For Her Protection: An Alpha Romance by Amber Bardan Read Free Book Online Page A

ribs expanded under his arm.
    “So if there’s something you want from me, you’d best come right out and ask for it.”
    Her hand flattened between them.
    He pulled her in tighter against him, let her feel the need crushing though him, and it was only the fact that she’d only known him for a day when he’d wanted her for a fucking month, that stopped him from showing her exactly how painful that wait had been.
    She covered his arm with hers bearing back for a moment, before sliding herself from his grasp.
    She held his gaze, arousal thick in her expression, but weariness rife in her stance, as though she couldn’t trust what she wanted.
    As though she couldn’t trust what he’d offered.
    Fine .
    She could take her time.  He’d waited a month already, he’d give her a few more days before he’d have to convince her.
    “I need to get to work.” She backed away.
    He watched her retreat. “So do I.”
    ***
    Where was Lia?
    Charlie eyed her PA’s empty desk on her way into the office. Lia didn’t do late. She checked her phone. There weren’t any messages.
    She frowned and put her things away. Connor folded his too-large body into the chair on the other side of her desk.
    “You just going to stare at me all day?
    He stretched his legs out in front of him. “I could always stand behind you if you’d prefer.”
    Heat exploded over her. Behind her, like he’d been before when he’d demanded she ask for what she wanted.
    What was his game?
    Who knew what Frank had asked him to do to get to her. A high-pitched shriek came from the other side of the door.
    Connor flew to his feet, and yanked open her office before she could catch a breath.
    She followed him to the small reception outside her office.
    “I’m so sorry.” Lia dropped her handbag onto her desk, a squirming bundle of curls in her arms. “I didn’t know what to do with him.” She set down her son Xavier. “My mom is in the hospital and I didn’t have anyone else to ask to take him.”
    “Is she okay?” Charlie approached the reception.
    “She will be.” Lia ran a hand over her own curls, which were far more unruly than usual. “Kidney stones.”
    “What is this?” The voice came out of nowhere.
    Charlie groaned inwardly as Frank came into view. “It’s fine. Nothing that concerns you.”
    Frank stepped closer to the three-year-old, who chose that unfortunate moment to tip over a container from the desk.
    Paper clips scattered across the floor.
    “Children are only permitted to attend work on parent days.”
    “M-my, mother is unwell. “Lia’s gaze darted after her son who’d crawled under the desk.
    He eyed the mess. “Then you’ll need to take a leave day.”
    An unpaid leave day.
    She’d used up all her paid leave. Single parenting could do that.
    Charlie bit her cheek.
    Lia couldn’t afford to be taking unpaid leave.
    “Then I guess Benjamin and Lily are no longer coming by tomorrow?” Charlie stared at her uncle. “Since children are only permitted on parent days.”
    Frank’s gaze snapped to hers.
    She hadn’t wanted to drag her cousin’s children into this. They may be Frank’s grandkids but she loved having them stop by as much as he did. Even if they did tend to linger for hours.
    But what’s good for the goose and all of that.
    “Thought so,” she said.
    Truth was, Lia was a capable multi-tasker. As long as Xavier had a contained space to play in she’d manage just fine until she figured something else out.
    “Respectfully, this is my office and my PA.” She turned to Lia. “When we’re done take my office. Xavy can play in there, just make sure to use the headset today for noise reduction. Miranda at the front desk has coloring books.”
    Charlie turned back to her office opened the door and held out her hand. Frank stood for a moment, resistant, then smoothed his tie and went through. Connor strode through next.
    She pushed the door closed.
    “I’ve come for your answer.” Frank said, his back to