Page 22 of Her Intense Protector

“It’s because of the threats we’ve had. We don’t want to take any chances.”

Now was the time to either throw in or pull out. She thought about Sharon and her toddler. She just couldn’t pull out.

Sam pulled her phone out of her large cross-body purse. She knew he wouldn’t be able to see the pictures or her can of mace because it was hidden behind the envelope of cash.

She sent up a little prayer as she considered the fact that she was on her street with wads of cash, her purse open, and a strange man taking her cell phone. Asher and Ezio would hate this if they ever got wind of it.

She needn’t have worried; Murray did nothing more than pocket her cell phone and open her driver’s side door for her.

“I’ll drive slow so you can follow me,” he assured her.

“Good to hear.”

Please say I’m doing the right thing.

8

Asher opened the front door, and Ezio was instantly on high alert. “What’s going on?”

“You’re not going to like it,” Ash whispered. “Come in and meet the crew.”

Ezio nodded at Eden then looked at a couple who seemed to be in the middle of an argument.

“Dammit Toni, I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at the situation.” The big man said to the small woman.

Toni perked up.

“Really?”

“Scratch that, I’m furious with you. What in the hell were you thinking? I know it’s your bonus, but letting Samantha run around with that kind of money in cash makes her a target, especially at a casino with a reputation like Goldy’s. Why didn’t you tell me about your douchebag brother?”

“That would be why, David.” Toni shoved her finger into the man’s large chest. “Because you hate Phil. You wouldn’t have any sympathy for him.”

“Seems to me, he doesn’t deserve any,” Asher said. “Walking out on his pregnant wife and toddler makes him lower than a worm.”

“You don’t know the demons that drive him,” Toni defended him.

“Samantha?” Ezio asked Eden.

“You’ll find out,” she whispered back her assurance.

“That doesn’t matter,” David interrupted. “What matters is finding Sam. The game has been canceled at Goldy’s. They say it is being held at a private club, but nobody is saying where.”

“Sam would have texted me unless she was in trouble,” Toni said as she bit the side of her thumbnail. “I’m really worried.”

“Okay, somebody needs to tell me what in the hell is going on,” Ezio interrupted.

“Who are you?” the big man asked.

“I’m Ezio Stark. I’m a friend of Samantha’s.”

“So are we. My name is David Ross, and this is my wife Toni. We’ve been friends with Sam for years.”

“Are you the Navy SEAL she went out on a date with?” Toni asked.

Ezio nodded. “What do you mean she’s in trouble?”

“Well…” Toni’s voice drifted off.