Page 356 of The Protector’s Daughter

Sage follows.

I almost order her back.

Then the youngest girl sees Sage.

“You talked to us.”

Sage stops.

“Yes.”

The girl throws her arms around her.

Sage holds her tightly.

The other girls gather around them.

Hayley moves between them, helping Holt check for injuries.

This is why they needed to come.

Not because they can fight.

Because they know what happens after the fighting stops.

The pilot takes the six girls north.

Sage watches until the helicopter disappears.

Then she looks at me.

“Now we get Navarro.”

“No. Now you stay here.”

“I said I would.”

“Taylor stays with both of you.”

Taylor walks toward us.

“I can monitor the warehouse from here.”

“Good.”

Hayley steps close.

“You come back.”

“I will.”

She touches the bruise forming along my jaw.

“You’re hurt.”

“I’m fine.”

Sage looks at Kane.