Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 60848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
“It never even crossed my mind I wouldn’t be safe in this apartment. I feel safer with everyone in your club than I have my entire life.”
“Do we each get our own room, Mom?” Zelda rested her hand on her hip as she stood outside one of the bedrooms. Kira was at the door to the room across the hall from the one Zelda had apparently claimed even if she pretended to ask.
“I suppose that depends on how many bedrooms there are.”
“Three.” Knight said without hesitation. “Master bedroom is on the other end of the apartment.
“Wow. This place would cost a fortune to rent. It’s really nice,” I said, meaning it.
The kitchen/dining area was an open plan with a large picture window leading to a balcony. Heavy drapes could be pulled for privacy or to block the sun if necessary.
“The windows are bulletproof,” Tiny said, “as well as tinted so no one can see inside. It would be best if you pulled the curtains at night if you’ve got the lights on, and to not go out on the balcony until we’ve taken care of this guy.”
“You’ll get no arguments from us. We will do exactly what you tell us to.” I met Tiny’s gaze, wanting him to know I meant what I said. “I trust you, Tiny. You and your club.”
“Mom!” Zelda snapped her fingers impatiently. “Do we get our own room or not?”
I sighed and closed my eyes, even as I smiled. “Yes, Zelda. You and Kira can each have your own room.” That was the only permission they needed. Each girl claimed her room and started making herself at home.
“The women brought care packages to all of you. There’s clothes and toiletries. Make me a list of everything you need, and I’ll make it happen.
“I’ll leave you guys to it.” Knight smiled at me, excusing himself.
Tiny shifted his weight, uncharacteristically hesitant. “The apartment across the hall is vacant,” he said, his deep voice pitched low. “I was thinking I might take it. Just to be close. In case you need anything.”
I blinked, surprised by the suggestion. “You don’t live here already?”
He shook his head. “My apartment’s in the east building. But I thought… you know, with everything that’s happened…”
I understood what he wasn’t saying. He wanted to be near enough to protect us without crowding us. The thoughtfulness of it struck me, but I hesitated. Having him so close felt like a commitment to whatever was growing between us.
“I don’t know,” I began, my voice uncertain. “The girls --”
“I think it’s a good idea,” Zelda said from the hallway, startling both of us. She stood in the doorway to her newly claimed bedroom, arms crossed over her chest, but her voice held none of its usual suspicion.
“You do?” I couldn’t keep the surprise from my voice.
She nodded, her eyes flicking briefly to Tiny before meeting mine again. “If Dad shows up here, I want Tiny close enough to stop him.”
“Me too,” Kira added, appearing beside her sister. She hugged Mr. Hoppers to her chest. “Mr. Hoppers feels safer with Tiny nearby, too.”
I glanced at Tiny, who looked as stunned as I felt by this vote of confidence from my usually wary daughters. His expression softened, the hard lines of his face gentling into something that made my chest tighten in an entirely different way.
“OK,” I said finally. “Because if it makes Mr. Hoppers feel better, then it has to be done. Right?”
Relief flashed across his features, and he smiled down at me. “I’ll get my stuff moved over today, so I’ll be there tonight.”
Knight returned with our few belongings from Haven. It wasn’t much, but it was ours.
“Give me a couple of hours and I’ll have some more things for you and the girls,” Tiny said. “I’ll get you all a key and your own code to my door. In case you need me.”
“You coming back tonight or what?” Zelda gave Tiny an impatient look, like she was put out with him or something.
Tiny blinked at her, clearly confused. “Well, once I got my stuff moved I thought I’d come back and spend some time with you guys before bed. Too soon?” He looked from Zelda to me, clearly confused.
Zelda gave him a level look. “It’s movie night. You need to bring junk food. Don’t come back if you can’t do your part.” She scowled before heading back to her room.
“Well.” Tiny scratched the back of his neck and grinned. “Guess I have my orders.”
* * *
The knock at the door came just after seven. At the monitor panel on the wall beside the door, I saw Tiny standing in the hallway, his arms loaded with what looked like movie night supplies. He peered around an enormous basket piled so high he was having trouble seeing around it. He turned to the side and directed a strained smile at the security monitor.