Levi
Later, after statements were given and the deputies had confirmed Greg would be charged with attempted kidnapping, harassment, and assault—and likely locked up for a long time as soon as the court was done with him—they drove back to the Ranch in silence.
The heater in the truck was blasting, but it didn’t make a damn bit of difference.
Sydney was curled in the back seat, flanked by pillows and wrapped in blankets the sheriff had offered, Roland’s hoodie tugged over her head, and still, she trembled. Levi couldn’t tell if it was from the cold or the shock. Maybe both. Maybe more.
The snow had started falling again. Normally, he’d be excited about the light, soft flurries, because it was the kind that made Rawhide beautiful this time of year. But tonight, Levi hated it. Everything was too quiet. Too still.
He’d almost lost her.
By the time they got through the main gates for the Ranch and pulled up to their apartment, he could barely unclench his hands from the wheel. Roland was murmuring to her in the back seat, brushing hair from her face, stroking her hand. Sydneyhadn’t said much since the bookstore. She’d been so fucking brave. So damn fierce in the moment. Screaming. Kicking. Biting. His little warrior princess. But now she looked so small, Levi thought his heart might split down the middle.
He parked as close to the front steps as he could. The snow was turning slushy, and the wind had picked up again, cutting through every crack in his coat like it had teeth.
“Let’s get her inside,” he muttered, coming around to open the door. Roland helped her out, and Levi caught her just as she wobbled.
“I’m okay,” she said, voice small but steady. “Just… cold and so tired.”
“Then let us take care of you, little bird,” Roland said.
Levi was sure she was cold, but the unsteady legs were probably more due to the adrenaline that had been pumping through Sydney during the altercation that had now left her body. They needed to get her warm and safe as soon as possible. They got her inside quickly, boots thudding softly on the wood floor. Levi kicked the door shut behind them and turned the thermostat up higher. The apartment was already warm, but it didn’t feel like it. It felt like Levi would never be warm again in his life. He’d nearly lost his girl!
Sydney curled up on the couch without being asked, Roland pulling off her boots while Levi fetched another blanket and a hot water bottle. He wanted to dosomething.Anything. But his hands felt useless.
Once she was bundled, Roland sat beside her and pulled her into his side. Levi stood a few feet away, arms crossed, staring at the floor like it had the answers he needed.
“Levi,” Sydney said quietly.
He didn’t look at her. Couldn’t.
“Come sit.”
“I can’t,” he said, voice low. “Not yet.”
Roland looked up. “Levi…”
“I let her out of my sight,” Levi snapped. “That’s on me. I told her she was safe, I told her we’d protect her, and Ilet her go.”
Silence.
Then Sydney spoke. Calm. Clear.
“Daddy.”
That one word speared right through his heart. Was he even a decent Daddy if he nearly let some asshole get his hands on the most precious thing in his life?
“Daddy, please.” She waited until Levi finally met her eyes. “You agreed when Daddy Roland told me what my dad did to me wasn’t a reflection on me. That it was his failure, not mine. So how is what Greg did a reflection onyou?”
He opened his mouth. Closed it. His throat tightened until it burned. His failure was a reflection on him.
“You didn’t hurt me.Hedid. And I fought him offbecauseof you,” she said, voice trembling now. “Because you taught me I was worth fighting for. I didn’t think I had that in me. I thought for sure I’d freeze if someone should ever try to kidnap me off the street. But I didn’t. You gave me that strength. Oh my goodness, I kicked him in the balls!” She swiped a hand over her cheek to dash the tears away. “I’m not crying from fear, and that is also because of you.Bothof you. You’ve given me so much. Triumph. Relief. Strength So don’t you dare stand there and act like you failed.”
Levi dropped to his knees in front of the couch, hands braced on his thighs. His head hung low, breath shaking.
Roland laid a hand on his shoulder.
“I should’ve known,” Levi said hoarsely.
