Page 19 of Her Tempting Protector

5

You could feel the terror in the room. In some cases that was fine as far as Cullen was concerned, sometimes he relished it because it made his job easier. But to see children looking at him with horror, it made his stomach churn.

And his smile didn’t seem to be getting the job done. The little girl who sneaked a peek at him from behind her little sister actually whimpered. He turned to Raiden and glared at him. Raiden shrugged. But when he looked into his friend’s eyes, he saw that he was just as devastated.

He took in the room. There were the two girls huddled in the corner, one of them holding a newborn, sheltering a smaller girl. There was a young woman who didn’t look like she was even twenty, holding the injured toddler. There was a thin green blanket hanging from the ceiling shielding one corner of the shack. Cullen assumed that was where the mother was. He didn’t hear any noise emanating from that area, which didn’t bode well.

As if they could read each other’s minds, they each slid into an easy crouch with their backs against the far wall, anything to make themselves look less threatening.

Their rifles were strapped to their backs and their pistols were holstered, but damn, he hated flaunting guns in front of kids, even if they were probably used to them. He would have loved to have left them in the car, but the situation outside was just too damn fluid for his peace of mind, and he knew that Raiden felt the same way.

“Cullen, don’t you have something we can give the kids? You and your damn sweet tooth should have something good to offer them.”

“Yeah, your sesame seeds aren’t going to get it done,” Cullen muttered. He pushed up from the wall and beelined it out the door. In his pack was the treasure trove. How could he have forgotten it? Truthfully, Raiden and the guys knew that he rarely touched the stuff, but boy did American candy come in handy for smoothing the way. Leo was the one who brought the cigarettes, and when they really needed a favor, Max was known to bring out a cigar. Yep, bribery worked.

He was back inside before anyone had blinked. Because these weren’t just street kids, but actually a family in their home, he didn’t just hold out his hand and offer them the treats.

“Hi, I’m Cullen. I’m a friend of Dr. Adams,” he addressed the children in Arabic. “I would like to share some candy with you. First, I wanted to see if the doctor would like some.” She was holding the baby now, but she was easily able to take the candy.

Carys smiled. “I would love some, thank you for this, Cullen.”

It was obvious she approved how he was going about things. He felt a zing of pleasure at her praise.

After she unwrapped the chocolate and took a tiny bite, he asked her if he could give some to the children.

“Would you like some?” she asked, turning to the two older girls still standing in the corner. At least they weren’t cowering any longer.

“Yes, please,” the older girl said with a hesitant smile.

His heart melted at her shy, polite response. Once again, he crouched down. Cullen held out his hand. “Here you go.”

She held her little sister’s hand and they hesitantly approached him and took the highly prized treat.

“Thank you,” the littler girl said. She was a beauty.

“You’re welcome, Honey.” He watched as the older girl opened her candy bar, broke it in half and gave part of it to her sister.

“Save the other one for later,” she whispered.

Over his shoulder, he saw Raiden and Carys talking.

“Hello, I am Faizah,” the nurse said as she walked over. Cullen smiled as he stood up.

“Cullen Lyons,” he introduced himself. “Who’s this little darling?” he asked.

“This is Farida.” Carys had been right, the girl didn’t look well. Her eyes were glazed over and Cullen saw the bruising around her stomach where the shirt was scrunched up from her diaper.

Cullen unwrapped a piece of candy. “Do you want a little bit of chocolate?” he asked as he showed the child the sweet. Farida’s eyes showed a little glimmer of interest and she lifted her arm. Cullen broke off a little piece of the candy, put it into the tiny hand and helped to guide it to the girl’s mouth. His heart damn near melted when the child grinned and held out her hand for another piece.

“You’ve got it,” Cullen laughed. He immediately gave the kid another piece.

“Ah, shit.”

“Huh?” Faizah asked.

Cullen realized he’d just cursed in English.

“Should she be eating candy?” Cullen asked in Arabic.