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“I think so,” she says, glancing back at the house like she might see something she’s forgotten.

“As long as you’ve got the stuff that can’t be replaced, don’t worry about it. We’ll buy you anything else you need.”

She nods, letting out a breath. “Thank you.”

“All right, y’all. Let’s get on the road,” Kodiak says and as I turn to lead them to the truck, a little hand slips into mine. Camilla gasps and I look down, smiling at Riley as she peeks up at me.

“She’s usually so scared of men,” Camilla whispers to Kodiak and I feel myself getting a little choked up. This is what it’s all about for us and I’m fucking honored this little girl, who has been hurt in ways a child never should, feels safe with me and trusts me enough to help her.

When we get to the truck, I push the seat forward and help Riley and Camilla climb into the back before jumping in and scanning the street again. As soon as Kodiak climbs behind the wheel, we take off for Emma’s. Kodiak was right earlier. Something feels off today and it’s making me antsy.

“What’s your name?” a tiny little voice asks from the back of the truck and I glance over my shoulder to find Riley staring at me with wide blue eyes. Turning in my seat so I can see her better, I smile.

“My name is Chance, little Darlin’.”

She smiles, revealing a missing front tooth. “Thank you for saving us, Mr. Chance.”

I glance over at Camilla and she has her hand over her mouth as tears fill her eyes.

“We got company,” Kodiak says in a low voice and I glance out of the back window. The sleek black sedan we saw not so long ago in their driveway is right behind us.

“Lose him,” I hiss before turning back to Riley with a smile on my face. “So, I hear you started kindergarten this year.”

She nods, her smile widening and my own feels more sincere.

“I bet that means you’re smarter than me now, little Miss Riley.”

“No way.” She giggles, a sweet little sound that is completely out of place with the rising tension in the truck. “You’re a grown up. I gotta be big like you to be that smart.”

“I don’t know, Sweetheart. Can you read?” I ask, keeping an eye on the car behind us as Kodiak speeds up to lose him.

“Yes, Mommy taught me how.”

“See, you’re smarter than me already. I have no idea how to read.”

She giggles more as she shakes her head at me. “I know you’re lying, Mr. Chance.”

“Am I?”

“Yes,” she replies, giving me a no nonsense look that pulls a chuckle out of me.

“Hey, I have a game on my phone. Do you want to play it?”

Her eyes light up and she nods her head. “Yes, please.”

I pass her my phone and she focuses on it, completely oblivious to the fact that her good for nothing father is on our ass. Camilla mouths a “thank you” and I nod as I turn to face the front again, glancing over at Kodiak.

“Hang on,” he whispers, slamming the gas pedal down to the floor and Riley lets out a little squeak behind me. Glancing back, I offer her a smile and she returns it, looking less than convinced everything is okay.

Without slowing much, Kodiak turns down a side street and the tires squeal before he floors it again and we roar down the street. Repeating the move two more times, we wind up on the freeway and when I glance behind us, I can’t see the sedan anywhere.

“We can’t take ‘em to Emma’s house in case there’s a chance he’s still following us,” Kodiak murmurs and I nod in agreement. The last thing I would ever want to do is lead trouble to Emma and Nix’s doorstep.

“Let’s find a hotel. I’ll call Blaze.”

He nods and I turn in my seat. “Hey, little one, I have to make a phone call. You think I could get my phone back?”

She nods and holds it out in front of her. “Sure. Thanks for letting me play your game, Mr. Chance.”