Page 18 of A Very Grumpy Green Beret

Plus, he’s never done anything to hurt me. In fact, all his decisions were based on what I needed. He left his home as soon as I made it clear that I didn’t want him here, but only after he made sure that I was safe and cared for. He left me his car, his food, his money, his phone number.

He might have gone about things completely backward, but I’m not scared of Luca. Maybe I should be? But based on my upbringing, his behavior isn’t a massive red flag that makes me want to run. I mean, I’ve seen men take and use women purely for their own pleasure without a thought for what they want. I vowed never to be like that. With Luca, I wouldn’t be. I’d be his whole world, not someone to be used or manipulated. I’d be cherished and protected.

Loved.

I grab the paper with his phone number, toying with the corner as I debate if I should call him or wait and think it over more.

I’m reaching for the phone on his desk when a knock sounds on the front door. It has to be him. He probably needs a change of clothes since he left in such a hurry last night, and he’s being respectful by knocking.

My heart swells in my chest. I know I’m crazy, but I’m in love with him.

Guess it’s time to tell him.

I stand and hurry to answer the door, smiling as I swing it open.

My smile drops when I see who’s waiting on the other side.

9

Luca

I leave the house, but I don’t go far. I can’t bear to be apart from Perry, plus it wasn’t safe to leave while those men are in town. My pumpkin needs someone looking out for her, and no one is better for that job than me.

I sit on the ground, leaning against a tree, my eyes locked on my house for any sign of movement. I saw Perry go into the office earlier, but she hasn’t come out since.

Is she thinking about me? Does she miss me?

Movement catches my attention, and I stiffen when I see the black sedan creeping down the road toward my place. I know instantly that it’s the same men from yesterday. They must have spotted her and run my license plate.

Shit. I thought I had more time before they tracked her here.

I’m up and on my feet as they pull into my driveway and park beside my Jeep. Moving stealthily through the trees, I plan my attack strategy as the three men climb out of the car and prowl toward my place.

I emerge from the trees and position myself out of sight but close enough to act as they walk up the porch steps to the front door.

They knock, and I pray that Perry doesn’t answer. Maybe they’ll think she left already and move on.

I’m not that lucky.

My girl swings the front door open. I make a mental reminder to warn her against opening the door without checking who’s on the other side later as I hurry closer.

I see Perry’s smile of greeting wither, replaced by fear as she locks eyes with one of the guys.

“Bryan,” she chokes out, backing away.

“Miss me, bitch?” the man spits.

Rage slams into me. No one talks to my woman like that.

Bryan steps forward, shouldering his way inside when Perry tries to slam the door closed.

“Not going to happen,” I snarl, grabbing him by the back of his neck. I spin, slamming him into the porch railing.

“You fucking whor⁠—”

I slam his face into the wooden beam, cutting off his disgusting words. He drops to the ground. I turn as one of the other men raises his gun and points it right at me. Reacting instinctively, I punch him in the face, knocking him out cold.

I’m too late to stop the third man from pulling the trigger, and I grunt as the bullet pierces my shoulder, but I don’t stop. I can’t. Not until I know that Perry is safe.