Page 54 of Mile High Baby

I won’t let anything he does hurt you.

It wasn’t his words so much as the intensity behind them that made my heart crack open. Something inside me heardI love you. My head knew it was stupid to think he felt that. My heart didn’t seem to care. It wanted his protection. His strength. Whatever he could give, I wanted.

I packed my bag, nervous and excited by the adventure about to happen. I carried my bag down and set it by the door.

“What’s this?” Knightly said. “Don’t let Mr. Sterling see this. He’ll drag you back kicking and screaming.”

“He’s taking me home.”

“This is your home,” Knightly said sternly.

“I’m sorry, but I need to go to my place.”

He nodded. “You’re all grown up. But we sure loved having you around.” He reached into his pocket. “I meant to give this to you earlier.” He handed me a bag of chocolate covered peanuts.

“My favorites.”

“There’s more where that came from if you stay.”

I gave him a hug. “You’re the best, Knightly.”

“We’ll miss you.”

“Thank you for understanding. Now let’s hope Dad does.”

Knightly nodded, and I headed off to my father’s office. I rapped on the door and opened it a pinch, enough to peek in. “Knock, knock.”

“Come in, Tori.” He waved me in, standing. He came around his desk. “You’re not angry with me, are you?”

“Not angry. A little irritated, but that may be from being cooped up.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry.” I knew he was, but not enough to change his plans.

“Listen, Dad, I can’t stay here indefinitely. I’m going home.”

He frowned. “It’s not safe. I doubt Alex will be okay with that.”

I sucked in a breath, hoping he couldn’t tell that I was falling for his friend. “He’s taking me. He’s making plans now.”

My father recoiled. “What? He didn’t say anything to me. I’m the one who needs to approve—”

I took my father’s hands. “I told him I’d talk to you. If you trust him like you say you do, then you have to trust him now.”

“Is this because I won’t back down?”

“It is only that this situation is going to draw out and I can’t live like this. I need to go, and if you don’t want to continue to pay Saint Security for the extra—”

“Of course, I’ll pay.” He looked at me like I’d grown a horn. “Just because I need to follow this through doesn’t mean I won’t do everything to protect you.” His hand cupped my cheek. “You’re my world, Tori.”

“I know, Dad. You need to do you and I need to do me. Do you understand?”

He sighed. “I guess I have no choice.”

I hugged him.

“Sometimes, I forget you’re your own woman. I’m not sure how or when that happened. I’m so proud of you.”

When he pulled away, his kind expression toward me morphed into annoyance as he looked over my shoulder. “Alex.”