Page 51 of Obsessed Mr. O’Brian

His brows scrunch.

“She’s not usually bothered by loud sounds,” he states.

I think back on how many new people she’d been forced to meet in such a short time, especially after traveling and her seizure less than two days ago, and the overwhelming vastness of the conference.

“It wasn’t a usual situation,” I point out.

After a moment of consideration, he nods.

“How did the other two get involved?” he asks.

I swallow but all the moisture in my mouth is gone. Words burst from my dry throat.

“Lola grabbed my leg, I lost my balance and knocked into the lady. She said some horrible things and I… I got physical,” I finish lamely.

He quirks a brow. My mouth continues.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have. That was—”

“Scary, hot, and not at all your fault,” he says.

I swallow. Lola takes a deep breath and presses the side of her face against the wide expanse of flesh exposed by the plunging neckline. Under Artur’s coat with our body heat building, her breath feels more wet than warm, but I welcome the closeness as she finally starts relaxing.

What I did was probably more frightening than anything else. I exposed Lola to violence and embarrassed Artur in front of his entire industry.

“But I broke that woman’s fingers,” I argue.

“So? You protected Lola.”

His unexpected answer startles me into silence. Not an ounce of uncertainty shines from his stare.

“Don’t we need to go to the police station?” I ask.

“No, angel. I’ll take care of everything.”

“But… I hurt someone.”

I don’t know why I sound like I’m about to cry. I’d protect Lola again in a heartbeat.

“You did. I’m proud of you.”

I blink up at him.

“You’re proud of me?”

He gives Lola and me a squeeze before cupping the side of my face.

“I didn’t know angels could do the devil’s work. You were so vicious and precise. Where did you learn those moves?”

My heart pounds in pure delight as approval shines from his eyes, and I answer him with ease.

“Mr. Carter’s gym. Brook started self-defense classes eight years ago.”

“That kick will keep me on the straight and narrow for years to come. I’ll never cross you for fear of losing my manhood,” he deadpans.

“Snap kicks have always been my favorite. Brook uses me to demonstrate them. She says my speed and accuracy are the best she’s ever seen, and Summer says I’m as good with my nondominant leg as I am my dominant,” I blabber.

He widens rueful eyes and shakes his head.