Page 27 of Danger

I follow the cop car, making my way to the police station. I call my father along the drive, letting him know the specifics, and to say he isn’t happy is an understatement.

“You’re supposed to be keeping himoutof trouble,” my father’s voice booms at me.

“I can’t keep an eye on him twenty-four seven. I was in the shower.”

“Monterey, do you realize how important it is to keep him out of the media?”

I chew on my lower lip, hating when my father treats me like a child. “Yes, I know the press will get wind of this and blow it out of proportion.”

I hear my father let out a controlled breath. “What exactly happened?”

I relay the fight as I saw it, and wait for my father to digest the info.

“What were they fighting over?” he asks.

I shrug, even though I know he can’t see me. “I don’t know.”

“Well, you do now. He was fighting for your honor. You make sure the story says you were there together and someone hit on you, or whatever, and Danger started the fight to protect you. I think that’s the only way we can spin this.”

I nod. “Ok, I agree. Once I get to the station I’ll make sure the details are worked out.”

I hang up with my father, wondering how on earth I can get the story to change from Danger just fighting at random for no reason at all, to saying he was defending my honor.

“Are you Monterey Grander?” the officer behind the counter asks when I step into the police station.

“I am. Is he asking for me?” The town is so small I’m pretty sure Danger is probably the only person in custody right now.

“We have his statement, he says he was defending you to a bunch of assholes.”

I raise a brow. “He did?” I can’t believe he thought to say that.

I’m impressed.

“No one’s pressing any charges, so we’re releasing him. You two will be on your way in the morning, right?”

Thank goodness. Crisis averted.

I nod, trying to keep my eyes from blinking rapidly. “Yes, sir.”

“Good. I think this man has had enough for tonight. Get him out of here.”

I wait another thirty minutes before Danger’s finally released to me, and my eyes widen when I see him.

He looks like he’s seen better days. The press will definitely be asking about how he got the black eye and cut upper lip. “Let me take care of you,” I say to him when I help him into the car.

“I’m fine. I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”

Stubborn man. I don’t know if I want to hug himorslap him…

He leans his head back against the seat and closes his eyes. “I just want to get out of here.”

I close his door and move around to the driver’s side. Before I start the car, I smile. “It was smart of you to say you were defending my honor.”

“I was defending it,” he whispers, not opening his eyes.

I pull away, not broaching the subject again. What a mess. Why does Danger feel the need to fight away his feelings? Was he really defending my honor?

I make it to the hotel, and lead Danger inside, needing to tend to his cuts and bruises.

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