Page 114 of Steel

“That’s not going to happen. Trust me, baby. I’ll kick his ass.”

“He’s rich. He’s powerful. He can have anything he wants. Why would he want my baby now? Why now?”

“Take a deep breath. I’ll find that out. I promise you.”

I knew he would. Somehow, I felt his need to protect both Damon and me. But we weren’t his responsibility.

His arms felt so good around me, so comforting and so protective. I allowed him the hug, even wrapping my arms around him.

Neither one of us remembered where we were.

“Lookin’ good,” Rock called from a distance.

I pulled away, wiping my eyes, even able to laugh. “Yes, you are.” I winked at Steel, who wasn’t my buying my attempt at making him jealous.

“Listen to me. You heard what Sheldon said about your vehicle.”

“Oh, come on. The insurance company ruled it was an accident, even with his concern. They had their own inspector. Besides, there’s no way Kenneth knew where I was at that point.”

“He discovered your private phone number. Why couldn’t he have decided to check the airport records?”

While I stared at him incredulously, he had a point. “I’m not going to believe him capable of trying to kill me.”

“Didn’t he just threaten you?”

“Not in so many words. But he’s determined to see me.”

Steel rubbed his hand down my arm. “Then we’re not going to allow that to happen. I won’t allow that to happen.”

I wanted to tell him that he wouldn’t always be around or that I could fight my own battles, but right now, seeing his determination and feeling his grit and anger fueled something deep within. An emotion that I couldn’t put my finger on. When I cupped his face, the heat exploding into my hand forced me to take a deeper breath. “You’re an amazing man, Steel. Just remember, you can’t always be my hero.”

He pulled my hand into his, bringing my palm to his mouth. “Wanna bet?”

“Children. I need you both over here. Let’s get this finished before we lose the light,” Prince called, quite annoyed with the two of us.

At least I could get back to work, which would take away some of the angst. But not all. I knew how Kenneth was when he set his mind to something. Another buzz of my phone caused a full-blown panic attack. This time, I ripped my phone into my hand and Steel was ready to blast Kenneth a new one.

“Wait. It’s a local number,” I whispered then lifted my head, searching his eyes. “Violet Livingston.”

“Ms. Livingston, I was given your number by Jameson Beckett. This is Amy Young from Blackstone Labs. I’m sorry but the people who purchased the puppy you found are ready to takehim to his new home. I’m afraid I’m going to need to ask you to bring him back.”

“Um… Of course. When do you need him?” My stomach was full of knots, swirling and bumping. This was sheer torture. I wasn’t even certain I’d agreed out loud.

“Well, tonight if possible. The owners are coming in from Colorado early tomorrow morning.”

My heart sank, every cell in my body on fire for all the wrong reasons. “I understand. We’ll drop him by. Thank you for giving us extra time.”

“Absolutely. I’m sorry it couldn’t have worked out differently, but I am very grateful for how much you cared for the little tyke. See you soon.”

As I hung up, I could no longer feel my legs. I held the phone to my chest, taking several shallow breaths. “The breeder needs Zorro back tonight. His rightful owners are coming to town in the morning. What am I going to do? I just…”

“Oh, babe. I am so sorry. I tried to talk her into allowing us to keep Zorro.”

“How am I going to tell Damon? His birthday is coming up in a few days. His birthday. He’ll be crushed.”

“If you want, we’ll do it together.”

Nodding, I looked away. “Why are things so cruel? We’re both happy here.”