And then the throwing begins. I hear glass breaking and Brody calling out for him to relax.
His breathing is heavy as he growls into the phone. The destruction seems to have stopped. For now.
“I’m sending Thor down.”
I go to object to his private security guard but the threatening growl he emits has me closing my mouth.
“If you so much as try to elude him I will send the whole fucking SWAT team down there. I’m not playing with you!”
I stay silent, allowing him to get it all out. I’ll do what I damn well please. Theo has never been my master, and he certainly isn’t going to start now. Arguing with him is futile. Thor will come whether I want him or not.
“Do you understand me, Anniston!”
Thank goodness he is on the phone and not in front me. Otherwise, he would have seen the biggest eye-roll this side of the Eastern Seaboard.
“Yes, Daddy.”
Another growl. His sense of humor has left the building.
“Is that all? Can I go now?”
“Yes.”
Finally. This conversation has aged me ten years. I think I may need a run just to settle down my own aggravation.
“And, Ans?”
Deep breath, you can handle one more comment.“Yeah?”
“I’m coming for you. And when I get to you, those vets won’t be the ones you need to worry about.”
Before I can respond to his ridiculous threat, the line goes silent. That fucker hung up on me! I’m pissed. I was having a great day until Theo went all crazy and fucked it up.
“Everything, okay?” Hayes’ eyes are etched with worry as he stands in the doorway.
“Yeah, everything’s fine. Just a little tantrum from my boy—my friend. He worries.”
Hayes nods in understanding. Hopefully, he didn’t catch my slip with the near boyfriend comment.
“Can’t blame a man for wanting to keep you safe.” His statement is so sincere that my eyes may have watered. Probably from all the testosterone in this house. My poor estrogen is having to produce more just to drown some of it out. “I promise you, no one will ever harm you while we’re around.”
My throat works as his heartfelt promise causes a single tear to trail down my cheek. I wipe it away quickly before he sees how affected I am by his declaration.
“I appreciate that. My friend is sending his security guy to keep an eye out. Please don’t be offended. My friend, well, he’s a dick.” I give him a strained smile that I hope can be perceived as genuine.
He tips his chin and heads through the door. “No offense will be taken, Commander.”
I’m wiping furiously at my eyes to catch remnants of any tears when he turns back.
“Commander?”
“Yeah?”
“Your friend is a smart man. Sounds like he loves you a lot.”
The boyish wink he offers before disappearing makes me feel a tiny bit better. Maybe Theo behaves this way because he’s worried and not because he thinks I am a complete fool.
