Page 11 of Zale's Little Girl
“That’s good to know. I’ll be careful,” he promised before addressing her other question. “I take care of the team when we’re training or on missions. When Aspen needed medical care, Jerico asked me to help her. She and her daddy decided they’d rather have me treat her instead of going to a doctor. I appreciate their trust. Aspen is the perfect Little for Jerico. They love each other deeply.”
“Do you care about her?”
“I consider all my teammates to be like brothers. I trust them more than my own brothers to tell the truth. Aspen is Jerico’s little girl. I care for her because she’s amazing, but there’s no attraction between us,” Zale explained, sensing Pippa was worried.
“She is incredible. I think we’re good friends after just spending the day with her, and I wasn’t even awake half of the time.”
“There it is. We’re home. This is my green house. Number fifteen twenty-seven.”
“You like green?”
“I do. Fatigues, money, broccoli. Lots of good things come in green.”
“Frogs, the Grinch, algae. All green,” she pointed out, making him laugh.
“You are correct, little girl,” he acknowledged.
“Do you think I’m Little?” she asked, revealing the inner thoughts she must have been worrying about.
“I think you know your needs and desires. Today is definitely not the day to make any momentous decisions or life choices. Ten hours ago, you were tethered to the armrest of a car. You get at least another ten to determine anything.”
When she shivered in her seat, Zale fought to control his anger at the man who’d transported her. Strike that. Kidnapped her.
Zale had seen some horrendous things during his time on a special ops team. He’d run into the victims of a human trafficking ring once before. His mind shied away from considering what could have awaited her.
After a brief pause, she answered, “I know. I just want to forget all that.”
“You can talk to me about anything, Pippa. If not me, we’ll find you a professional to work through any rough places with you. There’s no shame in getting help.”
She nodded and remained silent.
Zale realized they’d been sitting in the Jeep in the driveway for a while. He reached up and triggered the garage door opener and drove into the garage. After turning off the engine, he told her, “Stay there. I’ll come get you.”
“I can do it,” she told him.
“I know you can, but it makes me happy to take care of you. Stay there.”
When she nodded, he slid from the vehicle and rounded the hood to open her door. After helping her down, Zale grabbed the sack Aspen had packed for Pippa. He took Pippa’s hand and led her to the door, saying, “I hope I didn’t leave the house in a mess.”
“I won’t pay attention to anything. I promise,” she told him as they walked in. Her mouth dropped open as she scanned the room. “A mess? You have to be kidding me. It looks like someone sanitized your house.”
“It’s not too hard to keep it clean when I’m the only one here. Come on. Let me show you the guest room. We’ll put your stuff there. I ordered some more clothes and things for you. They will be delivered this week,” he explained as he led her down the hall.
Zale set the bag on the double bed. “I’m going to let you settle in. Wander around and check out the house. There’s no place that’s off limits to you.”
When she appeared anxious at the thought of him leaving the room, Zale said, “I’m a call away, Pippa. You’re safe here.”
“I’m sorry I’m being silly.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re incredibly resilient. Remember, you’re protected here and I’m going to do everything to make sure nothing sinister finds you again. Okay?”
“Okay,” she said, nodding. “Thank you, Zale.”
“Make yourself at home, little girl. I’m not happy about how I found you, but I’m very glad you’re here.”
“Where are you going to be?”
“I’m going to jump in the shower. I’ll leave the door open so I can hear you if you call. We’ll meet in the kitchen for dinner.”
