Oh, wait, had he spoken with too much satisfaction? He’d have to be more careful. Eric sauntered forward and took her hand. “I’ll have a crew over here first thing in the morning. For now, come with me and get some rest. You’re dead on your feet.”

And, wonder of wonders, Piper gave a nod. “Okay. Thank you.”

He realized just how terrified she must be. Because Piper never gave in on anything.

Ben’s hand clamped around his shoulder. “I’ll lock up here.”

Eric glanced at his brother.

Ben’s bright gaze was suspicious. “And you will take care of her? You’ll be on your best behavior?”

What was he? Six? Best behavior, his ass. “I’ve got her.” A brisk nod. Eric tightened his hold on Piper and led her out of the house. Darkness reigned outside. No stars glittered overhead because heavy clouds had moved in. A dank cold settled around them, and when Piper shivered, he immediately shouldered off his coat and put it around her shoulders.

She started to head for her car.

“Let me take you.”

Frowning, she peered at him. “I need my own wheels.”

He was being far too cautious, he knew it, but…this was Piper. “I want a member of my team to go over your ride.” He cast a quick glance at the red convertible. “Do a sweep on it, make sure everything is okay.” He was trying not to scare her, but he also didn’t want to take any chances.

“What is it that you think is wrong with my car?” She bit her lower lip as she waited for his response.

Such a delectable lip.

“If you feel like you’ve been followed, maybe someone is keeping tabs on you. Wouldn’t be hard to hide a device on your vehicle, one that would transmit GPS coordinates back to the SOB who put it there. Everywhere you went, he’d know about it.” A pause. “You said you were out of town when both break-ins occurred.”

“Yes.”

“Did you drive out of town? Or fly?”

“Drove. Both times.”

“So maybe he knew you were out of town because he’d been watching your house.” His gaze darted down the dark street. “Or because he was tracking your car. Either way, I’d feel better leaving it here. No sense taking chances.”

“Dammit, I hate this.”

His body brushed against hers. “I will protect you. I swear it.” God, he wanted to kiss her. To drop his mouth to hers and taste her. But he was trying to show her that she needed him. He had to play this right. Step back.

His car waited in front of her driveway, and he opened the passenger side door for her. Her body slid against his, the scent of lavender teased him, and Eric pulled in a deep breath.