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

what was that? Archery? He itched for a closer look.
    “Dad, honestly…” Charlie gave her father a pleading glare.
    “This one looks like he could. You’ve got a military look about you.”
    Connor shook his head and folded himself into a two-seater. “Former detective. In security now.”
    “I’ll make tea.” Charlie left the room.
    William nodded. “So, there much money in security these days?”
    Connor didn’t blink at the question. He’d been a cop long enough to know when someone was trying to throw him off.
    “There is when you own the company.”
    William tossed his paper onto the table. “You’re not threatened by a woman who earns more than you?”
    Connor cleared his throat. That was yet to be proven. “Why would I be?”
    Deep furrows fanned around William’s amber eyes. “Don’t go getting any ideas about my girl. She doesn’t have time for distractions, she has a job to do, and it’s to run Halifax .”
    A surge of defensiveness rose in his gut but he held it at bay. He didn’t intend to distract her from her job.
    But what happened if or when Charlie wanted more?
    Or something else?
    Charlie strode back into the room, a hand clinched at her waist. “Dad, where’s the milk, teabags? Hasn’t Lynette done your shopping?”
    William appeared to grow three inches. “I damn well fired her.”
    “Why this time?” Charlie’s chest rose.
    “She messed with my stuff.”
    “Lynette was the best caregiver we’ve had in three years. How was she messing with your stuff?”
    “My damn socks. She was sneaking in and taking all my left socks.” William’s eyes grew round, all the whites visible around his irises.
    Connor shifted. He knew that look. Seen it time after time as a cop—the look of someone who experienced their own reality.
    Charlie walked to her father and knelt. “Daddy, why would anyone do that? I don’t think socks have a right and a left.”
    “Of course they do. She was trying to get to me, trying to make me think I’m crazy. She’d move my spectacles around the house, drink half my tea when I wasn’t looking—she even changed the programming on the damn TV so I’d never get to see my shows.”
    Charlie patted his knee. “That wouldn’t be possible. Shows change, things change. We can’t control a television station’s programming. You need her, we need her.”
    “I do not need her. I need to get back to work.” William slapped the arm of the chair, his face brightening. “Sit down and tell me how our business is faring.”
    Charlie uncurled from her crouch and sat. “The economy is tough but we’re doing our best.”
    “What about your Uncle?”
    She rocked back. “Frank is still CEO, but our lawyers say his lawsuit for control of your shares is bogus and there will be a decision soon.”
    “What are you doing in the meantime? I didn’t raise you to be a quitter.”
    Charlie glanced at Connor, then back at her dad. “I haven’t given up.”
    “You can’t let him win.”
    “He hasn’t.” She leaned closer to her father. “I won’t let him drive me out.”
    “He was always jealous.”
    Charlie sighed. “You eaten tonight, Dad?”
    “I’m not helpless. I can still use a microwave.” William reclined in his chair. “Now, be off with you because I know you haven’t.”
    Charlie laughed softly. “I’m going to call in the morning and see if Lynette will come back. So behave yourself.” She gave her father a kiss. “Or next time I come back I’ll bring Janine.”
    “You wouldn’t.” William grabbed the arm of his chair. “Not Janine with the incessant conversation.”
    “I will and I’ll tell her you asked about her grandkids.” Charlie grinned and stood.
    William adjusted his jacket. “I hope you’re this ruthless at work.”
    She whispered, “they don’t give me this much trouble.”
    Connor stared at Charlie. He pitied anyone who dared.
    ***
    Sound burst through her bedroom, shaking her out of inky black nightmares. Charlie