Still your devoted fan
The bastard was both taunting her and threatening her, but they wanted him communicating with her, so he took a deep breath to calm the rage inside him.
“What does he mean that I’ll understand soon?”
That he was coming after her, and damned if he was going to let that happen. “It means he’s planning something, a way to make you a believer.”
“He scares me.”
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you or Livie.” He set her phone on the night table, then wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I’m not saying to ignore the potential threat. You need to be alert and aware of your surroundings, but until we catch this man, I’ll be your shadow.”
“Have I told you how glad I am that I got up the nerve to call you?”
“And I’m damn glad you did.”
“I want my mommy!”
“She’s having a nightmare,” Kendall said. She pulled away and headed to Livie’s room.
He followed her and was halfway down the hall when he realized he only had a towel wrapped around him. He detoured to his bedroom, pulled on sweat bottoms and a T-shirt, then went to comfort his daughter.
Chapter 22
Ruby was stretched out across Livie’s body, nuzzling her neck. Kendall eased down on the bed. Ruby looked at her and whined as if to say, “Do something.” Livie cried out again, and Kendall scooped her little girl into her arms and gently rocked her. Slowly, Livie’s sobs quieted, her breathing evening out.
“Did she wake up?” Cooper said as he dropped his knees to the floor next to her.
Kendall glanced at him. “No. I hope that means she won’t remember having a nightmare. Ruby was trying to comfort her.”
He scratched under the dog’s chin. “Good girl.”
She could swear that Ruby smiled. “You know, she might make a good therapy dog. She seemed to understand Livie needed comforting. Do you think she’s an empath?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m sure she was abused by her previous owner, so she can probably sense when someone’s hurting.” He leaned down and kissed Livie’s forehead. “Have sweet dreams, not nightmares, Princess.”
Kendall eased Livie back into the bed, then pulled the cover over her. Leaving Ruby to guard her, they left the room. “I was hoping her nightmares were done.”
“I think if she has another one, we should have her talk to someone. A therapist that specializes in working with children.”
“Not a bad idea.” When they reached the living room, he sat on the sofa, then pulled her onto his lap. “We need to talk about that email.”
“Do we have to?”
“Just that we need to send it to Gray and Liam tonight. We’ll talk about how to respond tomorrow.”
“Okay. Be right back.” She returned to his bedroom and picked her phone up from the night table. Back in the living room, she forwarded the email to Grayson and Liam. “There. Done. I don’t want to talk about this or even think about it anymore tonight. I’d much rather talk about kissing you.”
He grinned. “My mouth is yours to do with as you please.”
Oh, she pleased.
The next morning, Cooper’s phone chimed while they were eating breakfast. “It’s Gray.” He glanced at Livie. “I’ll take it in the other room.”
Livie frowned at Cooper’s retreating back. “Daddy didn’t eat his breakfast.”
“He has to talk to Grayson for a minute. He’ll finish eating when he comes back.”
“Can I go play with Tyler?”