Reluctant Protector Read Free Page A

out of trunks was normal for her.
    Seth blinked. She was the woman from Gentech. Her hair was dark now, but those pale, winter-green eyes, he’d never get them out of his mind. Man, she was small, maybe five feet two if he was generous. And she asked him if he could fight all the while talking about men with night vision. “What the fuck is going on? What the hell are you doing in my trunk? There are easier ways to get a date, you know.”
    She expelled a sharp breath. “My name is Cassie Reeser. There are men in the woods looking for me. They won’t hesitate to shoot you as collateral. Now, I ask you again. Can you fight?”
    Seth opened his mouth, but before he said anything, twigs snapped behind him. Whirling around, he scanned the woods. He couldn’t see anything but looming darkness and shadows.
    “Too late, Seth. They're here. Get in the car. Try to make yourself as small as possible.”
    Seth whipped back around. She didn’t look crazy. But then, beautiful women never did. “You think I should get in the car and hide while you stay out here and what? Protect me?”
    She shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Lightening quick, she moved around him and shoved him against the car just as the first gunshots pierced the frigid night air. His teeth clattered together and his bones shuddered.

Chapter Three
     
    Every muscle in Cassie’s body screamed for relief. Thanks to her unsuccessful attempts to push Seth, her abilities weren’t at full strength. Her dumb luck, Romantic Comedy guy was also her way out of hell. It wasn't his fault he was caught up in this mess. She was the one who said enough was enough. Seth had just been her exit strategy.
    She and Annabel had planned this escape for months. Her ticket to freedom was supposed to be Symcore’s CEO, Bill Matheson. Not some innocent reporter. But she’d reached the parking lot and the mid-sized, green rental was the only car there. She had no choice. It was either climb in or go back to her hell hole.
    The first gunshot pierced the night and Cassie reached for her power and focused on the men in the woods. She had five minds to choose from, the strongest standing next to her. She chose the weakest of the four men.
    Turn to your partner. Level your gun. Shoot him. At first the Tracker’s mind resisted the suggestion. She pushed harder. You want to shoot your partner. He treats you like an idiot. You'll be better off, and then you will be in charge.
    He scanned the forest looking for the source of the suggestion as he put up mental barriers.  But even as he searched for the source of the command, he leveled his gun and fired at his partner. Seth dropped beside her just as the Tracker in the middle sagged to the ground with a thud.
    She snatched Seth by the collar, and dragged him around the back of the car. “How bad are you hit?”
    “Shit, that burns.” Seth clutched his shoulder.
    Cassie probed the wound and he hissed. “I think we were lucky and the shot went through and through. I'll take a better look when we get somewhere safe.” As another bullet dinged one of the doors, she ducked her head.
    Seth's eyes bugged. “If you think I'm going anywhere but a hospital, you're sorely mistaken.”
    She was in no mood for stubborn. “Well, I would love to take you to the hospital, but as Trackers are following us, and now they know for sure I stowed away in your car, you’re a target and the hospital's not safe.”
    His eyes fluttered closed. He kept them closed so long she feared he passed out. “Seth, stay with me. I need you awake. I will take you to a hospital as soon as it’s safe.” Desperation tried to tug her into the dark abyss of panic, but her training kept her mind calm. “I won’t forgive myself if something happens to you.”
    His eyes remained closed. “That’s because this is your fault.” His voice was tense, but droll. If he had the energy for sarcasm, the prognosis was good, though she had to do something. Using the car bumper as a