A Protector's Second Chance (Unit Matched #2) Read Online Free Page B

underwear.
    Calvin Klein. Oh, how I love those on a guy.
    Oliver was like a model that graced the pages of the fashion magazines that I had read. He was very tall and muscular and you would have thought from his appearance that he was a Protector. However his soft, gentle side immediately told you that he was a Controller.
    Unless he was yelling at me.
    “I brought you a present,” he announced as he unloaded a large white paper bag.
    The aroma hit me first, and then my stomach growled, causing Oliver to chuckle. He’d brought me a double cheeseburger from The Diner.
    “The Princess said you couldn’t communicate with other Unit citizens, but she didn’t say anything about you eating the food.”
    My mouth watered for it. I wanted to devour it so badly. Finally, I gave in to the teasing aroma of the food. I shut off the TV and went to the table.
    Oliver sat the large burger in front of me, and I acted like a vacuum. I ate it as fast as I could. There was something about a greasy, juicy burger that made you forget all about your troubles.
    “I want you to go upstairs and dress warmly.” Oliver softly ordered as he cleared up our trash.
    “Why?”
    Oliver seemed a little shocked that I’d said anything at all. “Please. I have one more surprise, and it’s on a time limit.”
    I knew if I didn’t do it, he would keep staring at me.
    “Fine,” I huffed, stomping up the stairs.
    I changed into warmer layers and went back downstairs. He was standing at the door, holding my parka.
    “Are you trying to sweat five pounds off me or something?”
    “Nope.”
    “Then what gives?”
    “We’re going for a walk.”
    I stood up straighter. “What?”
    “When I was in Unit, I saw the Princess and she granted me a favor. I know you’ve been cooped up in this cabin, and I thought it’d be nice to take you out for a walk.”
    I was tempted to hug him at that moment. Instead, I nodded, taking my parka from his hand.
    I was almost nervous when I stepped over the threshold. The sun was gleaming off the snow, and it felt amazing.
    The cold air stung my cheeks and burned my lungs when I inhaled. I could already feel my eyes watering and my nose running.
    And I loved it.
    “Let’s head out on this trail.” Oliver started off to his right.
    I followed him, letting the snow, which was crunching under my feet, be my music. Even though all the leaves had fallen from the trees, it was still beautiful to see the different shades of bark on the trees.
    I felt like a kid again and wanted desperately to stop and build a snowman. I had made so many of them with Xaviera and Gia. It was our favorite thing to do when it snowed.
    I watched Oliver as we continued through the winding path. He had on his dark black jacket, with a matching ski cap.
    “How were your meetings?”
    “I didn’t have any. I had business in Unit that needed to be handled.”
    I jogged up to him. “What’s going on in Unit?”
    He stopped.
    “Please tell me,” I pleaded with him.
    “You know I can’t tell you.” He shook his head, keeping his voice low.
    Another part of my punishment was that I couldn’t know anything that was going on in Unit. It was killing me, too.
    “I know.” I hung my head.
    “I would if I could, but I won’t betray Princess Xaviera.” He was using his serious tone with me.
    I nodded, and we started walking again. When we reached the end of the trail, we were at the top of a small hill.
    “Wow,” I breathed out, looking at the scenery in front of me.
    There were mountains covered in snow all around us. It looked like a computer screen saver. It went on and on.
    “I’m surprised you haven’t complained today.”
    “Well,” I shrugged. “I actually enjoy being outdoors, and it was really nice of you to ask Xaviera to do this.” I smiled at him because I was grateful.
    “You’re welcome.” He grinned at me.

Chapter 12
    Day 23 of 90
     
    Day 23
     
    For the past three days, I’ve been on a cloud. The walk outside was