Free Sloan (The Protectors Series) Book #9 by Teresa Gabelman Page B

said it?”
    “Slow down, killer.” Jax stood. “We’re taking care of it, but we need to know where she is.”
    Adam walked away as everyone became quiet, watching him.
    “She’s at a Dollar General,” Adam replied. “Not sure which one, but there is one about five minutes from here on Taft.”
    “Thanks, man.” Blaze was already heading for the door.
    “Are you going to force her back?” Becky still sat working, but was frowning at Blaze. “Because honestly, if it was me in her situation, I wouldn’t want to come back under these circumstances.”
    “She’s coming back.” Blaze once again headed toward the door, but stopped and turned. “How would you handle it?”
    Sloan sat back, arms crossed, and when Becky glanced his way, he gave her a nod to continue. Maybe Jill had been onto something with this secretary shit.

Chapter 11
    Well, crap, she hadn’t expected to be asked what she would do. So why in the hell did she open her big mouth? It was only her second day, for shit’s sake. Her eyes shot to Sloan’s, but all he did was give her a nod like, “go for it.” Everyone was staring at her and all she could do was stare back.
    “Well, ah….” She cleared her throat. “I mean, I don’t know exactly what to do, but I know being a woman and if I had peers thinking I was… you know… whoring around, I would be very uncomfortable going back into that situation.”
    “Well, that’s kind of a no-brainer, Becky,” Sid replied with a snort.
    “Ah, did I hurt your feelings with the eight-year-old little girl comment, Sid?” Becky’s attitude turned from helpful to sarcastic in a flash. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself. “Sorry, I was voted most outspoken smartass in high school.”
    Jared snorted and Sid actually laughed. “Well, welcome to the family.” Jared grinned.
    “She’s right.” Jared glanced at Blaze. “Forcing Katrina to come back after something like that isn’t going to do her any good. We need a plan of action.”
    Becky stood, feeling a little more confident with Jared on her side. “So what makes them think she’s getting special attention?”
    “She lives here at the compound for one,” Adam replied. “I know me, Jill, and Steve got some shit about that from other trainees, but we just shut them up. Katrina hasn’t reached that point to be able to do that yet, and there were three of us.”
    “Then maybe you guys need to show up some to keep the other trainees busy so they can’t think of anything other than picking their asses off the floor.” Becky was getting into this; maybe she had missed her calling. She should have been an advisor to a bunch of hot warriors. “That way whoever is doing the training doesn’t look like they are standing up for her all the time. Plus, having another girl in there may help. I’ve heard Jill is a badass.”
    “That’s actually not a bad idea.” Jax cocked his brow. “Can we clear their schedules for a few weeks? Katrina does need some extra help.”
    “Consider it done,” Sloan replied, his focus on Becky.
    Becky tried to hide how pleased she was that he’d not only considered her idea, but “considered it done.” Ugh, there she went again, being happy she’d pleased a man. It had to stop, but she knew it wouldn’t. She was a pleaser, always had been.
    “I don’t think there is anything we can do about her living arrangements though,” Adam added. “Steve said she was homeless before coming here.”
    Becky thought about it for a second. “She could stay with me.”
    “That’s not your responsibility.” Sloan shook his head.
    “No, but it’s a solution,” Becky added, then shrugged. “I mean, you saw my place. I don’t have a lot of room, but it could work okay.”
    “Whoa, what?” Sid sat up straight, showing more interest. “The boss man has been to your place?”
    Becky looked at Sid, confused, then saw Sloan’s subtle cringe. “Oh, wait.” Becky rolled her eyes. “I forgot. We’re