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“You lost your mind?”

They were all staring at Kent as though they thought the same but didn’t want to ask.

“No,” Kent said shortly, staring at Clint. “She’s coming.”

Clint rolled his eyes heavenward. “What’s the world fucking coming to.”

“She’ll stay in the truck the whole time. Macca and Jed are in position. Zeke and Donovan will have my back at the meet and Bain is gonna be watching Abby.”

The big guy turned to glare at her now. Uh-oh. Kent was leaving this guy to watch her? Was he mad? He looked like he broke legs for a living. The scowl he was giving her was a mix of disapproval and dismissal.

Okay, then. Cool. Yikes.

Why couldn’t she have the surfer dude?

“Corbin is staying here to act as contact for everyone.” The surfer nodded. “Everyone good?”

“I got permission to do what I need to in order to protect her?” Bain asked in a low rumble.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Yep,” Kent replied. “You have free rein. She gives you any trouble, you take care of it then tell me later.”

Bain gave a short nod. What the hell did that mean? Take care of it?

She was in trouble.

Charlie leaned into her, taking her hand. “You can still change your mind. I was going to bake cupcakes. We can decorate them, make a mess, get on a sugar high and make Clint stomp around like a growly bear.”

“It’s tempting. Very tempting.” But she took a deep breath. “But I have to go.”

“If you say so. Word of advice?”

She turned to the other woman. “Please.”

“I’d do exactly whatever that big guy says. To the letter. You do not want to end up over his knee. With arms like that...” Charlie shuddered.

Abby’s breaths came in shallow pants. “He wouldn’t spank me.”

“What do you think Kent meant when he gave him permission to do whatever was necessary? You give him any problems and your ass is toast. Double toast because I’m sure Kent will roast it again when you get home. I mean, I used to think he was the easygoing brother, but I’ve since learned otherwise.”

Oh hell.

Charlie gave her hand a final squeeze before walking over to Kent and giving him the small bag. She watched curiously as Kent kissed Charlie’s forehead. What was in the bag? She wanted to ask, but then everyone started moving out. She waved goodbye to Charlie before following everyone to Kent’s truck. The men all carried weapons which made her even more nervous. She couldn’t keep up with their long legs without running, which she wasn’t going to do. She was horribly unfit, as well as clumsy as hell. Kent turned; saw she was behind and stopped to wait for her.

He held out his hand and she slipped hers into his.

“Did you really give Bain permission to spank me?” she asked quietly.

“Baby, we’re going into an unknown situation. You can’t defend yourself. You’ve never done anything like this. And you’re the most precious thing in the world to me. I still can’t believe that I agreed to this. But I did, so I’m going to make sure you’re as safe as I can. So, I can concentrate on what I’m doing and won’t get distracted worrying about you.”

“Oh. God, Kent, I didn’t even think of that.”

“Just do whatever Bain says, all right? If there’s any trouble he’ll get you out of there and keep you safe. Truthfully, I’m not expecting any real trouble. Markovich knows me and my reputation. If I thought there was any true danger then I’d have Clint tie you up and watch you.”

Right. Of course, he would.

“But that doesn’t mean there isn’t an element of the unknown. So Bain has permission to do whatever he has to, we clear?”