Page 87 of The Way We Win

She stands quickly, walking straight past George Powell and into my office without a word. I follow her inside and close the door before going to put my arm around her.

“What’s wrong?”

“This appeared on my phone last night.” She hands me the device, and my brow lowers.

A text from a blocked number is on the screen.

I see you.

Anger burns in my throat, and my eyes snap to hers. “Is it him?”

“I don’t know.” Her arms wrap around her waist, and she steps out of my embrace. “I messaged a few friends in New Orleans, and they haven’t seen him lately. They can’t rememberhow long it’s been. I mean, it could be an accident. It could’ve been meant for someone else…”

“But the number is hidden.” I shake my head. “We’re not taking a chance.”

Her eyes lift to mine, and she’s so frightened standing in front of me, protection surges in my veins.

“Come here.” I pull her to me again, and she melts into my arms with a little huff.

Her head is against my chest, and a shiver moves through her body.

Leaning down, I kiss her temple, sliding my hand up and down her back.

“You’re not alone in this.” Holding my lips against her head, I inhale deeply her apple scent. “I’ll take care of you.”

She nods against my chest, but when she lifts her chin, her brow is lined. “How?”

Gazing into her pretty face fills me with calm assurance. “You’ll move in with me until we’ve located him.”

“I can’t do that.” She exhales a scoff. “What about Austin?”

“I’ll stay at your place, then.”

“And Kimmie?”

“Dylan will help me with her.” Reaching up, I slide a lock of hair behind her ear. “I won’t leave your side.”

“I have a house alarm. We should be good with that.”

“I don’t likeshould.” She has no idea the lengths I’m willing to go to guarantee her safety. “Have you shown this to Garrett?”

“No, I came straight to you.”

I like that she came to me. I want her to come to me always. “We’ll loop him in on this, and he can have his guys watching. He can find out the last time Rip checked in with his parole officer, and that will give us an idea of what we’re working with.”

“I hate this so much.” Allie’s jaw tightens, and she starts to pace again. “I hate that he has this power over us. I hate being afraid. It makes me so angry.”

“He doesn’t have power over us.” My tone is final. “If he’sstupid enough to come here, he’ll find out just how big of a mistake he’s making. We take care of our own, and nobody is going to touch you or Austin.”

Her brow is still furrowed, and I touch her cheek. “Look at me.” Her face lifts, and I hold her gaze. “Do you trust me?”

“You know I do.”

“Then don’t be afraid.”

She blinks a few times, and the mist in her blue eyes twists my chest painfully.

“Allie,” I whisper, taking her hand. “We’ve got you.”

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