Page 65 of Beaten

I looked at Chris. “I’d feel better if Emily is somewhere Craig doesn’t know about, at least for tonight. We’ll report the restraining order violation first thing tomorrow morning and re-evaluate the situation when we have more information.”

Emily looked at Ashley, “Is it okay?”

“We’ll do whatever you want.” Then she looked at me. “It might be fun to have a slumber party at the hot bodyguard’s house.”

Emily’s laugh was hollow, but I saw her shoulders relax a little more.

I rubbed Emily’s back, comforting her. “Everything’s going to be okay. I won’t let him hurt you.”

Maybe it was overkill to be treating the situation like the threat was imminent, but we didn’t know Craig’s state of mind, or where he was. For all we knew, he was already in, or on his way to, Weatherford and I wasn’t willing to take that risk.

Chris wanted to stay but had to take Vicky and Zoe home, so I reassured him we had everything under control and told him I’d text him when we got back to my place. We shared a surreal moment when he shook my hand, and thanked me.

“What a fucking night.” He said, shaking his head.

I rubbed my jaw. “What a fucking night.” I agreed before hugging Vicky and kissing my goddaughter on the forehead. Making eye contact with Chris, I said, “She’s a lucky girl.” Her dad might not be a warrior by trade, but he’d always be there to provide for and protect her.

“Thanks.”

While I waited for Emily and Ashley to pack their bags, I called Jack to let him know what had happened. Then I called Dean and let him know Emily would be leaving with me, but I needed him to stay and finish his shift.

When Emily and Ashley came down, I messaged Dean to let him know we were on our way out. Before we left, I asked if she’d left a note for her parents so they wouldn’t be worried.

“I did. Thanks.”

Ashley held Emily’s hand, offering what little comfort she could, on the quiet drive back to my place. I could see Emily’s lip trembling as she held back tears.

Fucking bastard!My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel in a death grip, wishing it was Craig’s neck. I wanted to strangle him for what he’d done, was still doing, to her.Emily’s mine to protect, and I will not fail her.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted us the instant we entered the hall. I put their bags down near my bedroom door, and ushered them into the kitchen.

I wasn’t surprised to see Meg with Jack when we walked into the kitchen. Like Jack, she’d want to help any way she could.

Jack greeted us, then said, “AJ’s on his way.” He looked at Emily, concern written all over his face. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, though it was clearly not true. “I’m sorry you had to get up.”

“No worries, we always stay up late to celebrate the Fourth.” I don’t think I’ve ever loved my brother more than I did in that moment.

“I made some coffee, and boiled water if you’d rather have tea.” Meg acted like making coffee and tea at eleven-thirty was perfectly normal.

“Thank you.”

Emily and Ashley sat at the kitchen table with me and Jack. No one spoke as Meg brought over coffee, hot water and tea bags, some snacks, and tissues. “I’ll be in the office if you need me.”

“You’re not staying?” Emily sounded like a scared child, and it broke my heart.

“I can if you’d like.”

“I would.” She looked down at her hands. “Please.”

“Of course.” Meg said as she sat next to Jack.

As Emily told Jack what had happened, I watched her body language. Craig was a potential threat, but I needed to know if she believed he was an immediate one. She’d tell me more non-verbally than she might realize.

When Jack asked her if it’d be okay if he read the texts and listened to the voicemails, she unlocked her phone and handed it to him.

Based on Emily’s body language as Jack listened to the messages, she fully expected Craig to make good on his threats, if not tonight, soon. Jack and I made eye contact and without words agreed a shadow wasn’t enoughanymore—Emily would have a bodyguard for the foreseeable future.

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