Cape Cod SEAL Rescue (Brotherhood Protectors Book 10) by Elle James

Author:Elle James [James, Elle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twisted Page Inc
Published: 2018-07-30T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Decker stayed by Roxi’s side, the anger simmering beneath the surface. How he wished he’d driven a fist into Len’s face for taking advantage of Roxi. The panic in her eyes had twisted at his heart. And what had Frank meant when he’d said she wasn’t a helpless thirteen-year-old anymore? Roxi had told him she’d moved to Cape Cod when she was thirteen.

Which led Decker to believe something traumatic had occurred to precipitate her mother and Frank moving her to the coastal town. Had she been attacked?

His fist clenched even tighter thinking about the drunk pawing at her. Having been traumatized as a teen could still be affecting Roxi even today, and would explain why she ran away from him that afternoon when he’d kissed her.

His chest tightened, and his gut clenched. Damn. He could have frightened her as much as the drunk. “Look, Roxi. I’ll understand if you don’t feel comfortable walking with me tonight.”

She turned to him, her brows furrowed. “Are you too tired?”

“No, not at all. It’s just that after what happened earlier, you might not want to be with me, or any man for that matter.”

Roxi scowled. “Otis needs a walk, and I won’t let a drunk scare me so much that I refuse to come out of my house.”

“Yeah, but walking after dark has its own set of dangers. If that nutcase decides to seek revenge on you because you wounded his pride, Frank and I might not be around to help you.”

She lifted her chin. “I didn’t need your help tonight. I could have taken care of myself, and I was about to do just that when you interfered.”

He bowed slightly, a smile tugging at his lips. “My apologies.”

“You laugh, but I’ve taken several self-defense lessons. I know how to immobilize a man.” She curled her fingers and shot the heel of her palm toward Decker’s nose stopping short of connecting. “A swift palm slammed upward on the nose drives the cartilage into the attacker’s skull and could kill him. At the least, it hurts a great deal and causes the attacker’s eyes to tear profusely, giving the victim a chance to escape.”

Decker held up his hands in surrender. “Okay. I’m a believer. I hope you never have to use that technique on me.” He glanced toward the top of the stairs. “I think I hear Otis scratching up there. We should rescue him before he destroys the door.”

Roxi’s shoulders relaxed, and she led the way up to her apartment. “I’m sorry if I come across too strong. I’m just passionate about defending myself. I don’t ever want to be in a position of complete helplessness again.” She shoved her key into the lock and let Otis out.

The dog bounded out before Decker could ask Roxi what she meant by “again.” He wanted to know what caused her to be so guarded and why she was so determined to defend herself. Maybe with time, she’d open up and let him in. For now, it was enough to walk with her along the beach.

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