Page 114 of Before and After

“Hey.” I crouched down in front of him. “Allie’s okay.”

The boy looked at the handcuffed Moreland. “You caught the bad man. He can’t hurt her again. Can’t kill her.”

My heart squeezed. He was worried about losing the people he loved. I understood that. “He’ll never get near her again. You want to see her?”

He nodded.

With my hand clamped on his shoulder, I led him toward Allie.

When she spotted him, she raced to him. “Ollie.” She threw her arms around him.

“Allie.”

The pair hugged, and I saw Allie was fighting back tears.

“Buddy, how about we get Allie inside?” I suggested.

“Okay, Caden.”

Then, I scooped Allie into my arms.

“Caden…”

“We’re going up to my suite.” Where I was going to check her out for injuries and ice her face. “We’ll get some breakfast. Your choice, Ollie.”

He didn’t hesitate. “Anything I want?”

“Yes.”

“Ice-cream and Pop Tarts.” His eyes were gleaming.

In my arms, Allie winced.

I smiled at both of them. I’d do anything to make these two happy. “Ice-cream and Pop Tarts, it is. I’ll call the kitchen. I’m sure they can hook us up.”

Allie pressed her face to my neck. “You’re making me fall even more in love with you, Caden Castro.”

My arms tightened on her. “Good.”

Chapter 31

Allie

Iwoke with a start.

The fading dream of Blake looming over me slowly dissipated. My pulse evened out.

I was safe.

I was in Caden’s bed at the hotel.

It was late afternoon now. I’d spent the morning with Caden and Ollie, gorging on ice cream and Pop Tarts. Then I’d crashed, and Caden had gently bullied me into his bed for a nap.

Now I wanted to see him.

Caden was in love with me. Giddy warmth filled me.

I rose and ran my hands through my hair to tidy it. As a walked out of the bedroom, I heard Ollie’s familiar giggle.