* * * *
“What about Lauren? What are your plans to get her to trust you and allow you to protect her?” Mary asked.
“That’s up to Lauren. We’ll do our part to prove she’s innocent because that’s what Dmitri wants us to do. We can’t force Lauren to let us protect her, but that doesn’t mean we won’t,” Harper said, knowing that he had strong feelings for Lauren and spending time with her was more than just a business priority.
“Maybe I can get her to understand your positions? Perhaps a push from me might help?” Mary suggested.
“It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t want our protection. She has it fully now. That was Dmitri. The Tenth Street gang just put an official hit out on Lauren and anyone protecting her,” Galvin said.
Harper’s chest tightened.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Mace asked.
Galvin looked grim as he shook his head.
“Harper, follow Mary back to her estate and have Lauren pack her things then bring her here. She’s staying with us and under our protection. If she resists, gag her, tie her up, do whatever you need for her to cooperate and to get her here. Orin, you go with them,” Galvin ordered and Harper nodded his head.
“Oh God, Galvin. Please watch over her. Please don’t let them find her,” Mary begged.
“We’ll do our best, Mary,” Galvin said, and Harper could see the anger and worry in Galvin’s expression. By the time he returned back to the estate with Lauren more than likely in shackles, the house would become a command center.
* * *
*
Lauren had just gotten out of the shower and dried her hair when Mary called her downstairs. The moment she locked gazes with Harper, her heart began to hammer inside of her chest. Every time she saw the man this happened, and when she saw Gus and Galvin. But now she paused as the other man he was with took in the sight of her.
She immediately saw the weapon on his hip, the dark cargo pants, the tight, dark blue T-shirt that accentuated all his muscles, and the gruff along his cheeks and chin. He had a hard expression, a distinguished nose, a hard jaw, and a fierce appearance. His dark black hair was slicked back, and the only semisoft thing about the man was the one dimple nearly hidden beneath the light gruff of hair on his left cheek.
“Lauren, meet Orin Neal, another member of our team,” Harper introduced them and as Orin reached a hand out, Lauren looked way up toward his eyes, piercing, nearly black, and felt the shiver of intimidation and lust filter through her system. These men were hard, sexy, and more lethal than any she ever came in contact with before.
“What can we do for you?” she asked, trying to be defiant and hard despite the attraction and comfort she felt. She was actually getting comfortable around Harper, and interested in learning more about him. It was stupid, especially because their sole purpose for following her around was because this Dmitri guy ordered it.
“There’s been an update,” Mary began to say when Orin held up his hand motioning for Mary to stop talking.
“You need to pack your things. You’re coming with us,” he stated firmly.
Lauren scrunched her eyebrows together and then looked over Orin from head to toe which nearly backfired on her.
“Not happening, soldier boy. Been over this earlier today with your other two buddies and leader of your little crew, Galvin.”
She started to walk away.
“The Tenth Street gang put a hit on you and anyone providing protection and safety for you,” Orin stated aloud.
Lauren gasped and felt her tough attitude nearly disintegrate.
“What? Where did you hear this? Is it true?” she asked and looked at Harper.
Harper stepped closer and reached for her shoulders.
“It’s true. We just found out. It’s best for you, for Mary and Beth, if you come with us and let us provide protection and safety.”
She shook her head and stepped back.
“Please, Lauren, go with them. They can keep you safe,” Mary told her.
“I’ll leave town. I’ll go somewhere else and take care of myself.”