“It’s too dangerous,” Warwick gritted out.
“It’s too dangerous not to do it,” Samantha said. “We must catch this man, or our entire family could be at risk. Who knows who he will go after next.”
“We’ll discuss it,” James conceded.
“No doubt you want to do that without me, but I will not be left out of this. I will be there. It is the only way,” Samantha stated.
She was attempting to look defiant. Instead, she looked tired, pale, and vulnerable. It hurt Warwick’s chest seeing her this way.
“Until we catch whoever is behind this, you will not leave this house without at least four people who can protect you,” James said.
She actually spluttered. “Four? Is that really necessary?”
“Don’t be an idiot, Samantha. Of course it’s necessary,” Warwick said. “May I remind you what happened today?”
She pointed a finger at him. “I am not now nor will I ever be an idiot.”
“You’re behaving like one.”
The color in her cheeks told him she was angry now. He didn’t care and wasn’t alone in his belief she needed to be watched. He now had her brothers and family to back him up.
“I lived without your protection for a year!”
“Were you kidnapped in that time?” He moved to stand inches from her. “Was there a threat like there is in that letter?” He jabbed a finger in the direction of the desk.
She seethed.
“Don’t be a fool,” Warwick said softly. “You must heed what we say.”
“As you must heed what I say. I must be the one to go into the Duck and Goose.”
He wanted to grab her. Shake her and then kiss her and after that hold her because she could have been taken from him, and that, above all things, terrified him.
“We love you,” James soothed from behind him.
Warwick stepped back and away from her. He knew everyone was looking at him, could feel their eyes.
“And have been without you for a year,” James continued, “which seemed like at least five. None of us know how to contemplate life without you, Samantha. You cannot expect us to simply take this news and act as if nothing has happened. To allow you to meekly walk into the Duck and Goose without first coming up with a safe plan from every angle.”
“You are not actually considering letting her go back there?” Warwick demanded. The thought of her walking back into danger made him feel like his necktie was choking him.
Dev’s hand settled on his shoulder once more.
“I understand your worry and will not leave the house alone until this is settled,” she said, slowly spinning on her heel to look at everyone in the room. “But I will not be smothered, and I will be a part of this.”
“Of course, darling,” Cam said. “Just a little gentle protection. Hardly any, and you will not even know we are watching you.”
She snorted. “Like you all have been doing, you mean?”
Cam nodded.
“You were never a very good liar, Cam. I’m now going to spend time with my nieces and nephews. At least they will see sense.”
“Harsh but true,” Nicholas said.
“You need to go to bed for pity’s sake. You were just shot!” Warwick snapped.
She ignored him and then kissed the cheek of everyone in the room, except him, which peeved him excessively, and then she was gone. Taking her soft, sweet scent with her.
