Dare to Hold by Carly Phillips

sure she was protected. He was just grateful she didn’t ask about the bag because he doubted she’d appreciate the answer. Her independent streak would kick in, and he’d rather save the argument for another time.
    When they arrived at Tyler’s office, he took in the atmosphere as if for the first time, knowing his life was about to take a drastic turn. Double Down Security was located in a high-end building meant to impress big-name clients. Scott knew his brother didn’t give a shit about appearances, but he did know how to play the game. He gave clients the perception they wanted and the protection they paid for. It was a win-win.
    Scott had given his brother a heads-up that he’d be bringing Meg by, and Tyler stepped out of his office to greet them. He slapped Scott on the back and turned to Meg. “I’m Tyler Dare,” he said by way of introduction.
    “Meg Thompson.” She held out her hand, which Tyler engulfed in his larger one. “I can see the family resemblance,” she said, her gaze going back and forth between them.
    “Just a resemblance though. I’m the better-looking brother.” Tyler winked.
    Scott rolled his eyes. “Ignore him. He’s a pain in the ass.”
    Meg laughed, the sound warming Scott inside.
    “My little brother just can’t handle the competition,” Tyler said, his gaze never leaving Meg as he assessed her for the first time.
    “Little, my ass,” Scott muttered.
    “And I hate to break it to you, but I don’t see any competition,” Meg replied, teasing Tyler right back.
    A small smirk kicked up the corners of her mouth, and Scott burst out laughing. “She told you,” he said to his brother, inwardly pleased she’d stood up for him.
    Tyler chuckled. “I like her,” he said to Scott. “Okay, so what can I do for you two?”
    Scott turned to Meg. “I called Tyler earlier and explained the situation with Mike.” He glanced at Tyler. “I’d like to set Meg up with Luke. I want all the information I can get on her ex and his family. There has to be a reason a guy who doesn’t want anything to do with a baby is still harassing her. She just wants him to sign away his rights. You’d think he’d be happy to do it.”
    Tyler’s gaze darkened as he listened. Like Scott and Ian, the Dare men were protective of women. And once the woman meant something to one of them? Things got personal.
    “Okay, I’ll introduce you to Luke Williams. He’ll open a case file and take information from you. Don’t worry,” he said to Meg. “We’ll get to the bottom of things and get him off your back.”
    “Thank you,” she said.
    “Baby, are you comfortable talking to Luke alone? I need five minutes with my brother, and then I’ll join you.”
    “Of course.” Meg straightened her shoulders. “This is my problem. Take all the time you need.”
    “I think my brother considers it his problem too,” Tyler said, wrapping an arm around Meg’s shoulders and leading her toward the back rooms. “Meet me in my office,” he called over his shoulder to Scott.
    A few minutes later, Tyler rejoined Scott in his office. The space was large with a wall of windows overlooking the city. Because Tyler didn’t have a woman in his life, their mother, Emma, had taken over decorating. The office proclaimed elegance and class, from the mahogany desk with intricate carvings and detail to the glass and brass accents and live plants, which Scott knew Tyler’s assistant watered for him. In frames on the desk, there were pictures of Tyler and the family, their mother and their siblings. Beyond those touches, the office was professional.
    “She’s very different than your ex,” Tyler said, cutting to the chase as usual. He didn’t bother with small talk when he had a point to make.
    “Yes, she is. I take it you think that’s a good thing?”
    “Rhetorical question.” Tyler met his gaze with similar navy-violet eyes. “I don’t like it that she’s walking around looking over her shoulder.”
    “Me