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She still didn’t want to tell him, but she knew that she had to.
“Rhodes said something about protocol,” he said. “He needed to see you, that it was protocol. And he seemed scared.”
“You know, perhaps we should speak about your need to procreate again,” she said, grasping at a different topic.
To her surprise, he turned her, grasping hold of her chin. “Rhodes might let you get away with avoiding topics or things you find upsetting, but I’m not your brother. If I ask a question, I expect an answer.”
Oh, if looks could kill.
Little Miss Cate might be a touch spoiled.
Not to the point of corrupting her. It was rather cute the way she started to build to a tantrum.
But that’s why he had to have a firm hand from the beginning.
And he knew why Rhodes spoiled her. It was obvious that she’d had a tough time growing up. Hell, she still had a rough time now.
However, that didn’t mean that she got to avoid the tough conversations.
He intended to spoil her as much as Rhodes. Maybe more.
But not when it came to something he wanted from her. When it involved health and safety, she wasn’t going to get her own way and keep things from him.
She wrinkled her nose at him. “That’s so mean.”
“Being cute isn’t going to get you out of this.”
“Most people believe I’m cold and rude.”
Ethan narrowed his gaze. “Most people are idiots. Who said that to you? Was it Samantha?”
Cate tilted her head to the side, studying him. “Why do you want to know? She’s gone now.”
“For research purposes,” he replied.
“You’re researching people who have said rude things to me?”
“Yes.” He could feel the darkness creeping over him. Most people didn’t know it was there. He was the calm influence when everyone else was going crazy. The person with good advice, who didn’t lose it.
Ever.
Unless there was a threat to someone he truly cared about.
“You have a dangerous side, don’t you, Ethan Stone?”
“Yes, I do. You can be very perceptive.”
Her face grew red. “Sometimes. Other times, I’m just as clueless as I seem.”
Ethan placed his hands over hers. She was so small. And cold.
“Jesus, baby. Your hands are freezing.” Worry filled him. It was his job to keep her warm and safe. Grabbing her blanket, he placed it over her, ignoring his own discomfort since it was actually hot as hell in there.
“Now, I need you to tell me what this protocol is about.”
She fidgeted. “I don’t really want to.”
“Why?”
