Page 12 of Protected By Her Daddy

I’m at her side in an instant. “It’s okay. You’re safe,” I say softly, hoping my voice will cut through whatever nightmare holds her.

Blue eyes lock onto mine as her eyelids flutter open. For a moment, terror paints her features before recognition slowly replaces the fear, and her gaze softens.

“My handsome angel,” she whispers, her mouth curving into a dreamy smile. “I thought I imagined you.”

I smooth her hair away from her face. “Rest now. You’re safe here.”

Something loosens in my chest as she sighs and her eyes drift shut once more. A single second in time, and just like that, my plan to send her on her way once she’s healed nosedives out the large window. Decision made. No prior planning or thought. There’s something extraordinary about her, something that tugs at my heart in a way I don’t fully understand. Every atom of my being screams that she’s mine.

Everything has changed tonight. For her and for me. I don’t give a fuck if I’m too old for her. Fate brought her to me, and I intend to keep her. I want her. It would be stupid to deny it when my cock throbs painfully at the fly of my pants. But it’s not just physical. She’s the one I’ve been waiting for.

For the first time in a long while, a sense of purpose unrelated to my business washes over me. I know exactly what I need to do. I’m not just a CEO closing deals; I’m someone who can make a difference in Wren’s life. She’s already made a difference to mine.

I want to know her story, to understand her struggle, yet I know patience is key. Trust is fragile, a delicate thread that can snap under pressure. She needs someone to support and encourage her, draw her out so she’s the best version of herself. That someone will be me. But in the meantime, she’ll have everything she needs: clothes, food, medical care, and, most importantly, safety.

I return to my seat, keeping vigil, pulling out my phone as it buzzes in my pocket. “Ed?”

“We’re at the house. The place is cleaned out, almost like they had a heads-up. No one here but the mother. She’s in a bad way. Needs medical attention. Shall I bring her in?”

“No. She needs specialist help, which we can’t provide here. Call Cassio,” I say, naming a guy from our unit who set up a rehabilitation center when we left the SEALs. “Have him bill me personally for her care.”

“On it.”

A few hours later, Dr. Sanderson returns to check on Wren again. He nods and clucks his tongue in satisfaction, declaring that there are no signs of fever. Once he’s done, I have her moved to one of the spare rooms in my penthouse, along with everything she’ll need. She doesn’t stir as I gently transfer her to the enormous bed, still under the influence of the pain meds the doc gave her.

Sinking into the armchair beside her, I watch over her as she sleeps fitfully. Eventually, her breathing evens out, and color returns to her cheeks. The rhythmic rise and fall of her chest is reassuring.

Light filters through the blinds as dawn breaks, casting a soft glow over the room. She stirs, her eyes fluttering open, confusion evident in the depths of her blue gaze.

“Hey, little bird,” I say softly, the nickname forming naturally on my lips.

She turns her head slowly on the pillow, focusing on me. “Hey,” she croaks.

I stand and move toward the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“My shoulder and arm hurt like a bitch.” She glances down at her bandaged shoulder. “At least it wasn’t my right side. I can still wipe my ass.”

“Easy there,” I murmur as she tries to prop herself up and winces at the pain. I move closer to help her. “Don’t strain yourself.”

I watch as she takes in the room with wide eyes. She grips the sheet tightly with her right hand as she huddles beneath it. She’s nervous. It’s like she’s trying to make herself as small as possible and fade into the walls.

My pulse throbs in tandem with my cock as she shyly lifts her eyes to meet mine. I swallow thickly. Fuck, she’s stunning. Her beauty hits me like a truck. Those blue eyes hold me captive, making it impossible to look away. Simply looking at her banishes some of the shadows inside me. My entire body heats, humming with excitement. All I can think about is how badly I want to touch her. I’m staring, but I can’t help it. I’ve never had this kind of reaction to a woman.

Her gaze is wary as it roams the room, taking in the luxurious surroundings. Can’t blame her. I’d be distrustful in her situation.

After a minute, her confusion gives way to a tentative relaxation. “This isn’t a hospital.”

“No, but I promise you it’s better than any hospital you’ll find in the state,” I tell her, noting her cracked lips. “Here.” I reach for the glass of water on the side table. “Drink slowly if you’re thirsty.”

Wren nods as I slide a hand under her head for support while she drinks. “Thank you,” she says, her voice heavy with exhaustion. “Who... who are you?”

“Gabriel Burns. This is my building. I have medical facilities here. My doctor treated your wound.”

She blinks slowly, struggling to focus, the sedative still affecting her. “Why... why would you do that? Bring me here. Help me? You don’t... you don’t even know me.”

My chest tightens at the vulnerability in her voice, and I bite back my initial response. Because I’m the selfish bastard who wants to keep you. “I understand why you’re wary. You’ve been through a lot, and trust doesn’t come easy when you’ve been hurt.”

“Everyone I’ve trusted has let me down,” she murmurs, her voice almost a whisper. Her eyes flutter closed for a moment, as if the weight of her words is too much to bear. When she opens them again, they’re filled with confusion and suspicion. “It doesn’t make sense that you’d help me.”

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