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Anthony frowned. “What are you stressing over, sweetheart?”

Her cheeks grew red. “It’s nothing.”

Sierra shook her head, and Anthony took the hint. “Let’s go.” He cupped her elbow.

“Thank you, Master Max,”

“You’re welcome,” Max said before glancing at Anthony. Max dropped a kiss on Kaley’s forehead. “Get some rest.”

“Yes, Master Max.”

“Thanks, Max,” Anthony said, then led Kaley out of the club and over to his SUV. The parking lot was almost empty. He opened the passenger door and helped her in.

She’d already fastened her seatbelt when he climbed behind the wheel. He started the engine. “It will take a few minutes to warm up.” He noticed her shivering.

“I’m fine.”

He didn’t argue with her, but they’d talk about her saying she was fine when it was obvious she wasn’t.

“I’m sorry,” she said softy as he drove back to town.

“About what?” He glanced at her. She was twisting her fingers together.

“Falling asleep on you. And keeping you up so late.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” He took one hand off the wheel and captured her hand in his. “But I would like to discuss your work schedule.”

Her sigh was loud, and she clamped a hand over her mouth.

Anthony chuckled. “I’m hoping that wasn’t an annoyed sigh.”

“No.”

He glanced at her.

“Okay, maybe.”

“I couldn’t miss how exhausted you are.” He squeezed her hand.

“I’m usually not like that. This was just a super busy week and...”

“And, what?”

“It’s a work thing and I have it under control.”

All of his protective instincts came to life. “Tell me.” His fingers tightened around the steering wheel.

“I had to fire a client today. He was being a total ass, making comments that were thinly disguised sexual harassment, and he kept invading my personal space. Non-negotiable. I fired him on the spot.”

Anthony ground his teeth together to stop himself from demanding the man’s name so he could go teach him some manners. “I want to punch the guy.”

“After the way you handled Junior, that’s why I wasn’t going to say anything.” Her fingers tightened around his. “But since we’ve started seeing each other—even if casually—I wanted to be honest.”

His anger drained away. She was protecting him. “Thank you for telling me.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. Time to change the subject. “Why didn’t you beg off the club?” They’d talked about Saturday night at the club all week. “I wouldn’t have minded.”

“I wanted to honor my commitment to Max.” She shifted in her seat.

“Max would have understood.”

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