex with Connor had been… amazing. Intense, spontaneous, mind-blowing, but in no way deviant. Part of her wanted to gossip, and maybe brag a little about Connor’s prowess but that fear of humiliation still paralyzed her.

  “You are such a bummer.” Janie pouted.

  “I think Parker is probably the hottest, aside from Connor.” Alexandra mused, trying to get back to the topic at hand.

  “He’s hot alright. He’s got that bad-boy biker vibe with the tattoos.”

  “Sam’s got that All-American boy next door thing going.” Alexandra added.

  “Yeah, hot, but a bit boring.”

  “Jackson is sort of a sexy lumberjack type, I think.” Alexandra surreptitiously eyed Janie.

  “He’s okay.” Janie shrugged, looking at her nails. She even glanced at Alexandra’s bookshelf, and then pretended to pluck lint off her skirt. Decidedly un-Janie-like behavior. She was always direct, and honest, especially when male beauty was concerned. Jackson was objectively handsome. There’s no way any woman would consider him merely ‘okay.’

  “You like him.” Alexandra gasped.

  “What?” Janie blushed. Janie never blushed. She could have a conversation about fellatio in front of a group of elderly churchgoers and not blush.

  “You do. I can’t believe it.” I can’t believe I was right!

  “Shut up, would you?” Janie hissed, but she couldn’t help a goofy grin from spreading across her face.

  “Janice Joplin Carpenter! You’re being shy?”

  “I am no such thing, Alexandra Matilda Hughes. Now, if there’s nothing else you need from me, some of us have actual work to do.” Janie huffed. She stood, hands fisted at her sides, spine stiff, and walked out, closing the door firmly behind her.