Page 62 of Shadow

She huffed. “I’m serious, Ripley… Daddy. Let them protect you.”

He put an arm around her and kissed her forehead. “It’s not that simple. Protective custody means I go away with no contact. And there’s no telling how long I’ll be gone. It would be just like before. I said no because I won’t put you through that again. Instead, a security team is going to be following us twenty-four-seven. And it won’t just be Peter’s guys. It will also include a team of black ops security. They’ll keep us safe. But technically, protection doesn’t extend to you unless we’re married.”

When she opened her mouth to protest, he put a finger to her lips. “I know you’re not ready for that, so I won’t push the issue. We are putting Peter’s men on you around the clock, though. And you’ll be with me as much as possible so that you have my team protecting you, whether they like it or not.”

She bit her lip. “I would you know.”

He blinked. “Would what, baby?”

“Marry you. I can’t believe you told them no because you didn’t want to leave me again. That means a lot, Ripley.”

He smiled and cupped her jaw. “I’m going to marry you someday, Olivia Harrigan, but not like this. Not because some lunatic with an ax to grind wants to kill me. You’ll know when I’m ready to ask.”

She nuzzled into his hand. “OK. I trust you, Daddy.”

His heart warmed at the tender honorific. It pleased him that she’d taken to their new dynamic so quickly.

“What questions do you have? Is there anything I can do to put your mind at ease?”

She shook her head. “I’m just glad you’re going to have protection. I’m sorry I was such a bitch in the food court. Between my anger at you for the stunt you pulled with Mario, and my trust issues in general, I just snapped.”

Ripley put his forehead against hers. “I understand, baby girl. You have nothing to be sorry for. I handled that phone call badly.” He reached into his messenger bag and pulled out a decorative notebook. “I did buy you something at the gift shop, though.”

She groaned but took it and gave him a sad puppy dog expression. “You’re not really going to make me fill it with your name are you?”

He shrugged. “That depends. What’s my name?”

“Daddy,” she whispered.

“Good girl. We’ll talk about what you’re going to put in it later.”

She put the notebook aside and picked up his hand. “What are they doing to catch whoever is coming after you?”

That was the tricky part.

“I’m not sure. And because I’m out of the game, they won’t let me in on their plans. I tried to get them to let me in, but it was a hard no.”

Her mouth fell open, and he laughed mirthlessly. “It’s just how it works. You wanted me out. I’m out.” Funny, he’d said the same thing to Doran, but Olivia wanting him out was the only reason his old boss and nemesis had gotten his way.

“I only want you out if you want to be out. Don’t tell me you gave up your job for me.”

He shook his head. “It’s not that simple. But yes, you were a big factor in me walking away. And that’s got to be OK.”

She ducked her head and laid it against his chest. “I’m glad you’re out.”

Ripley glanced at his watch. “If you want to go back down to your seminar, we’ve got time to get you there.”

She shook her head. “Can we stay here? I’m feeling nervous, anxious, a whole mix of things. I’d like to just not think for a little while. Can you help me with that, Daddy?”

Her voice took on a sultry tone, and he reached for her hand. “I think I can, baby girl.”

“I need something rough, Ripley.”

“Shh. No more talking. I’m going to give you just what you need.”

She bit her lip, then nodded her consent.

“That’s a good girl. Get up and go into the bathroom. You have about two minutes to get out of your clothes.”

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