Damon (The Protectors #1)(19)

“Didn't you hear what I just said?” Mitch sighed, giving her the “getting ready to bitch you out” eyeball.

“Mitch, just spit it out.” Nicole felt her face flame. Damn, she had to get her head on straight.

“Well I did, but you had your head up your ass.”

“I'm tired Mitch. I've had maybe four hours of sleep and I'm hungry. You of all people know what I'm like with a lack of sleep and no food.” Nicole rubbed her eyebrow with the back of her hand. She just wanted to get out of there, grab a heart attack in a sack at the closest fast food joint and then crawl into bed and sleep until her alarm clock went off on Monday morning, signaling the start of another long week. “And before you ask, no, I don't want you to throw me a pity party. So let's just get this over with before I go PMS on you.”

Mitch cursed. He was use to her long speeches, but by the look on Damon, Jared and Duncan's face, they were shocked if not a little amused. Jared was the first to burst out laughing. “Damn Mitch, we do not want to go there.”

“Believe me, I know.” Mitch smirked. “Been there, done that, more than you even know.”

Nicole threw up her hands, walking away. “I'm going home. Text me.”

“Get your ass back here, Callahan.” Mitch sighed, looking as tired as she felt. “We have a problem.”

“Is Steve okay?” Nicole woke up fast.

Damon shook his head in amazement. Thinking of others first was one of things that had drawn him to her.

“The man we took down at the club last night was after someone.” Jared began, glancing at Damon then back to Nicole.

“Yeah, I know. Damon told me.” Nicole wasn't putting two and two together. “So, did he get away from you?”

Jared choked a chuckle back. “Ah....no." His head did though, but he kept that to himself. “We know who his target was.”

Still Nicole stared at them, even Damon. “And......”

“It was you.” Mitch added when Jared didn't.

“Me?” That took her mind off Damon real quick. “Why would he be after me? I have never seen that man before in my life.”

“It seems someone thinks you are doing your job too well.” Jared again eyed Damon, who stood still staring at Nicole.

“As of today you are on a leave of absence.” Mitch put on his boss hat.

“No.” Nicole shook her head. “First of all, this has to be a mistake. You got it wrong.” She looked at the three vampires then back to Mitch. “I am not going on a leave of absence, Mitch.”

“Yes, you are and I am not budging on this, Nicole.” Okay, he was serious. He just used her first name. He never, ever did that.

“Is there any family you could go stay with?” Duncan ask before Nicole could tear into Mitch.

Shaking her head. “No, there isn't.”

“I'll call my brother and see if you can stay with him and his wife in Michigan.” Mitch started dialing.

Nicole stood there speechless. Suddenly her life spiraled out of control, or at least out of her control, and if Damon didn't stop staring at her, she was going to scream. Grabbing Mitch's phone, she snapped it shut and tossed it back to him. “While I appreciate you doing that Mitch, it's a waste of time. I'm a big girl who can make big girl decisions and have been for most of my life.” She turned to Duncan. “I really don't see a problem if you got the guy. Right?”

There was some nervous shuffling of feet and looking away. “We had him” Duncan looked at Damon.

“So that's the problem? He got away?” Nicole did not like where this was heading and seeing three nervous vampire warriors was not helping matters.

“No, I killed him.” Damon replied with ease as if discussing the weather. “And someone will take his place.”

Nicole stepped back, stunned. He killed him.

“We need to get you somewhere safe until we can find out who put the hit on you.” Duncan looked at Mitch. “Call your brother.”

“No, Mitch.” Nicole tore her gaze from Damon. “I am not going into hiding. I don't understand any of this, but I know I am not going to run and leave my job. I'm not stupid. I'll be careful and lock my doors, but right now, I need to get home and feed Ren and Stimpy.” Why the hell she said that she didn't know. All she knew was she had to get away from them and the only thing that came to mind was feeding her turtles. Grabbing her bag she raced out the door to her car.

“Who the f*ck is Ren and Stimpy?” Jared turned to look at everyone, confused.

Damon ignored him as he let his shitkickers lead him out the door behind Nicole.

“Let it go Mitch.” Hearing heavy footsteps coming up behind her, Nicole didn't even turn around figuring it was Mitch. “I'm not leaving and I will be at work Monday morning.” Opening the door she threw her bag in the backseat, got in and slammed the door.

Damon put both hands on the hood of her car, leaning down so his face was in her window. “We need to talk.” He opened her door.

“No, I don't think we do.” Nicole went to close her door, but he stopped it with his hand.

“You need to listen to Mitch and get out of town for a while.” Damon leaned down closer to her level.