Her tiny shoulders relaxed just a little. She hesitated, then nodded.
I forced a small, sad smile before lowering myself onto the swing beside her.
We didn’t say anything after that. Just sat there, slowly swinging, staring off at the empty road ahead.
And I prayed—God, I prayed—that I was wrong. That any second now, Faye’s mother would come running back, full of apologies, full of love.
Because if she didn’t…
This little girl’s world would never be the same again, just like mine was all those years ago.
48
NICIK
Istormed into the hotel lobby, anger coursing through my veins like gasoline waiting for a spark. If her mother wasn’t going to fight for her, then I damn well would. Maybe that’s exactly what she needed—a wake-up call, a slap of reality. As for that son of a bitch? He was going to pay for what he did, one way or another. And I’d make sure of it.
The double doors swung shut behind me as I adjusted my uniform, smoothing out the crisp fabric. Perception was everything, and tonight, I was banking on the power of a well-pressed military suit. I needed someone easy to manipulate—someone who wouldn’t question why I was here.
And then I saw her.
Young. Bright-eyed. The kind of girl who still believed a man in uniform was something to admire.
Jackpot.
As soon as she noticed me, her eyes lit up, and a slow, sweet smile spread across her face.
“Hi there,” she chirped, practically preening. “How can I help you tonight?”
I let my gaze drop to her nametag before flashing a charming grin. “Hello, Rachel.”
She bit her lip, already hooked.
“I’m here to see Richard Thompson,” I said smoothly. “But I forgot his room number, and he’s not answering his phone.”
“Oh! That’s no problem, sir. I can look that up for you.” She started typing away at her computer, then glanced up, lowering her voice. “And thank you for your service, by the way. I love a man in uniform.”
I dipped my hat at her, leaning in slightly. “I appreciate that, Miss Rachel.” My voice dropped to a whisper, just enough to make her heart race. “Always nice to be recognized for hard work by such a beautiful woman.”
Her smile widened, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before turning back to the screen. “Here we go! Richard Thompson, Room 897—the Deluxe Suite.”
Bingo.
I reached out my hand. “Thank you, Rachel. You’ve been a tremendous help.”
She took it eagerly, but before letting go, I brought it to my lips, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to the back of her hand.
She giggled, her cheeks turning pink. “You know… I get off in a couple of hours. Maybe we could grab a drink or something?”
I chuckled lightly, tilting my head as if considering it. “Oh, sweetheart,” I murmured, voice dripping with amusement. “I’d love to service that body of yours in ways you’d never forget.”
Her breath hitched, eyes widening slightly.
Hook. Line. Sinker.
But then I held up my left hand, letting the wedding band glint under the lobby lights. “Unfortunately, I’m a married man.”
She gasped, smacking a hand to her chest. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” A nervous laugh escaped her lips.
