Page 29 of Falling for Her Protector

“I promised I wouldn’t tell,” Mikey shrugs.

“Being pussy whipped will do that to you,” Griz’s deep chuckle vibrates around the table.

“Hey!” Mikey and I both shout in unison. Lacey is off limits when it comes to shit talk like that and Griz fucking knows it. His hands lift in defense.

“Sorry boys, no harm meant,” he says with a broad smile still filling his face. “I gotta say, Pres. I never thought I’d see that day that you let one chick get under your skin,” he quickly returns to our original conversation.

“Me neither,” I admit.

And it’s true. This is literally the last thing I could’ve ever imagined when Vanessa appeared at the cabin door that night. But I let her in and made her mine and there’s no going back. There’s no doubt, I’m falling in love with her.

* * *

I tip my glass back and empty the contents, feeling the warmth of the amber liquid spreading through my chest. Pax misses his shot and I can’t help but chuckle at his reaction as I reach for the chalk. I rub it over the tip of my cue before setting the small cube back down on the edge of the table. I move around the table, taking in all the angles before leaning down to take my shot. The smooth cue slides between my fingers before hitting the center of the cue ball and sending it spinning into the four ball, dropping it into the side pocket.

“Fuck yeah!” I celebrate my shot pointing my cue across the table at Pax, who’s pouting, knowing that I can win if I sink two more. My laugh echoes through the room. It feels good to be here, having a relaxing night with my boys.

After sinking the final ball and taking the hundred out of Pax’s hand, claiming my winnings, I move behind the bar. I find Griz and Mikey deep in conversation as I refill my glass.

“Hey, babe,” Griz grins, turning on the charm as the door opens and Nina steps inside.

I haven’t seen her around for a while. They cycle through hot and cold on a regular basis. It looks like they’re back on at the moment. Her face seems to light up as she approaches and he takes a couple large steps, closing the distance as his arms pull her in. After a quick embrace, he releases her and she smiles back at me and Mikey.

“Hey, Nina. Welcome back. Haven’t see you around in a bit,” I greet her.

“X.,” she gives a simple nod. “How about pouring me a drink while you’re back there,” she smiles.

“No problem. What would you like?” I question with a playful grin. I’m in a good mood tonight.

“Vodka tonic,” she says, climbing onto one of the bar stools. I quickly pour the drink and slide it in front of her.

“Thanks,” she says as Griz drops his lips to her ear, whispering something only she can hear. Her face flushes and I can only imagine what the smooth bastard might be saying. Griz has always been a charmer with the ladies, but Nina is the only one he seems to be attached to.

She lifts her drink from the bar and slips from the stool, taking Griz’s hand and following his lead. Her head turns and her eyes light up when the door opens. Lacey steps inside and following closely behind her, is my girl.

Vanessa’s long brown hair melts like chocolate down over her shoulders and she completely takes my breath away. I knew they’d show up eventually, but the surprise of seeing her sends my heartbeat into overdrive, as it thumps rapidly against my chest. Her eyes lift to meet mine and she gives a shy smile making me want to scoop her up and throw her over my shoulder.

“Hey, Lace,” Nina turns towards the girls and away from Griz, who releases an audible breath as his eyes roll. He was on his way to his bedroom, but now that plan is shot.

“Nina!” Lacey skips forward, throwing her arms around her and gripping her tightly. “I didn’t know you were going to be here,” she smiles.

“It was a last-minute decision,” Nina offers, giving a quick glance back in Griz’s direction. “Who’s your friend?” she asks nodding in Vanessa’s direction and I immediately step out from behind the bar. I know Nina is a friend, but my protective instinct has switched into high gear.

“This is Vanessa, my new roommate,” Lacey offers a simple response.

I move quickly, stepping close enough to take hold of Vanessa’s hand, pulling her in close to me. She breathes out, seeming to feel the same relief I’m feeling now that I have her close again.

“It looks like she’s more than your roommate,” Nina observes looking at Lacey before focusing in on me.

“Oh, she is,” I speak up and her eyebrows raise in disbelief.

“Wait a minute. Is this the girl from the woods? The one who showed up at the cabin?” Nina asks flippantly and I feel Vanessa flinch at the words. Fuck. I don’t want that to be the image that people have of her.

I offer a clipped nod in response before turning to face my girl. I touch her chin, lifting her gaze to meet mine. The shiny glaze coating her eyes completely crushes me.

“We’re going to my room,” I announce, starting to walk from the room with Vanessa’s hand still clutched in mine. I ignore the sideways looks we get as we leave. She’s quiet as we make the quick walk down the hallway, and I don’t blame her. I flip the light on as we step through the door, then I close it behind me with a sharp click.

“I’m sorry about that,” I start, but the look on her face is devastating.

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