Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
When she realized the men were discussing Eric Rivers, she decided to pay closer attention.
Rocco was still speaking. “…so my plan is to get as much information as possible out of Rivers tomorrow while I take him rock climbing. He booked an advanced solo hike, which works out perfectly.”
“That sounds dangerous,” Juniper interrupted. “I don’t want any of you to be in danger because of me.”
Magnus set a hand on her thigh. “It’s our job, Juni. We’re a team. Trust me, I’ll have eyes on Rocco the entire time. Kestrel will be on standby at the helicopter pad. If we need him to fly overhead for any reason, he can do so.”
Hawking nodded. “I’ll be nearby, too, Juniper. And armed.”
“All of us will be diligently paying attention from wherever we are on the property,” Caesar added.
Magnus lifted his hand to her shoulder. “And your job is to remain out of sight at all times. As long as you don’t leave the fifth floor or the basement, you’ll be safe.”
“I can’t hide forever,” she pointed out, and then she found herself pouting. “I came here to remember my childhood. I want to be able to explore.”
Magnus slid his arm around her neck. “This won’t last forever, Little girl. These men will either get bored and move on with their lives, or they’ll take action. If they do, we’ll be here to stop them from whatever they may plan.” He leaned in closer, making direct eye contact. When he spoke again, he didn’t lower his voice. He let everyone in the room hear him. “You’re mine, Juni. Mine to protect. Mine to take care of. Mine to love.”
Her breath hitched. She couldn’t take her gaze off him. He was so serious and unwavering. He meant every word. A piece of her suddenly loosened. Maybe this was her life now. She glanced around the table. All eyes were on her. Everyone was silent, listening, watching.
Her body relaxed as she accepted the truth. It wasn’t complicated. This was where she belonged. Here. With her Daddy. At a place that brought her peace and reminded her of amazing summers. She’d been a child when she’d visited Danger Bluff. Maybe it was fitting that she would be Little in a way again. Carefree and happy—as soon as they caught these two brothers, who seemed to think she was the key to some sort of hidden treasure. How ridiculous.
She looked back at her Daddy. He was waiting expectantly. “Okay, Daddy.”
He blew out a long breath and gave her a dazzling smile. He even tipped his hat almost off and kissed her. For him, that was huge. “Finish your dinner, Little girl.”
Chapter Nine
Magnus kept a close eye on his Little girl throughout dinner. He was pretty sure he’d finally gotten through to her, and she had realized she was where she belonged. He hoped so. She looked more relaxed, and that soothed him, too.
As soon as they were done and dessert had been cleared away, he stood. “Phoenix, can you watch the monitors for a while?”
Phoenix nodded. “We already have a schedule to cover you, Magnus. I’ll be in your chair until midnight. Caesar will take the next shift and then Hawking.”
Magnus looked around the room. These men were his brothers. They were a team. He’d stayed up night and day with hardly any sleep when they’d all been getting to know and protecting their own Littles. Now, they planned to step up to the plate for him. His throat was tight as he muttered, “Thank you.”
He hadn’t planned on getting to have an entire night with his girl, but he would sure take it. He’d rather hold her in his arms than leave her alone in his bed while he came downstairs to stare at monitors all night.
None of them trusted Eric Rivers. If the guy was desperate, he might get up in the middle of the night and try to pull some sort of stunt. Was the money from the robbery buried here on the property? It was certainly a possibility and would answer a lot of questions.
Magnus accepted a wet washcloth from Kestrel and leaned over to wipe Juniper’s messy fingers and her face where she’d dribbled red sauce. She hadn’t gotten anything on her dress, though. She’d been very careful.
He loved that she let him clean her up without saying a word. She simply watched him, eyes wide with wonder. She even offered him her other hand when he finished the first.
“Let’s go upstairs, Juni. We have some things to discuss.”
She hesitated and glanced at the other girls. “I think Sadie, Celeste, and Zara are going to watch a movie. Maybe we should stay down here for a while.”
He smirked. “Nope. You can join them another night, Little girl. You’re spending tonight with Daddy.”
She eased off the edge of her chair when he took her hand. “Okay,” she grumbled as though he’d told her she had to go to bed early without supper.