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I tensed up at her innocent words, taking a deep intake of breath I scrunched down to her level to brushed my fingers through the little strand of hair that had fallen over her face.

"Why are you asking?" I spoke as I ran the bath

"You don't seem to like him very much "

Her words took me by surprise, how had she noticed?She has always been so sensitive, I only pray she doesn't get to witness Hayden's dark side one day.

"What are you saying, he's my friend so of course I like him"

"Really?I also like him mommy..Me..He eyes are same!" she gushed out like she was telling me some big secret..

Her words made protective instinct surge through me, she shouldn't like him...That man over there was the only one powerful enough to hurt me..

"What did I tell you before about going out with strangers Hazel?Why didn't you listen to me?"

I noticed the furrow in her brows and the way her lips trembled and eased my expression a bit, I wasn't mad at her because I knew that she wasn't to blame...But it bothers me how she just kept going on about her uncle Hayden....she was getting attached to him too quickly and I guess it was somehow my fault because we made no friends...It was kind-of always me and her...

I had been too careful in trying not to get discovered and aside Shawn we pretty much didn't hang out with anyone else.

Also I'm twenty four and he still managed to get me, still managed to make me cower in fear , one of his hardened look was enough to do that, so how could a girl who had only recently turned five protect herself against him?

"Are you mad at me mommy?" she whispered

"Of course not sweetie , why will I be mad at you?"

Seeming satisfied with my answer she shot me a smile.

After I ran her a bath I ran the brush over her hair , before long her eyes were drifting closed so I dressed her up in her pajamas for bed.Like he'd promised few hours after he'd brought me here he'd sent for our things...

I was tucking her in bed when I felt his sudden presence behind me..

He scrunched down to her level on the bed, taking her hand in one of his he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead..

"Goodnight princess " he whispered the words softly

I was surprised at how quickly he was getting attached to Hazel, I honestly didn't take him as one who would love children..

I found myself glad he did...I wouldn't have to worry that he might hurt her, her being safe in her small little world was enough for me..

He looked up in that moment to catch me staring and I quickly averted my gaze ..

For a moment we both watched Hazel sleep..

"Come with me "

I shook my head slowly in refusal and directed my gaze from him to Hazel, with her here I felt like he wouldn't be able to do anything to me..Like I was untouchable.

The command in his gaze had me wobbling up to my feet, following his lead as we walked out of the room.

*

*

He stopped in front of the counter to pour a glass of whiskey..., with the glass in hand he made way back into the living room and I followed him like a lost sheep until he sat on the sofa.

He took a slow sip, his burning gaze fixed on me made me want to squirm..

Why wasn't he saying anything?This long silence was killing me..