“I just don’t want you upset.” He glanced down at her stomach, then up.

“In case I’m pregnant?”

“It crossed my mind. I won’t deny that. I want to protect you either way.”

“It’s not like I’m going to get into a physical altercation with anyone.”

Smiley made that deep rumbling sound and his hands fisted at his sides. She inched closer to him.

“You’re so hot in a sexy way when you get angry.”

He relaxed. “I am?”

“I think it’s so romantic that you want to kick someone’s ass over me.”

He reached up and brushed her hair away from her cheek, caressing the side of her face with his thumb. “I’d do anything for you.”

Her belly quivered and her ni**les tightened. “Now you’re just turning me on.”

He turned his head and looked at the clock on the wall. “They are expecting me to call.” He appeared undecided. “We could stay here rather than go.”

“You have your heart set on kicking a little ass.”

“You’re more important.”

“I know, but this is too. We both have some questions that need to be answered.”

“Exactly.” He reached down and took her hand. “And I want to punch them.” He smiled. “A lot.”

She laughed. “Make your calls. I’m going to use the bathroom. We’ll leave in a few minutes.”

“Hurry.” He released her.

Vanni used the bathroom and washed her hands. She stared at her reflection in the mirror over the sink while taking a few deep breathes. She wasn’t sure how she’d hold up to facing Carl, his father or that horrible Bruce. Part of her was tempted just to stay at the hotel but she stiffened her spine. The other part of her knew she needed to be there with Smiley. The Woods Church and her ex-fiancé had thrown them together. She wanted the satisfaction of telling them how that had worked out.

Some of the queasy feeling passed. She reached down and touched her stomach. A little excitement rose at the prospect of being pregnant. The idea was growing on her. It was a long shot but there was always next month or the one after. She had stopped taking her pills since she’d been kidnapped. She hadn’t even remembered that until Smiley had told her she might be pregnant. A little guilt surfaced. She should have told him about it when she realized.

“Tell him later. After this ordeal,” she muttered and exited the bathroom.

* * * * *

Smiley positioned Vanni in a chair facing the glass wall. The occupants about to be led into the next room wouldn’t be able to see her. He’d made her aware of that fact so she felt totally at ease. He crouched down, studying her eyes.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes.”

She was brave. He knew the next moments weren’t going to be easy on her. His gaze drifted to Jericho. The male nodded grimly. He’d promised to stay with Vanni and tend to her if she became emotionally distressed. Smiley trusted the male with his mate. He looked at Vanni and leaned in closer, taking her hand.

“You can leave at any time. Jericho will be here with you. You just tell him whatever you want or need and he’ll make sure it happens.”

She held his gaze and tried to smile. “I know. You told me. I’m good. Stop worrying about me.”

“I might hit them.” He wanted her prepared. “I know you are tenderhearted about violence.”

“Not as much as you think. I’ve grown as a person since this has happened.”

He wasn’t sure what that meant. She seemed to understand his confusion.

“I bashed Bruce over the head with a glass bottle after assaulting him with makeup products. It felt good. I’m not as fragile as you seem to think.”

She amused him. “Okay. Just tell Jericho if it becomes too much.” He glanced at the male again.

“I’ll take care of her,” Jericho promised.

Smiley brushed a kiss on the back of her hand and released her. He stood and left her there, allowing his temper to build as soon as the door closed. The first male was being led into the room when he reached it. The sight of Carl Woods in person stunned him. The male really was puny. He wasn’t very tall and had almost no muscle.

Torrent shoved the male into a chair but there were no restraints placed on him. Smiley closed the door, glaring at the thin blond human. He stared back but showed no fear. It irritated Smiley.

“I’m a lawyer,” Carl stated. “I’ve made a mental list of every one of my civil rights the NSO has violated.” He crossed his arms over his chest and his chin rose in stubborn defiance. “I can’t wait to get you ass**les in a court of law. You can kiss your asses goodbye.”

Torrent flashed his fangs in a grimace and his leather gloves made a slight noise as he fisted both hands and then flexed his fingers. “Believe it or not, this is the least annoying of the bunch. He’s not wailing or pretending he’s Species.”

Smiley knew his eyebrows shot up.

Torrent nodded. “A few of their security staff wanted to have a snarling contest. Literally. I think they figured the one with the loudest growl got to play alpha. It was so pitiful it wasn’t even humorous.” He glared at Carl. “This one just makes threats with human laws no matter how often he’s been corrected.”

“This ass**le isn’t listening. I assume you’re in charge.” Carl addressed Smiley. “I demand to speak to my lawyer or to a representative of the US government.”