She saw him and her eyes widened.

Easton strode to her, tugged her a few steps to the side, then spun her into the alcove. Now they were hidden from anyone using the restrooms.

“Easton—”

He shook his head. “Don’t talk. I’m too angry.”

Her eyes sparked. “I already have to deal with one asshole tonight, don’t make it two.”

He shook her a little. “You know what he is. How dangerous he is. Yet, you’re sitting there with him, drinking wine. Is this how you’re dealing with the situation?” His voice was a contained roar.

She stiffened, like she was going to fight back, then she slumped into him. “Easton, I’m holding on by a thread. He threatened my father, and said if I had dinner with him, he’d give my father a few extra days to get more money.” There was a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

“Don’t you dare cry.”

She scowled at him. “Quit with the orders. I’ll cry if I want.” She sniffed.

She looked brave, but vulnerable. Dammit. She woke up every one of his protective instincts.

Easton yanked her to him. She was stiff for a second, then her arms slid under his jacket and around his body. She pressed her face to his chest and held on tight.

“I want to help you,” he said.

“I know. But you have so many people coming to you for help, or money, or something else. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen so much of it. I’m astounded at the gall of people. I don’t want to add to that.”

His hands tightened on her. “The difference is that I’m offering.”

She looked up. “I know. Give it a couple more days. My father said he has a plan.”

Easton stared at her face. “You don’t believe him?”

She sighed. “I just don’t see how we can make this right.” She stepped back, pulling herself together.

Easton missed the warmth of her. Hell.

“I have to go back,” she said. “Finish this dinner.”

His reaction was knee-jerk. “No.”

“Yes.” She lifted her chin.

Easton wanted to bite the stubborn line of her jaw.

“You go back to the fawning, eyelash-fluttering lawyer,” she said acidly.

He ignored her jab and instead, gripped Harlow’s chin. “I’ll be watching. Until you’re out of here safely.”

She trembled. “Thank you.”

It was fucking hard for him to watch her walk away. He stayed in the shadows, fingers flexing, breathing deeply. For a second, he was back with his Rangers, on a mission, waiting for the right time to strike.

Forcing himself to relax, he walked out and rejoined his group. They started talking business again.

“Easton,” Helena murmured. “I was hoping you might come back to my place after. For a drink.”