‘ Your company? You creep!’ she wanted to spat at him, but Grayson's hand touched hers just then.

Without looking back, nor looking away from Crimson, his hand reached to hers softly and firmly grabbed her wrist.

He didn't answer Crimson immediately; instead, he pulled Tessa behind him in one swift motion. The movement was so sudden that she barely had time to react before his body was between her and Crimson, broad shoulders blocking her completely from the man's view.

For a moment, she stood there, staring at the back of his head, stunned. Protected. The feeling struck her strangely hard.

Grayson leaned slightly back, his voice dropping into...