Page 60 of Blake

"Shh, it's okay. I get it," Blake replied, his gruff voice filled with understanding. "You're a fighter."

He gently cupped her face in his hands, caressing her freckled cheeks. The tenderness in his touch was a stark contrast to the fierce determination that had driven him to save her.

"Can't stop that side of you, Savvy," he murmured, "and I don't want to."

"Blake," she breathed, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"I love you, Savannah," he confessed, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "My fierce Little."

With that, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss, pouring every ounce of love and devotion he had into the embrace. Savannah responded with equal fervor, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

"Love you too, Daddy," she whispered when they broke apart, her voice full of warmth and affection.

Their world momentarily narrowed to just the two of them, as if the chaos surrounding them ceased to exist. They shared another deep, soul-stirring kiss, sealing the bond that had grown between them.

"Let's get out of here," Blake said once they finally pulled apart, his blue eyes burning with an intensity that sent shivers down Savannah's spine.

"Lead the way," she replied, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

Taking her hand in his, Blake navigated through the hectic scene, never looking back. They were leaving behind the darkness that had threatened to consume them—and stepping forward, together, into the light.

Chapter eighteen

SAVANNAH

Savannah blinked as she took in her surroundings, unfamiliar and disorienting. Exposed brick walls and high ceilings loomed above her.

Memories of last night came back to her bit by bit. The tea that Marcus had given her, which had evidently made her blackout. Coming to the Lucifer Club, with Marcus breathing down her neck. The look in Blake’s eyes as he came to her rescue.

“Daddy,” she breathed quietly, with a smile. “Where are you?”

She rubbed her eyes and yawned. The sheets rustled around her, crisp and smooth like they'd been freshly laundered. Her gaze drifted to a series of framed photos on a nearby shelf, all featuring a smiling, bright-eyed girl. She had a family resemblance to the Marks boys. It had to be Chloe, Blake's missing sister. Savannah admired the care and tidiness displayed in the apartment, a stark contrast to the rough exterior of the man who lived there.

She climbed out of bed, looking down at the onesie that Blake had dressed her in last night. He’d given her a bubble bath too, but she’d been so tired she barely registered it. As she openedthe door of Blake’s bedroom, she realized that she couldn’t quite remember what the rest of the apartment looked like.

"Morning, Savvy," Jax greeted her from his position sprawled across an oversized leather couch. He didn't look up from his laptop, fingers flying over the keys as he hacked away at some virtual opponent. "Blake's not here right now."

“Oh!” said Savannah in shock. “Is this your apartment too?”

“Sure is. It’s my place, strictly speaking, but Blake rents off me.” Jax smiled at her kindly. “You okay, little one? You had quite a scare last night.”

Savannah swallowed, nodding. “I’m fine.” She felt a pang of disappointment in her chest that Blake wasn’t here. She needed his strength and guidance now more than ever. "Hey, Jax," she said, trying to sound casual despite the unease coiling within her. "When will he be back?"

"Shouldn't be too long," he replied without looking up. "He just had some errands to run. He gave me some instructions for you, though."

“He did?”

Jax nodded. “He left coffee and a blankie for you in the snug. Wants you to get cozy and watch some cartoons and he’ll be back in no time.” He winked at her. "He'll be pissed if you don't follow his instructions."

Savannah nodded. She glanced around the room, and her eyes fell upon a small snug area with a comfy-looking couch and big, plush cushions on it. There was a coffee table with a sippy cup and a tasty-looking pastry on it. Coffee in a sippy cup? She grinned. Blake really did look after her.

She sat on the couch and pressed the remote. The news came on the TV, with the story of the Alderman's mystery assailant and then his arrest on there. Fortunately, nobody seemed too bothered about Blake’s attack on him. The fact that he had beeninvolved in a major trafficking operation was clearly the bigger story.

Shame Savannah hadn’t been the one to break that news to the world, but she was starting to see that it didn’t really matter who told the story, merely that the truth got out there. She never wanted fame or admiration. All she cared about was justice.

Not wanting to be naughty, she switched over to a cartoon channel and made herself comfy. She picked up the sippy cup, which had a cute rabbit design on it. The simple gesture of providing her with a comforting breakfast felt incredibly nurturing, and she felt herself begin to relax. She took a sip of coffee, impressed her Daddy had been able to find a thermos sippy cup that kept her coffee warm. The liquid soothed her parched throat, and then she bit into the decadent pastry, the sugar coating her lips. Heaven.

As she settled back, pulling a soft blanket around her shoulders, Savannah allowed herself to sink into the cushions and become absorbed in the colorful world of animated characters dancing across the TV screen. She would have been worried by a moment like this a few days ago. Scared that she was becoming soft or overly reliant on someone else. But what she had learned was that shecouldrely on her Daddy. He was her rock. And it was okay to trust other people. We all need to rely on others now and then.

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