Untamed Protector (Harbor Protectors #1)

1. Gabriel

1

Gabriel

“ G abe, can you come to the main entrance? We have a situation.”

“What kind of situation? Fill me in.” In my earpiece, I hear Dean, the guy on my team responsible for checking in the guests tonight. It’s the Navy Spring Gala, the city’s most coveted event, an invitation-only type of thing.

“A young lady who’s not on the list insists on getting in.”

“That’s not a situation. It’s simple—she can’t get in if she’s not on the list. You know the rules, Dean.” We’re used to seeing the typical parade of smooth-talking, hopeful event crashers, sequined socialites on the hunt for the next big thing, or local Z-listers desperate for a crumb of attention. A photo op at the lavish seaside Casino’s historic building always sparks envy. But tonight, we’re hosting a charity event to raise money for the children’s hospital. Only sponsors and people who can contribute to this cause can attend. So, the young lady Dean talks about has no business being here. Points for effort, though.

Dean should know this stuff. The rules are clear and essential in our line of work. I’ve been running security for the Casino and VIP events for two years, and Dean’s been with me since day one. Ugh. A beautiful woman swoops in, and that’s all it takes for him to pull me out of the control room while all the local Navy commanding officers and city officials gather in the Casino’s Grand Ballroom.

“Gabe, you might want to come down for this one. It’s not that simple. The young lady says she’s a plus one for someone on the list. A VIP.”

“Who is it? Everyone’s a VIP at this event.”

“It’s Lucas,” Dean says, pausing, so I process the information. “ That Lucas, if you were wondering.” Shit . Lucas and his fucking drama-filled love life.

“Get a camera to zoom in on her. Let’s see if I know her. Where do I look?”

“Fifteen,” I hear Dean. I turn to the set of monitors in the back and ask the operator, “Bring up fifteen. Give me a closeup on the woman next to Dean, please.”

A wave of chestnut hair tumbles down her shoulders, framing eyes the color of emeralds. She glances straight at the security camera, a slow, knowing look that catches my breath. No fear there, just a hint of a smile playing on her lips. It’s like she can see right through the screen, daring me to make a move.

“Did you call your boss? Is he coming over or just barking orders from a distance?” I hear her talking to Dean.

Now, that’s just rude. But I need to stay in the control room until all the guests arrive and the auction begins. There’s no way I can deal with all the women Lucas hooks up with.

“Dean, tell her she needs to wait until we find Lucas. And, for God’s sake, get her to move away from the door. She’s blocking everyone.”

“Okay,” Dean replies, and then I hear him: “I’m going to ask you to go over there to the right, Miss. You’ll need to wait for fifteen minutes. We’re trying to find Lucas. ”

She squints, her eyes darkening, and then looks straight into the camera.

“You know, I’m just curious. Tell me, is your boss the grumpy type, hiding from the world behind all those surveillance cameras? Or is he too scared to get his hands dirty and grace us with his presence? Or maybe he’s allergic to women?” she says, drumming her fingers on the tiny purse she’s clutching. “So, which one is it?”

Dean goes quiet, and I can’t see his face. He knows I can hear him. No matter what he says, it’ll come across as inappropriate. Dean is one of my team’s most discreet, patient, and polite guys. That’s why I always choose him to handle guest check-ins for these events.

This woman’s all elbows and audacity. Either she’s a nobody desperately trying to bluff her way in, or she’s playing a deeper game. Lucas’s latest arm candy, ready for her closeup, maybe? Still, I can’t help but notice she’s stunning, brave, and sharp as a tack. A total package that idiot Lucas wouldn’t know what to do with. Well, if you want me that badly…. here we go, gorgeous.

“I’m coming. Make sure she doesn’t leave, not even if Lucas shows up. You understand? ”

“I got it, Gabe. I’ll take care of it.”

I know he will. I trust Dean, just like I trust all my guys. Everyone follows my rules without question, and no one’s ever let me down. That’s why we’re the top security company in this port city.

I come out of the makeshift control room, which we set up in one of the utility rooms of the historic Casino building. Now, I need to make my way across the Grand Ballroom, assuming no other guests hijack me. She poked the bear, so now she’ll have to deal with it. I squeeze past a few couples and give a few nods. Most of the people I do business with are here. People I help protect, along with their families and their businesses. Almost two million people live in this city, and three times as many pass through every year.

As I’m about to cross into the reception area near the entry, I feel a hand grabbing my arm. “Anita’s here. She asked about you,” Dominic whispers next to me.

I knew she was on the list, but I hoped she wouldn’t show up. If it were up to me, she and her brother Lucas would sit this one out. Their father, Peter Maier, president of the largest grain export and shipping company in the city, makes all the donations. Anita and Peter are just here for show.

“Cover for me. Tell her I’m busy.”

“I’ll do my best. Who got you running? And what’s that I heard about a young woman waiting for you at the main entrance? Need a hand?” he says with a smirk, in classic Dominic style.

“No, I’m good. You know me, I always manage.”

“What’s the rush, then? That little thing got to you, didn’t she? Anyway, let me see if I can find Lucas around here.” Dominic is my best friend, buddy, and the brother and family I’ve never had. He came through for me when I got injured and left the Navy.

I leave Dominic and make my way through the crowded room. He has a lot on his plate, anyway. He’s the mastermind behind this whole thing tonight, the official caterer, and the MC of the charity auction later on.

I head to the entrance and spot Dean in a corner by a side door, his body almost entirely blocking the feisty young woman who wants to force her way in. I catch a glimpse of her hair behind his shoulder, but not her face or those piercing eyes that got me out of my den.

“Dean, it’s okay. I’ll take it from here. Go back to the main entrance.”

Dean steps back, and I make my way next to her .

She looks up and flashes me a smile, like she doesn’t give a damn that I tower over her. Emerald eyes, the kind that could pierce a vault, lock onto mine with curiosity. Her black dress hugs her curves perfectly, showing off her delicate shoulders. A silver clutch, held carefully in her tiny hands, is the only splash of color in her outfit. It’s not just her looks that grab me—it’s how she carries herself like she’s on a mission and nothing can stop her. As we make eye contact, there’s a spark of defiance, a playful dare for me to say something first. Trouble with a capital T? Maybe. But something tells me there’s a lot more to her story.

“Good evening, Miss. I understand you’d like to go in. But this is an invitation-only event.”

“I heard your guy Dean tell you about Lucas. Isn’t that why you’re here? To see the woman who name-dropped him?”

“What I heard was you harassing my team. My guys have a job to do, you know, to ensure protection for the guests.” I’m not falling for whatever she’s trying to stir up with Lucas. Peter is the one who supports us, Protectors, and a respected member of the community. His son Lucas, though, he’s just a cocky, entitled brat who could use a good smack now and then.

“You think I’m a danger to your guests? Have you seen yourself? Towering over people with those broad shoulders, ready for combat in the blink of an eye? I mean, come on. But I digress. Look, Lucas invited me here. I thought I was already on the list as his plus-one. Turns out I’m late, and he’s already inside. He didn’t answer his phone, but that’s probably because it’s too loud in there. Can you help me find him to solve this little mix-up?”

She seems sure of herself. That’s some serious attitude right there… Is she trying to sweet-talk her way in, or should she really be here tonight ?

She may have a way with words, but I’m still not sure if her story is genuine. People do this all the time to get attention. They name-drop some VIPs they’re sure will be at the event, then force their way in with the crowds.

She looks like she’s in her early twenties. And she knows damn well the effect she has on men, whether it’s the innocent vibe or the way she rocks those red lips with confidence.

I cannot help but stare into her striking green eyes, a shade so deep that you almost drown in them. She’s throwing me off my game, and I can’t have that. Fuck. Get it together, Gabe.

I might as well let her in and see what she does if she gets next to Lucas. She’s not a danger. There’s no way she could have a gun strapped to her thigh in that skintight dress. Although, the stuff I’ve seen… But kicking her out later would be too much of a headache. After all, given how big of a jackass Lucas is, he might’ve brought three dates just to piss everyone off.

Focus, Gabe. Rules are there to keep us out of trouble. And she’s got trouble written all over her. She’s not on the list; she doesn’t get in.

Officers and their dates gather in a bigger group right next to us before heading to the Grand Ballroom. Judging by the growing crowd in this room, most guests are just arriving at this hour.

“Your name, Miss?”

“Dean has already scanned my ID. Didn’t you get it?”

Every question I throw at her comes back with a double dose of snark. This impertinent young girl has been interfering with our business for almost half an hour. It usually takes me or my men only five minutes to handle these situations. The stakes are high, and this is a high-profile event. I should get it over with.

“Let me make this clear. You keep challenging us, and we’ll escort you out this second. You can wait there for Lucas to pick you up. Or you can tell me your name so I know what to call you. And we can de-escalate this whole thing.”

“Fine,” she grumbles. There’s a magnetism to her, a quiet confidence in how she stands and speaks that captivates me. This high-society crowd might not be her usual turf, but she’s got a grace that outshines any celebrity on the red carpet. I can’t help but wonder who this intriguing stranger is and how she ended up here.

“My name is Alexis Flores. Lucas Maier invited me to this event, and you guys have been holding me hostage at the door for a while now, like I’m some criminal out to get Navy officers. Look at me, and you’ll see how ridiculous this is.”

As she tries to back away, using her body to explain, someone from the group next to us loses balance and crashes into her. My reflexes take over, and I lunge forward, arms wrapping around her in a flash to catch her before gravity takes hold. She’s obviously nervous, and I can see her brave face cracking as she lets go of the tension she was trying to hide. Her whole body vibrates with the aftershock, breaths hitching as she leans into me. The press of her chest against mine sends a delicious heat shooting through me. I try my best to ignore the way her body feels against mine and how amazing she smells. It’s only been ten seconds, but the memory of her touch clings to me as she walks back into the crowd, her cheeks on fire.

I’ve got to get her away from the crowd until we sort this out. Since she’s been so persistent, the least I can do is find Lucas. But I know how this story ends. She needs to go back outside. I almost feel sorry for her, but I can’t let this go on much longer. She’s holding us back from the real priority, managing an event of this scale. I should be in front of the monitors now, overseeing this operation instead of letting this stunning distraction hijack me .

“I’m going to ask you to follow me to a quieter place to talk.” I grab her arm so we can walk together and find a room nearby until my men find Lucas.

“Where are you taking me? I’m not going anywhere with you,” I hear the panic in her voice. It’s probably because things aren’t exactly going as planned, and she knows she’s about to get caught.

“We’re just going to find a room and wait until we get Lucas and verify your identity.”

“No way. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to attend the Gala with all the other guests. Not to be stuck in a dusty backroom with some goons.”

God damn it, Lucas. I should’ve kicked your ass when I had the chance. Peter has over-cuddled his kids too much, and now they’re ruining his image and family name.

“Look, we’ll sort things out, and you’ll go where you’re supposed to be. Either in that ballroom or outside. Those are the options.”

“You’re going to throw me out? With everyone looking?”

God, I hope she’s not a party crasher. She seems way too sharp to try that. Maybe I overreacted and got her scared. I came on a little intense and didn’t even consider her bravado could be a front. Even when we’re just doing our job and handling a difficult situation, we might unintentionally come across as intimidating.

“Let’s just calm down. We’ll go to that corner by the coat check and try Lucas again,” I say, gesturing for her to walk in front of me. Surprisingly, she listens this time and walks over to the spot I point to, just a few steps away.

“Dean? Did you guys find Lucas?” I ask, waiting for the answer in my earpiece.

“Dominic found him, but he’s not okay. He’ll tell you more,” I hear Dean in my earpiece.

“Did he confirm the young lady is his guest?”

“Gabe, I think it’s better if you ask Dominic,” Dean insists.

“Dominic, please talk to Lucas about the young lady at the front door.”

When we work together on events, my team and I communicate non-stop. Dominic has heard the whole thing. “I found Lucas,” he replies. “I confiscated his crap and shoved a coffee down his throat. I sent my crew to scope out the ballroom. They spot scumbags like Lucas from a mile. Every night, I end up booting out around ten of these idiots from my clubs, even though everyone knows I don’t allow drugs in my locations. But Gabe, I need some time. Lucas is a complete mess right now. You won’t get anything out of him.”

Fuck. Not again, Lucas.

The young woman stops before me, watching fascinated as the crowds move through the hallway to the Grand Ballroom. She seems calmer. And there’s a lot to look at—an overflowing parade of flashy uniforms and expensive jewelry. But for me, this is a night of zero tolerance for Lucas’s typical bullshit.

It seems less crowded next to the cloakroom, and I can wait there until that piece of shit Lucas answers the simple question of whether he knows this woman. Even though she’d be better off without him. Why would she hang out with a lowlife like Lucas, anyway?

As misfortune never comes alone, I see Anita making her way out of the crowd.

“Hello, handsome,” she grins, slithering next to me. She knows I hate it when she does this, especially when I’m working, but she does it anyway to piss me off.

Anita has perfected the seductress image with her tall figure, long, flowing hair, and practiced gestures. Tonight, she’s in full glam—heavy eye makeup, an over-the-top red lip, and a dress that leaves little to the imagination. But behind that pretty face is a heart of ice. She’s a master manipulator obsessed with power and control.

She’s invited herself into my bed countless times and has taken all my refusals personally. I don’t do power games, and I can see right through her femme fatale act. So, in return, she treats me with hostility and loves stirring up drama to embarrass me. She’s always been a liability, so I treat her like one.

Anita turns to our mysterious guest. “And what are you doing here, Lexi? Don’t tell me Dad invited you out of pity. How did you fool him?”

Then she spews her venom at me. “What the hell are you doing with Daddy’s little charity case? She’s off limits, you know. Or does he let you take her for a spin sometimes?”

The foul mouth on this woman! Alexis turns red and starts shaking, her fists clenched. Not a girl fight, damn it. This evening has seen enough already. Lucas is going to pay for this shit.

“Anita, why don’t you move to the Grand Ballroom? I’ll find you later. The lady is here with Lucas. I’ll sort it all out in a minute.”

“Okay, handsome. Remember, you owe me a dance. Oh, and I’ve seen Dominic carrying my wimpy brother to the restroom earlier. Probably to spill out his guts. Good luck sorting that out.” She throws Alexis a sneer and heads to a group of guests.

So, my new acquaintance goes by Lexi. She seems a little thrown off by Anita’s attack, with her back against the wall, holding on to her little clutch.

“I suppose you’re going to ask me about Peter Maier. And all the other crap that your friend Anita said.” She grits her teeth, a forced smile twisting her heart-shaped lips into a thin, red line as she says friend . That red lipstick doesn’t suit her. She’s more likely a na?ve, inexperienced woman trying to look like someone she’s not. And Anita has a nasty bite. She managed to offend Lexi in under ten seconds.

“So, you work with Peter?”

“I do. At his company, I mean. It’s an honest job that I happen to be very good at. It’s not whatever Anita was insinuating. Does that clear me for being at this party tonight? Are we good now?”

She works for Peter then. Which means she’s not one of Lucas’s conquests. The idiot might’ve even forgotten he invited her tonight.

“It helps,” I say. “Let me talk to Peter before we check with Lucas. I’m sending him a picture right now.”

“If you must…” she says, her mouth pouting and jaw tightening. She’s getting increasingly frustrated. I can see it in the lines on her forehead and how she clenches her jaw, trying to hold it together.

“So, what’s the hold-up? You might as well give Mr. Maier a little video of all that’s been going down. I’ve had exactly five cameras on me the entire night, plus Dean’s scan camera at the entrance.”

I’d feel sorry for her if she was after Lucas. He’s just an asshole who couldn’t care less about people who he feels aren’t on his level. What’s this intelligent and beautiful woman doing with Lucas Maier? Maybe it’s the same thing Anita wants when she chases after me—a little fun. The thrill and freedom of doing whatever she wants, with whoever she wants. I can handle those two, but Lexi apparently doesn’t know what she’s getting into.

“I’m sorry, Alexis. We must ensure the safety of those who are here tonight. The invitation-only rule applies no matter what. Peter won’t mind this. He knows us and knows what we do. My people have already sent him your photo when I mentioned his name. We’ll escort you to Lucas as soon as we can. If you’re supposed to be at this event, we will allow you in with the rest of our guests.

** *

I didn’t switch my comms to private mode while with Lexi, so everyone on my team heard us talking. I’m keeping them all in the loop until I figure out this whole Lucas-Lexi thing. I’ve been talking more than usual, so my guys picked up on it and got to work.

“Peter confirmed the young lady’s identity and asked you to call him as soon as you can,” Dean says through the earpiece.

“And I talked to Lucas,” Dominic jumps in. “He also confirmed it and asked that we bring her to him.”

“Bring her where? What did he say, exactly?”

“Gabe, what do you want me to say? Lucas is being a dickhead, as always. He said he forgot about her. Or at least he pretended to. Bring her to me in the Grand Ballroom, and I’ll take her to Lucas. I’ll meet you at the door.”

Dominic has never been a fan of the Maiers, even though Peter is an active sponsor of many of the causes that Dominic supports. Lucas and Anita have partied at Dominic’s nightclubs many times. He warned them not to bring in drugs, but he had to clean up after them and their party gang each time. For a few months now, he’s permanently banned them from entering. Peter didn’t say a word. When it comes to his adult children, he can’t say much to defend them, whether out of shame or pride. He’s always been better at business than parenting those two.

I turn around so Lexi won’t hear me. “Dom, what did you find on him? If he’s been using it, he should leave now. A public scandal would destroy Peter. ”

“He had some lightweight stuff. I don’t think he got to use any. It just pisses me off that an arrogant prick like him can pull shit like that at a Navy event. If we didn’t need their money for the children’s hospital, we wouldn’t allow any of these assholes in.”

“I’m bringing the girl with me, then I’m calling Peter. I’ll see you in a few,” I reply.

Lexi gives me a questioning look when I get close to her again. “So, what’s it going to be? Are you letting me in? Or do I need to leave now? Look, I told you, I know Lucas. I know what’s going on here. Just let me in. I’m a grown woman. I’ll be fine.”

“Nothing’s going on. I’m sorry about the whole situation. You know how these things happen at events like this one tonight.”

“I don’t, not really. These kinds of events are not my scene.”

“Look, I need to get back to my duties. Dominic will take you to Lucas.”

“Dominic Monti? That Dominic?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Oh, Lena will want to hear this…”

I don’t know who Lena is, but she must’ve had something to do with Lexi getting into the Casino ball tonight.

“Alexis, let’s go, please.”

“It’s Lexi for… friends. But maybe that doesn’t apply to you. Or does it?” she says, a broad smile lighting up her face. “It’s just that I’ve always wanted to come to a ball at the Casino. It’s fascinating how the whole place lights up, and everything sparkles. If I close my eyes, I can imagine it’s the 1920s, and this is a costume ball,” she continues.

I can’t stop looking at her. Her laughter is so damn cute and disarming that I scramble to hide a smile, my fingers curling into my palms to stop myself from reaching out to her or keeping her next to me for the rest of the evening. The way she holds herself, the sass in her words, the curve of those lips—it’s all a tempting invitation.

But this is not the time for it. She’s a distraction that pulls me away from my work, which is frustrating, but something about her has hooked me. She’s not Lucas’s type. And not my type, either. I like discreet, grown women who don’t read anything more into a night of sex and pleasure. But here I am, babysitting her more than I should, especially when I have an entire crew for that.

She grips my arm as we push through the crowd like she’s afraid of getting swept away. Only now… I make the rules. I gently let go of her hand and put my arms around her, pulling her in close, feeling her leg brushing against my thigh as we walk.

I weave through the crowd, keeping her close by my side. My hand rests on the small of her back, like a whisper against her skin. A tremor runs through her as we touch, but she doesn’t pull away or turn to look at me. The way she leans in, trusting, sends a delicious shiver down my spine. There’s a protectiveness bubbling up alongside the heat, a desire to keep her safe in this sea of faces. This feels… different.

I never go out in public with a woman. My time in the Navy hasn’t made it easy for me to transition back into a social life. These last few years have been all about building up my business and reputation as a top-tier Protector. It’s meant a lot of hard work, traveling, and extreme discretion in dealing with high-profile dignitaries or billionaire clients.

Lexi seems to be effortlessly gliding beside me, eager to get to Lucas. I’ll soon have to tear myself away from her. I’m on duty, in public, and I’ve already been away for too long. Green eyes, this doesn’t end there. I’m going to find out who you are.

She pulls away from my arm as Dominic shows up, recognizing who he is. What woman wouldn’t? The unofficial king of seaside nightclubs, the most wanted bachelor. For those who know him well, that’s just his work personality, all thanks to a ton of PR. Even though he seems to thrive in the spotlight, Dominic and his family are still dealing, behind closed doors, with the loss of his youngest brother.

“I’ll take it from here,” Dominic says, grabbing her arm and pulling her closer. Lexi, my new acquaintance with the most mesmerizing green eyes I’ve ever seen, glides away toward the Grand Ballroom with a discreet nod at me. She’s relaxed surprisingly quickly and is enjoying herself. A last smile, and she disappears.

“Dean?”

“Yes, boss,” I hear him in my earpiece.

“The woman from before, the girl at the entrance earlier, is now with Dominic. He’s taking her to Lucas.”

“I know, boss. I heard.”

“Don’t let her or Lucas out of your sight. Keep me posted.”

“In case?”

“In case she’s not feeling well, and Lucas acts like an asshole.”

“How do we know she’s not feeling well?”

“Just keep the cameras on her, and if you see her scared, upset, worried, or anything like that, you let me know. Clear?”

“Gabe, is everything okay? We got this, don’t worry.” Dean senses my irritation. He’s great. It was a smart move to take him on my team.

“We need to worry about her from now on. That’s all. Come on, Dean, you know what I mean.”

I disconnect my earpiece and call Peter. He picks up in the first two seconds.

“Gabriel, I’m sorry about the mess.”

“Hi, Peter. It’s taken care of. I’m sorry I had to bother you.”

“Gabriel, she’s the girl. ”

“The girl you told me about? What is she doing at this event, given her situation?” Peter told me he needed my services and connections for one of his employees who was getting threats. Was he talking about Lexi?

“I didn’t know she’d be there tonight. Damn it! Lucas is being careless, as usual. Gabriel, please look after her. Lexi doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. I haven’t told her everything.”

“Yeah, she didn’t seem worried at all. She’s got some serious attitude, Peter.”

“Don’t get fooled by appearances, Gabriel. She’s bluffing out of fear. Her life has not been easy. I don’t know how many people would’ve made it through what she had to endure. And now, she’s in danger again. I can’t forgive myself for being so negligent.”

Peter’s serious and grave, in stark contrast to Lexi’s social butterfly mood.

“Okay, we’ll talk tomorrow. You should’ve talked to me sooner, you know. Or to the police.”

“It’s not that easy. You’re right about one thing: I should’ve done it sooner. But it’s not too late yet. The girl’s already in your territory. If anyone can protect her, it’s you.”

“Even against her will? You know I don’t do that stuff, Peter. I have a strict rule about the clients I take on for personal protection.”

“Gabriel, she’s not your typical VIP client. Let me put it plainly: someone’s after Lexi, I’m sure of it. I can’t put my finger on who, but it feels serious. I know you rarely take on women as clients, but Lexi needs the Protectors. I’ve done everything I can for her, but this is bigger than me. She needs real protection, and you’re the best.”

Peter knows well what he’s asking. He’s an essential sponsor for us, Protectors, and his money has helped many people in desperate situations .

“All right, Peter. I’ll look into it.”

“That’s all I ask, Gabriel.”

“One more thing. Does Lucas know about her situation?”

“Bits and pieces. He might’ve heard me talking. I don’t hide things from him and Anita. They’re my children, after all.”

“You mean they both know all the details about her?”

“I haven’t told them anything specific. They’re not supposed to know. Only Lexi’s father and a journalist friend of hers know.”

“Okay, I’ll get back to you if anything comes up.” I hear a long sigh and heavy breathing at the end of the phone.

“Gabe, I’m counting on you,” Peter adds.

“Always, Peter. Good night.”

I peek into the Grand Ballroom from the doorway. I can’t see her.

“Dean?” I check in with my team again. “You know what I said before about watching over Lexi?”

“Yeah,” he answers.

“We need to double down on that. Tell the team. Dominic, get a mic on her dress ASAP. I want to hear everything that’s being discussed around her.”

I know Dominic must be rolling his eyes hearing this, but he’ll do what I ask.

A room packed with strangers is the last place Lexi should be now. But it’s too late to get her out. The universe must have a twisted sense of humor. It seems like my avoid complicated situations plan went up in smoke. A complication in a killer dress just swept into my life. And she’s already under my protection, even though she doesn’t know it. Just as she doesn’t know me.