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Pete looked uncomfortable for a moment before putting his mask back in place. “I’m sorry, but I have explicit instructions.”
Of course he did. Because Liam was a control freak. Lucky for him, the warm and fuzzy feelings that overtook my common sense every time I thought of how he’d do anything to keep me safe pushed the feelings of annoyance at the disruption to my life to the back.
We made it outside, and as predicted, Vlad was double-parked, ignoring the angry shouts and honks from the disrupted traffic.
He heaved his large frame out of the car as soon as he saw me, and I braced for impact. He was bulky, and his hugs took your breath away. But they also meant he cared, so I held my breath, waiting for the inevitable.
That never came, because before Vlad could make it close, Pete tackled him to the ground, the two landing with a loud thud.
Rushing over to where they were now wrestling on the sidewalk, I cringed at the sight of Vlad’s fist hitting Pete in the side while growling at him. “What the fuck is your problem?”
Getting closer, but out of reach of their flailing arms and legs, I yelled to be heard over their grunts. “Pete, that’s my friend that I told you was picking me up.”
After looking like they might go another round, they released each other. Pete never took his eyes off Vlad, and Vlad looked ready to rip Pete’s head off.
Vlad made a big production of dusting himself off before turning his attention to me. “Fucking hell, what is going on?”
Vlad was a bloodhound when it came to secrets, so I decided I might as well tell him. “Pete is here to keep me safe.”
Vlad ground his teeth together. “You hired a bodyguard?”
I studied my scuffed boots, feeling like I’d done something wrong. “I didn’t. Freya’s family did.”
Vlad moved closer, and Pete matched his steps. “Fuck off, Captain America. I’m talking to my friend, not trying to kidnap her.”
I stifled a laugh. Pete was definitely Captain America’s younger brother, with his all-American good looks and broad shoulders.
Satisfied that Pete would remain where he was, Vlad came closer and then hugged me. “I’m sorry, but I thought for a moment there you said FreyaOlysses’sfamily sent you a bodyguard.”
He spat out my friend’s last name as if it were blasphemous to say it out loud. He’d always been wary of her but never so openly disgusted.
“That’s because I did.”
His eyes went wide, and then he lightly shook me, causing Pete to take a step closer.
I held up a hand to stop any more fists from flying.
“Stay where you are. I’m only trying to shake some sense back into my friend, not kill her,” Vlad growled, his attention never leaving me. “Do you even know who they are?” He shook his head. “She promised to never put you in danger.”
I never knew Vlad and Freya had ever talked. They usually watched each other from a distance. At least now I knew what the problem was. “What does it matter who her family is? She’s my friend.”
“Doesn’t mean you should get all chummy with her family. They’re dangerous. The last thing you want to do is get involved with them.”
If he knew how involved I was, particularly with one member of her family, he’d lose his marbles. But we’d go there when we had to. Liam and I were still so new, it could be over before the week was out. The thought made my stomach clench and my heart miss a beat.
Because even though I knew getting this involved with Freya’s family wasn’t a good idea, I seemed to be unable to stay away. And it scared me how much I missed Liam, even though he’d only been gone a few hours.
“It’s too late now. Someone tried to harm me and my business because of my connection to them. And now they’re trying to make it right.” I pointed at Pete. “Hence the bodyguard.”
Vlad released my shoulders and glared at Pete. “He can take a break while you’re with me. I’m perfectly capable of keeping you safe.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Pete said in a bored voice. “I’ll remain by Miss Lombardo’s side until the threat has been eliminated.”
Vlad huffed, then took my hand and led me to his car. “Fine. But she’s coming with me.”
Pete didn’t get a chance to protest before Vlad shoved me in the car, then gave Pete the finger.
“Was that really necessary?” I asked once he pulled back into traffic.
