“I know you will keep her safe.” Alex stood. “Seriously, how is the leg?”
“Better every day,” Justin answered. “I’ll be back in the saddle before you know it.”
She stood.
Brandon’s eyes narrowed. “Shelby, listen to me.”
Yes, Sir. The two words vibrated silently on her lips as if they were meant to be there. She swallowed them instead. “I am listening.”
“Don’t talk to anyone about this,” Brandon said. “Not a soul. Understand?”
She couldn’t resist and gave him a salute followed by, “Yes, Sir.”
His eyes widened and his lips curled up into a sexy smile of amusement. She looked at the three men who were ready to fight for her, to keep her safe, to protect her from harm. They were tough, determined men. She believed they would get her out of this mess. But what about her heart? What mess would they leave it in once this was all over?
Justin put his arm around her. “Ready?”
“As much as I’ll ever be, cowboy.”
Chapter Nine
Shelby walked behind Justin into her home. “Aren’t you being a little silly about this? The attack was in Elko. Lucille wasn’t in Wilde. There’s nothing that Brandon told us that would lead me to believe anyone was coming for me. Stand down, cowboy.”
“Quiet, baby,” Justin said in a hushed tone. “I’m doing this sweep whether you like it or not, got me?”
“I get you, Justin.” Actually, even though it was crazy to think whoever was behind Lucille’s attack might be coming here to get her, Shelby’s mind had conjured up several images of exactly that, each ending badly for her. Having Justin look in every closet, under every bed, and even out the back door worked to calm her frayed nerves. “Were you ever in the military?”
&
nbsp; “Navy. One tour.”
The way he was acting made her wonder what kind of training he’d received. The thoroughness of his sweep was impressive.
“All clear,” he said after checking every square inch of her house.
“I’m not surprised,” she said, placing her keys on the countertop of her kitchen and seeing Justin sit down on her sofa. Clearly, he wasn’t ready to leave yet.
“Where are your roommates, Shelby?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Didn’t they leave you a text or a voice mail?”
“Nope,” she said, but still pulled out her cell to make sure. “Nothing. They might’ve left me a note on the dry-erase board.”
“The one on the inside of your pantry door?”
She smiled. “You didn’t miss much during your sweep of my place, did you?”
“I didn’t miss anything, sweetheart. The only thing written on the board is that you need milk. Why don’t you come sit beside me?”
“I’m not sure that would be a good idea,” she said, feeling heat spread out through her body. “Thank you for bringing me home. I’m here now. I’m sure you have things to do.” God, why was she pushing him away? Because it was the only way to protect her heart. “I’m safe here.”
“I’ll be the judge of that, Shelby.” He smiled and she felt her legs get wobbly. “Besides, I’d like to talk with you about something.”
“What?” she asked, and when his eyebrows rose, she wished she could take it back.
“Come sit by me, Shelby.” Then in a very non-Dom kind of way, he said, “Please.”