“Leo works by the book. He doesn’t have jurisdiction to arrest someone,” Ty said, taking offense.
“Why didn’t they have eyes on this guy?” Rocker shot back. “Some SEAL team. No wonder they’re retired.”
“Those men will risk their lives for the people in this town,” Ty seethed. “You don’t know them. I suggest you keep your opinion to yourself.”
“Rocker,” Scarlett growled. “Leo and his men rushed to my aid after Sledge got shot. They took care of me.”
“Then explain to me why, if they’re this good, how did a shooter end up on their secure mountain. Why do you sport a bruise around your neck?” Rocker gritted out.
“Boys,” Cherise reprimanded. “We’re at the table. Rocker, I can vouch for those men. They’ve put good into this world and taken the garbage out when needed. They’ve suffered quite a bit over the last few months, including losing a member of their own family to this man. Ty, let’s clean up these dishes while Scarlett takes Rocker outside for a walk to cool down.”
Scarlett pushed back her seat, and Ice stood. Pulling out her cane, she walked toward the door, refusing to wait for Rocker. She heard his footsteps behind her.
“I’m sorry, Scarlett. What the hell? You’re playing house with Ty while your friend lies in a hospital bed because he saved you,” he growled.
Scarlett whipped her cane around, hittinghim behind the knees. Rocker fell to the ground, and Scarlett swung a blind punch, hitting him in the shoulder. It didn’t wound him, but she heard the satisfying sound of his grunt.
“First of all, Ty’s none of your business. You dragged me here to get better. He makes me feel like a real person, not some invalid you wish to wrap up in a plastic bubble,” she shouted.
“You’ve got to be kidding me? You fell for this guy? You’re supposed to receive treatment at the hospital, not shack up with some dude. Sledge told me about some guy sniffing around, but I can’t believe you’d trade teams over a few kisses.”
This time, Scarlett didn’t care when she brought her cane down on his head.
“Ow, damn it. That hurts,” Rocker growled.
“Stop acting like a bitch,” she ordered. “I may be blind, but I’m not stupid. I like it here, Rocker. Sledge got a job offer from the team you disparaged in front of their friends. They’re working very hard to catch this guy, and Ty makes me feel safe. He doesn’t treat me like an invalid. You're acting like a caveman, and bursting into his home doesn’t put you in a good light. You’re my brother in arms, not my husband, or my babysitter.”
“Why do I care if they like me? You called me hysterical last night. My buddy’s lying in a hospital bed and you can’t see. What the hell did you expect me to do?”
“While she’s staying at my home, you’ll show her the respect she deserves. Scarlett’s an intelligent woman. Even while she fought off the attacker and heard Sledge rush the guy, she managed to hit Doc’s number on her phone. The team responded within minutes,” Ty spat. “No one forced her here, regardless of what you think.”
“I’m here now. She doesn’t need protection,” Rocker gritted out. “She can stay with me.”
“Stop it,” Scarlett jammed her cane into the ground. “We’re not in Iraq anymore. Ty’s not the enemy, Rocker. I’m staying. I like it here.” Scarlett moved to Ty’s side. “If you insist, maybe we can find a room somewhere where you can stay. Please don’t question my judgement again. You brought me here because you wanted me to find something to live for. I…I think I did. Please don’t take it from me or make me choose.”
Silence filled the courtyard.
“Damn, Sassy P, you know how to hurt a guy,” Rocker said quietly. “You’re right. I came in here guns blazing. I stayed up all night, stressing about you.”
“I appreciate it,” Scarlett pleaded. “You want me to become independent as long as I stay wrapped in your bubble. I have to figure this out myself.”
“I hear you loud and clear. I’m sorry,” he apologized.
“There’s a guest suite across the driveway. You seem hellbent on protecting her. Until we receive word they’ve arrested Jeremy, it might be nice to have another person here,” Ty conceded.
“Thanks. I appreciate it, man,” Rocker said, shaking Ty’s hand.
“Why don’t we have dessert?” Scarlett suggested. “Let me take Ice for a potty break and I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
“We’ll see you inside,” Ty said, firmly sending the message home.
Rocker followed him.
“What do you think, boy? Shall we keep these knuckleheads in line?” she asked as she took him into the yard. When he finished, she made her way inside.
“Scarlett, dear, do you want a glass of wine or some of Ty’s limoncello?” Cherise called. “Rocker, do you have a preference?”
“Uh, no ma’am, I’llpass,” he replied.
