Page 12 of Protector Unmatched

“I’m gonna pay you back,” she blurted.

“That’s really not necessary.” He gave her a big smile, which made him look even more handsome. “I’m glad I could help out. Maybe one day you can do me a favor.”

His last word triggered something in her. Of course! It was the same word Guido had used only hours earlier. This was all a setup. Guido had sent this guy to watch her. Why else would he be helping her out? Perhaps it was a test. If this guy pretended to be a hero and was trying to ingratiate himself, then maybe they were testing if she would confide in him once he’d gained her trust. Clearly, whatever Guido and his crooks were planning was a big deal, or they wouldn’t go to such lengths to make sure she wasn’t going to sing.

Fine—she could play that game too. If this guy was indeed Guido’s henchman, then she would turn the tables on him. If she could get access to his cell phone or any other electronic device he carried, he wouldn’t even know what was happening. And once she knew where they kept her brother and how many people were guarding him, she could contact her probation officer so he could get the police to extract her brother from right under their noses.

She smiled back at Guido’s henchman. “I’m Daphne. And considering the cashier bagged our food together, why don’t I buy you a beer to go with your sandwich?”

He raised an eyebrow. “I thought you had no money.” He grinned. “Or was that just a ploy to test my chivalry?”

Wow, the guy was laying it on really thick! Way to use that charm and those baby-blues!

“I’ve got beer in the fridge.” She knew it was a risky move to invite him back to her place, but she also knew that Guido needed her to do this job. His henchman wouldn’t hurt her. If he did, he would jeopardize Guido’s plan. “Unless you don’t go home with strange women whose food you just paid for.”

His mouth gaped open.

Good, he clearly hadn’t expected her to be so direct. She’d thrown him off his game. If all of Guido’s associates were that easy, her brother would be home safe in no time—albeit with a missing finger. However, maybe that would be a lesson to her brother never to get involved with the likes of Guido again.

The stranger finally seemed to find his voice again. “Uh, actually, I’d love a beer with that sandwich.” He stretched out his hand. “My name is Pearce.”