Page 61 of Protected By Her Daddy

Wren chuckles. “Oh, I plan to keep him too busy for any more trouble.”

“What are your plans now?” I ask Abe.

“Thought I might drop by and see Bass at the shelter. Seems he’s having a little trouble with people going missing. Some whack job wearing a hat with a bat on it. Thought I might lend a hand.”

“I’d be interested to know the outcome since he’s the reason Wren and I met.”

Abe quirks an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Story for another time, brother.”

“Look forward to it.” Abe lifts a hand, disappearing quickly for a guy his size.

“Let’s get you upstairs,” I tell Wren, carrying her toward the elevator and the safety of our penthouse.

She snuggles into me. “Yes, please.”

I get Wren settled in bed and call Dr. Sanderson to check her out despite her protests that she’s okay. I won’t take any more chances with her health. The doc examines her, proclaims her and the baby unharmed, and prescribes rest. He gives her a mild sedative, assuring me it’s safe for use during pregnancy. Within minutes of Dr. Sanderson leaving, Wren is sound asleep.

While she rests, I leave two of my men outside the penthouse and head down to the basement, a place I’ve kept hidden from her. The air’s thick and musty down here. Ed is waiting for me in front of the cells holding Jerry and Gregory. They look like rabid dogs caught in a trap, needing their next fix.

“Was Ethan’s body taken care of?” I ask Ed.

He smirks. “Ethan, who?”

I nod and sit in one of the two chairs opposite their cells while Ed takes the other. “Should’ve known you two were too dumb to quit.”

“Come on, Gabriel. Let us out of here. We won’t come back, I swear. I’ll even take that little cunt off you for a price. She’s damaged goods now, not worth as much as she once was. You must be tired of her by now, right?”Gregory starts yapping first, proving he’s not the brains of this outfit.

My eyes narrow, but I remain silent, my arms crossed over my chest, letting him dig his own grave with his filthy mouth.

“Jerry.” I turn my attention to the man who assaulted my wife, pinned her against a wall, and wrapped his dirty fucking hands around her throat. “Anything you want to add?”

He’s twitchy now, the stench of desperation clinging to him like shit to a picnic blanket. “Forget about the money. We’ll take the one-way ticket. You’ll never see us again, I swear.”

Oh, you’ll get your one-way ticket.

I study his jittery form. “You tried to take something precious from me. And that comes with a price you’re about to pay,” I say, my voice as cold as the concrete walls around us. I look at Ed. “Load them up.”

My best friend nods without hesitation. He knows the plan.

We drive out of town, their whimpers filling the van. By the time we reach the forest, Gregory has pissed his pants, and I can’t help but think how pathetic they are compared to the terror they planned to inflict on Wren. We take them to the darkest part of the forest, where the moon can’t reach us through the tall trees.Ed and I push the two men to their knees, arms bound behind their backs.

I hadn’t planned on saying anything, but the words come out anyway as Gregory kneels in front of me. “You forced Wren to live in fear. You abused her with your fists, your words, your neglect. You’ll never do that to another soul after tonight.”

Under the canopy of trees, it’s done. Their stories end. Ed and I watch until we’re sure they’ll never get up again, then walk away without a word. We’re not monsters. We simply did what was necessary.

On the ride back, Ed breaks the silence. “Had to be done, Gabriel.”

“Yeah,” I agree, my heart heavy, but my resolve unshaken.

Back at the penthouse, I shower the grime and guilt away, or at least try to. I’ve killed before. I’d do it again to keep Wren and our baby safe. But that doesn’t mean I enjoy it. I crawl into bed, and Wren burrows into me, the curve of her belly against my side, the promise of our future together.

“It’s over,” I whisper.

She sighs softly. “Thank you, Gabriel.”

Everything I do is for her, for them. They’re my world, and I’ll take out anyone who threatens their lives. Anyone.

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