Page 11 of Savoring Her Snake

“I can help.” I scramble to pick up my things and shove them in my blazer pocket.

He smiles. “I got it.” He circles Levi’s waist, lifting him easily, and Levi cries out. He is pressed tight to Heath’s side.

“Levi, we are going to the hospital,” I explain, hurrying beside them. I frown when I see Heath grab a cane from beside the door before walking through it.

“Fuck that,” Levi growls. “I’ll be fine.”

“You're going,” Heath says casually.

“Fine,” Levi concedes quickly, and my frown deepens.

“Jules,” Heath says, and I look up from watching my brother's feet. “Walk on my right side.” I was prepared to lend a hand as I stayed beside Levi. I don’t question him and circle around them. “Thank you, darling.”

“You're welcome,” I say and shake my head. What is wrong with me? Sure, he is super sexy, and I love his silky voice. His skin is cool, but somehow, heat radiates from his body to mine. The black suit he wears looks expensive and fits his body in delicious ways. The door at the end of the hall opens, and a man steps through.

“Car’s ready, Boss,” he says. Hunter is muscled and is wearing a blue suit. His brown hair is shaggy. I would have admired him at any other time, but his boss holds my complete attention. “Do you need me to come?”

“Yes, Hunter,” Heath says as we walk outside. “Sit in the back with Levi.”

“Of course.” Hunter opens the back door and takes control of Levi, easing him into the back seat.

“I can sit in the back,” I say, stepping close to Hunter. I jerk when Heath grabs my arm and gently slides his hand down to mine, pulling.

“Sit up front,” he says, opening the passenger side door with the hand holding the cane. “Hunter has medical training. He’s better equipped to deal with it.” I think he just lied to me.

“Alright,” I say slowly. I let Heath guide me into the car. I sink into the seat, and he shuts the door firmly. Watching Heath walk around the hood, I question my reactions. I have no doubt the big man in the back has skills in the medical field, but I don’t think that’s why he wanted me beside him.

“Buckle,” Heath demands when he settles beside me, sliding his cane next to the console.

“Right,” I mutter, reaching for the belt. As I bring it over my body, Heath’s hand appears, taking it from me and connecting it to the buckle. His fingers graze mine and an electric shock makes my skin tingle. “Thanks.” He eases away and puts the car in drive. My attention splits from watching his hand on the wheel and his profile. I’m guarded, but nothing he has done suggests he will hurt me. I flex my hand. The effect of his touch should freak me out, but I’m curious.

“Hunter, this is Juliana,” Heath says as he turns onto the road. “You will always protect her.”

“Yes,” Hunter agrees.

“I need protecting?” I ask, thinking this is the weirdest night of my life.

“Yes,” he confirms, and I shake my head. What the fuck is going on?

“Sis, I’m sorry,” Levi says. I turn slightly in my seat, crossing my legs. “I shouldn’t have called you. I know you were working.”

“I’m glad you did.” I lay my hand between the seats. “Levi, you need to stop.”

“I know,” he says softly. “I promise.” I’ve heard those words a million times, but for some reason, this time, I believe them.

“Do you need a job?” Heath asks. As I turn back, his gaze slides away from my legs.

“I’m not working right now,” Levi says. He never went to college, so he’s only held random jobs, besides fighting in Heath’s club.

“Once you are healed, come see me. If you work for me, there will be no more fuck-ups,” Heath says, and I stare at him.

I wait for Levi to ask a follow-up question, but when it never comes, I say, “Why would you do that?”

“Because I can,” Heath answers.

“There has to be another reason,” I say, narrowing my eyes. He looks over, his gaze flicking down my body and then back to the road.

“I’m invested in his life now,” he states.

---