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“Ellie,” he said in a low voice. “You were supposed to be home half an hour ago.”
“Sorry, Daddy. We were having so much fun. Abby banged her head, though. She needs a magic kiss.”
“Oh, sweet girl, where did you hurt your head?” Kent asked her.
“It’s okay,” she whispered even as she pointed out her boo-boo.
He kissed her head gently. “There, all better with Daddy’s magic kisses.”
She nodded. Then she threw herself into his arms. “I’m so happy you’re home.”
“Oh, baby. I’m happy too.” he rocked her gently. “I missed you. I didn’t like being away from my girl.”
“I didn’t like it either.” Then she felt like she was being selfish. “But I’m okay. Clint and Charlie took care of me.” She sat back to give him a smile.
Kent raised his eyebrow. “Did they? Just how much sugar have you been eating?” He glared at his brother, who shrugged.
“It kept them happy.”
“You are the biggest softie,” Kent told him. He glanced behind to where Charlie was standing by the fort they’d made. “You built a fort? Are you all right?”
“What do you mean is she all right?” Clint asked.
“She usually builds forts when she’s stressed and wants to hide,” Kent explained.
Clint frowned. “Abby?”
“I’m all right. We just wanted a fort to play in.”
Both men stared down at her.
“And maybe I was getting a bit stressed about things. I was missing you and worrying about Max,” she told Kent. She hadn’t heard from Max again. She was worried about him. But she’d also heard nothing from Bartolli’s goon. She knew Kent had put the word out that she was under his protection. Warmth filled her at the thought of the way he took care of her.
He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “I missed you so much that I think I’m going to have to take you with me next time.”
“You think that’s wise?” Clint asked. “We still don’t know where her brother is or what Bartolli is going to do.”
“If I take her with me, then I’ll also bring someone to watch over her when I’m not around.”
“Not Bain,” she said hastily.
He grinned. “You don’t want Bain as your babysitter?”
“He makes a terrible manny,” she commented.
“I dare you to call him that to his face,” Kent told her.
Her eyes widened. “I value my life.” She sighed. “I just wish I knew when all this would end.”
“I know. Me too,” Kent told her. “In the meantime, I’ll keep you safe.”
“And you are always welcome to stay with us when Kent’s away as well,” Clint told her.
“We might have to have a talk about sugar consumption,” Kent grumbled.
“Jesus, all I get around here is complaints,” Clint moaned.
Kent placed her on her feet. “Come on, baby. Let’s go home.”
