Page 5 of Her Guilty Protector
“You’ve told me that before.”
Grabbing a bottle from the mini fridge, I hand it to her. “Will it hurt your head if I raise the light a little?”
“Go ahead.”
There’s an obvious lump on her temple, bruises on her forehead and cheek. My blood boils and I clench my fist in my pocket.
Pulling a chair next to the bed, I sit beside her. “I’m sorry. This is my fault. What can I get you? What can I do?”
“You know, I’m tired of hearing that. You and Frank both. Everything is NOT your responsibility and it’s not your fault.
“Allen is the one who probably ran me over. I know for a fact that Allen stole my program. And I sure as hell know it was Allen who pushed me down the stairs. I’d know his eyes and sneer anywhere, even if he did try to disguise himself.
“I am tired of hiding and I’m tired of being the victim.” Her voice softens. “And I’m tired of being alone.”
“You aren’t alone. I’m here and I’m not leaving till this is settled.”
“Then lay here with me. Hold me so I can feel safe and really sleep.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Just lay down. I’ll get myself comfortable.”
After removing my shoes and belt, I place my wallet, phone and weapon on the bedside table and lay down beside her. She rolls to her left side which seems to have the least injuries. Resting her head on my shoulder, she uses her hand to lift and adjust her right leg over my thighs, then lays her arm across my chest.
“Flip the cover over us, please,” she asks so softly.
I do.
She sighs. “Now that you’re here, I can sleep.”
In less than five minutes, her body has relaxed into mine and her breathing has found its sleep rhythm.
And I’m right where I’ve wanted to be for years.
The first time I met her she had just turned sixteen. I was twenty-eight and had been a Ranger for years before Frank joined our team. He and I had the same career goals and dedication. We became fast friends. I never knew my sperm donor and mom had died ten years before. When he learned I had no family he invited me to Thanksgiving dinner.
Laney was beautiful and smart. Really had her shit together for a sixteen-year-old. Had her goals set and was already messing with code and knew she was going to be a programmer.Beautiful, smart, and had her life planned. She really impressed me. After that holiday, she wrote to both Frank and I every couple of weeks.
I wasn’t able to get leave when their parents died in a car crash six years ago. She and I talked briefly. I told her then I’d always be there for her. Frank and I had our own agreement for taking care of her in case something happened to one of us.
I lied to myself for years about my feelings for her. Even when the guys ribbed me about becoming a monk. I just— well after meeting her, no one interested me.
Then when I saw what Allen did to her, I lost it. I realized that I loved her. I know she doesn’t see me that way. I’m willing to take what I can get. Her friendship means everything. She’ll always have my heart.
Protecting her is my life’s mission now that I’m out of the service. I’ll do anything to make her happy and walk away when she no longer needs me. But I’ll never be far.
I’m going to take care of the Allen issue, then she’ll be able to quit looking over her shoulder. Start living the life she deserves.
I don’t sleep. I can’t. Instead I stroke her shoulder, inhale her scent, and marvel at the feel of the silk of her hair under my cheek. I need to store up every second of holding her like this for the years to come. These memories will be my comfort, my sustenance.
CHAPTER 4
Delaney ‘Laney’
I wake, warm and secure to the gentle beat of a heart under my ear. The musky scent I’ve known for over ten years engulfs me. Hawke is on his back, one arm wrapped around my shoulder, my head resting on his chest. I’m snuggled to his side.
My hero. My protector. My guardian angel.
