But the thought that the knowledge could come back to haunt them, putting them in danger, stopped her.
So she said, “I learned computer stuff. Went to vocational program for it in high school.”
She left it at that, even though there was a lot more to it.
“Well, I hope you made straight A’s because that is some impressive work!” Matteo said.
Everyone clapped. Annika dipped her head as she blushed and giggled.
A yawn seized her and she stretched before wearily standing up. The stress of the day had caught up with her. It was getting late, too. And so much had happened that evening. It was only a few hours ago she’d been running for her life and trying to flee through the Roosevelt Hotel.
She felt as if she might pass out from exhaustion.
“Come on, cutie. You need to go to bed,” Matteo told her.
Annika yawned again. “But I need to help the Little.”
“Honey, you already did. Now, we can comb through those financial records and get a better understanding of what’s going on at the club. And more importantly—while we do that—we can watch everyone and make sure they’re safe.” He pointed to the security feed. “Thanks to you and your skills.”
“Your Daddy is right,” Iris said. “She’s in good hands. Thanks to you. Nothing will happen to her now.”
Annika giggled. “He’s not my Daddy.”
No one agreed with her. They just smiled as she walked toward Matteo.
She wasn’t sure where the exhaustion had come from so quickly. It must have been the food and the late hour. For whatever reason, she was so tired she almost couldn't walk.
Apparently, it was obvious because Matteo scooped her into his arms.
“I’ll carry you to bed, honey. Tell your friends and Uncles goodnight.”
Annika waved. “Goodnight, everyone.”
She thought they said, “Goodnight,” to her, too, but she couldn’t be sure. With her head pressed against Matteo’s hard, muscle-packed chest, her eyes closed.
She was asleep before he’d even carried her from the den.
Chapter Fifteen
The sun was out and bright when Annika finally woke up the following morning.
She sat up with a start. Looking around the room and panting, it took her a moment to collect herself enough to remember where she was.
Tears flooded from her eyes as she sniffled. A moment later, Matteo was in the room, at her side.
“Honey, why are you crying?”
She looked at him as he kneeled beside the bed. The brilliant sunlight from the window to his right highlighted his gorgeous features perfectly.
“I’m okay. I was just… expecting it all to be a dream. Like I didn’t think I’d really wake up here. Figured I’d open my eyes in the little shed I’d made out of boxes and crates and stuff.”
She felt silly for admitting that to him. It wasn’t sympathy she was seeking. But she didn’t want to lie to Daddy.
Ever.
Stop thinking of him as Daddy. You’re just setting yourself up for disappointment when you two have to say goodbye.
But it didn’t sound like Matteo had any intention of ever telling her goodbye, because he said, “Well, you don’t haveto worry about that. You’re home now, honey.” He stood and smiled down at her. “And I have great news.”
