“Right?” Allison chuckled. To Maddie, she said, “Good job, baby girl. Now go take your plate and fork over to Jenni so she can wash them.”
Jenni was a super sweet criminal justice major who volunteered at the shelter a few days a week. Maddie had taken to her almost immediately, which made the hug she’d just given the college senior all the more special.
Out of nowhere, an unexpected well of tears rushed to the surface. Allison pulled in a sharp breath and blinked the guilt and regret from her face.
She couldn’t let Maddie see her upset. If her daughter spotted even a single tear, it would be like a six-year-old’s version of the Spanish Inquisition.
“I can’t keep doing this to her.” Her disheartened voice was barely over a whisper.
With a shake of her head, Naomi immediately countered that with, “From what I’ve seen, the only thing you’ve done is love her. And kids are resilient, Allison. So much stronger than anyone ever gives them credit for.”
“I know she’s strong.” Her focus slid to Maddie, who was laughing at something Jenni had just said. “But even the strongest doesn’t deserve what that man has put us through.”
“Agreed. Which is why I was so happy to hear you decided to trust Liam and his team.”
The first thing Allison did after Liam’s call was to find Naomi and fill her in on the sexy security operative’s plan.
“My only choice is to trust them.” Which wasn’t really much of a choice at all. “I know for a fact those were Tommy’s guys I saw at the park yesterday, which means it’s only a matter of time before they show up here. You’ve all been so amazing these last few weeks, and I can’t…” Allison paused. “Iwon’trisk anyone here getting hurt because of me.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve dealt with dumbasses who think it’s okay to beat on women.” The other woman’s expression hardened. “But yeah.” Her striking features softened once more. “I know what you mean.”
“Okay, Mommy.” An especially energetic Maddie rejoined them. “I’m ready to go swimming now.”
“Like a dog with a bone, this one,” Naomi teased as she tousled the golden blonde hair atop Maddie’s head. “I’m goingto miss seeing you around here, Miss Maddie. I hope you’ll come back to visit me someday.” Her brilliant green eyes shifted to Allison’s as she added, “You know, once things have finally settled down.”
Allison dipped her chin, signaling she understood the true meaning behind the invitation to return to the shelter. Naomi was looking forward to the day when they were finally—and truly—safe.
You and me both, sister.
The redhead’s phone dinged with a notification of an incoming text. Picking up the device from where she’d placed it on the table minutes earlier, Naomi silently read the message to herself before looking Allison’s way.
“Your ride’s here.” Her ruby red lips curved into a smile as she pushed herself to her feet. “Come on.” Naomi reached down and picked up the booster seat with ease. “I told Liam to pull on around to the back so you and Miss Maddie could leave through the service entrance.”
“Okay,” she responded automatically. But then, “Wait…you talked to Liam?” She stood and helped Maddie get a secured hold on her tiny suitcase handle before grabbing her own, along with the backpack. “When?”
“About two minutes after you came and told me he was moving you and Maddie to a hotel. He called to make sure I was aware of the plan. You know…professional courtesy and all that.”
Makes sense.
“Careful, honey,” Allison called out to Maddie who was practically sprinting toward the building’s main floor elevators.
She released a heavy sigh and glanced Naomi’s way. “There’d had better be a freaking pool,” she muttered low so Maddie wouldn’t hear.
Naomi’s entire face lit up with a laugh as she added, “Forallyour sakes.”
Once they’d reached the basement, she and Maddie followed Naomi down a long, dimly lit corridor. A gradual incline in the concrete floor led to a gray, industrial-looking door at the very end of the hall.
Naomi wasted no time pulling it open, engulfing the three of them in a sea of muted sunlight. Allison squinted against the sudden intrusion, but not so much it caused her to miss the view.
And what a view it was.
“’Mornin’, Ladies.” Liam stood a few feet away, leaning casually against the front passenger door of a black SUV.
Like yesterday, the private security operative was dressed in a pair of slightly faded jeans that hugged his lower body in all the right places. Somehow, the plain black t-shirt he’d gone with this morning looked even better than the Henley he’d had on when they’d first met.
Not that it mattered how attractive he was. Because it didn’t. It couldn’t. Not now.
Maybe not ever.
