“Do you know where my daughter is? She’s not answering her phone or her door.”
“Your daughter?”
“Sophie Delaney.”
It took me a moment to register that I stood in front of her father, wearing nothing more than a pair of black boxers. This was not the way I expected to meet the man, but here we were.
“She’s safe. She’s asleep,” I said, pointing toward my place.
Her father stalked toward me, his mouth twisting into a grimace. “Who are you, and why is she in your apartment?”
I extended my hand, but he kept his arms at his side. “I’m Jackson Crew. Her boss.”
“And is there a reason she’s sleeping at her boss’s place?” His stern tone had me choosing my next words wisely.
“She was attacked earlier tonight by her ex-husband. She didn’t want to go back to her place, so she’s staying here.” Again, I pointed toward my front door.
“Is that the only reason?” The arch of his brow told me he was aware I left out vital information.
“No, sir.” I opened and closed my mouth twice before adding, “We’re involved.”
“Since when?”
“It’s recent.”
“Do you make it a habit of sleeping with all your female employees?”
“No, sir,” I replied once more. I failed to tell him I’d never had a female employee before. “And I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not—”
“Do you have a daughter?” he asked, stepping closer. I shook my head. “Then you have no idea what I’m thinking.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. But I do want you to know that I have her best interest in mind. I would never do anything to hurt her.”
“But you’ll let her ex do that.” His words never formed a question.
I briefly squeezed my eyes shut as his words pierced my soul. I blamed myself for not being there to protect her, and his statement was a reminder of my lack of ability to keep her safe.
“I wasn’t there for her, but it doesn’t matter why.” I rubbed my chest, trying to assuage the gut-wrenching ache. “But Ipromise you, from here on out, he’ll never be able to get to her again. I’ll make it my life’s mission to protect her. Keep her safe.”
His eyes bored into mine with an intensity I’d never seen before, and I was man enough to admit he intimidated me.
“If anything else happens to her, you’ll have me to deal with. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” His posture relaxed as he took a breath. “How is she?” he asked, his voice softer now.
“She’s a little battered but otherwise okay. She broke his arm,” I added.
“She did?”
I nodded. “I showed her a few moves when she first started. Thankfully, she was able to use one of them to get away from him,” I managed to say with a nervous babble, an emotion I didn’t feel often.
He studied me for a moment, and I had no idea if he was going to start yelling or not. Then he surprised me by extending his hand.
“I’m Mark Delaney.”
“Delaney?” I shook his hand. “I thought Sophie’s last name was her married name.”
