Page 22 of Rayna's Daddy

“Hey.” Rayna had stood up. “Excuse me, but do I have a say in where I’d like to go?”

I wanted to pat her on her cute little head and tell her no, but it wouldn’t have gotten the desired result.

“Rayna.” I brought her over to the couch and motioned for her to sit. “I don’t want to scare you, but Santorini is a mob boss for lack of a better way to describe him.”

“I knew it.” She grinned. “He gave me major mob boss vibes.”

“He is kind of a low man on the totem pole because he traffic’s in women and while his friends like the money it generates, it’s the worst kind of business for their organization.” I patted her hand.

“Wow. Really? Why?” Rayna seemed more fascinated than concerned about Santorini’s dealings.

“Because when you steal a person or force a person to do . . .”

She nodded.

“And, they escape, they talk.” I shrugged.

“And the mob doesn’t like people who talk.” She understood all too well. My little girl was different. She probably preferred crime movies to my little pony. True middle.

Wait. Not my little girl.

“So, until the FBI finds him, you have to be protected.” As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t keep her here if she didn’t want to stay. But God, I really wanted her to stay. “It’s up to you, Rayna. You can go into protective custody, or you can stay here with me. You choose.”

CHAPTER7

Istared at Kyler. The hope in his eyes made me feel all sorts of things. Excited and nervous, but most of all safe. I couldn’t explain it. We knew nothing about each other. He could be a serial killer or mean to puppies. None of that sounds right, but who knew? He saw me and I saw him, too. Being around him gave me a sense of calmness and security at a level beyond explanation, and it was a gift. In the Ninja world, some gifts you don’t try to explain, you accept by faith and say thank you.

“I’d like to stay here, please.” I scooted closer to him. “If it’s okay with you.”

“It would be my honor.” He squeezed my hand and stood up. With that settled, I felt better. It was weird and completely crazy, but at least I didn’t have to go back to New Jersey for now.

“Thank you.” I squeezed his hand back and safety was no longer top of mind, lust was. I pulled my hand away. “I should probably call my grandmother and let her know I am alright.”

Kyler handed me my phone and motioned toward the spare room.

I headed toward my suitcase at the front door, Kyler stepped around me.

“I know this is strange.” Kyler fiddled with the handle. “I have two other hotel rooms on this floor for guest if it would make you more comfortable.”

I looked up at him. His eyes darted around. It was the first time I’d seen him nervous or unsure about something.

“If you think it will be safe?” I clasped my hands together.

“Oh, you will be safe.” He gripped the handle. “I’ll always have Patrick by your door. He’s my best guy.” He pointed to the man holding up the wall. The blond man hadn’t said much, but you could see his mind working behind those ice-blue eyes.

“Well, if he’s guarding me.” I frowned. “Who will be watching you?”

He smiled, and my stomach flipped.

“I’ll be fine.”

“I think I should probably stay here.” I walked toward the guest room. “That way, he can protect us both.” Kyler followed.

“Wise decision.” He hefted my suitcase on the bed and chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” I flopped on the bed and unzipped my backpack.

“I figured you’d like a little more privacy.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “A free hotel room in Vegas with unlimited room service and all the movies you can watch.”

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