A Protector's Second Chance (Unit Matched #2) by Mary Smith, Rebecca Cartee Read Free Book Online

saw her roll her eyes before turning to Oliver.
    “I’ll be back in a minute.” She touched his arm, and I saw him flinch.
    My mouth was a tight line of anger. She should have known better than to touch my Matched. I know we aren’t in Unit and outsiders do not know our rules, but people shouldn’t go around touching other people. Especially, when they could clearly see they were here with someone else.
    “If she does that again, I’m going to punch her in the nose.” I tried to keep my voice calm, but it wasn’t working very well.
    “She’s just friendly.”
    “I mean it.”
    “Stop.” His tone is serious.
    “I mean it,” I repeated.
    Oliver sighed deeply as the flirty girl returned. It would take me about two seconds to kill her if she did anything again.
    “Ready?”
    “I’ll have the usual.” Oliver handed the menu back to her.
    “And you?” she narrowed her eyes at me.
    “I’ll have a cheeseburger and fries.”
    “So, you’ll have the same thing as Oliver?” she seemed confused.
    “Yes.” I tried to act like it wasn’t a big deal, but I didn’t know what he was going to order.
    “Okay.” Her lips curled in disgust at me. As she turned, I was about to leap at her, but Oliver grabbed my hand.
    “Easy.”
    “She’s so lucky,” I hissed.
    “I won’t lie; it’s nice seeing this side of you. I didn’t think you were capable of caring about me or being jealous.
    A ping of hurt hit my heart. Oliver had to think I was the worst person imaginable. The sad thing was he was probably right.
    “Have you given any thought about the end of our decision period?”
    “When I’m banished?”
    Oliver rolled his eyes. “If,” he corrected me. “Have you thought about it?” he repeated.
    “No.” I shook my head.
    “Why not?”
    “Have you?” I avoided his question.
    “Yes,” he told me honestly.
    “And?”
    “And I thought we could have our ceremony at the city hall ballroom. Maybe something fancy?”
    I stared at him in disbelief. He had actually thought about this.
    “Why?” I breathed out my question.
    “Did you want something different?”
    “I’m going to be banished.” I felt him tense up, and I realized that he was still holding my hand, but I didn’t move my hand.
    “No, you’re not.” I could hear the anger in his voice.
    “Why? Do you know something that you’re not telling me?”
    Oliver stilled, almost like a statue.
    “You know something.” I felt my eyes grow wide. “What is it?”
    Oliver didn’t say anything.
    “Please.” I begged.
    “I can’t.” he paused. “I can’t tell you anything about Unit.”
    I jerked my hand out of his tender grip. “It’s my life, Oliver.” I shook my head. “I guess you don’t have a rebellious bone, either.”
    I stared out the large picture window. The sun was low and a few people walked around the plaza. Oliver knew what Xaviera was going to do, but he was going to follow her orders to the ‘T’. I shouldn’t be mad. I should have commended him for being so loyal to our future Queen.
    “She didn’t say anything specifically.”
    I slowly turned my head toward him. I could see in his eyes that he was going to tell me something important.
    “I know she misses you. A lot.” His green eyes were looking down.
    “I miss her,” I said softly. “And Gia.”
    “I know they missed you during Gia’s ceremony. They actually left a seat open for you.”
    My lips quivered. “Gia and Graham already had their ceremony.”
    “Yes. The King has also allowed Graham to be the Princess’ Protector while you’re gone. I’ve been going up there to help Gia keep her calm. That’s why I’m gone so much.” His voice was soft.
    “Wait a second,” I tried to wrap my head around my thoughts. This was a lot of information to take in at one time.
    Natalie, the flirt, set our food down and left us quickly when I gave her the meanest look I could muster.
    “Are you telling me a male is protecting a female?”
    Oliver