Page 63 of Blade

“Maybe it was someone random,” she suggests. “Maybe it was a coincidence, and someone broke into my apartment because they saw me leave and thought they could rob me.”

I lift her chin. “Where’s this coming from, June?”

She shrugs.

“Think about the facts. You fled your apartment because you were afraid Stark would find you.”

She nods. “Yeah, but…”

“So you think it’s a coincidence that someone happened to break in a few hours after you came to my office? Someone who ransacked the entire place but didn’t steal anything, not even your computer?”

She sighs.

I pull her closer and rub her back. “I don’t want you to worry about this, June. Let Daddy handle it.”

“I can’t not worry, Blade. I’m afraid.”

“Afraid of what?”

“Afraid you’ll go after him, and he’ll kill you.”

I kiss her forehead. “He’s not going to kill me, honey. I promise. I’m skilled at my job. No one will get the best of me or my men.”

She drops her forehead against my chest. “What if I promise to stay in the apartment so he can never find me?”

I lean her back again. “You can’t hide forever, Little one. Eventually, you have to be able to go outside without worrying that someone is looking for you. My job is to make sure you can do that safely. Okay?”

She shrugs again, her attempt to appear nonchalant.

I cup her face and angle her head so she meets my gaze. “Look at Daddy.”

When she does as she’s told, I praise her, “Good girl.” I love the shudder that accompanies my approval. “My job is to keep you safe and make sure you feel safe. You know no one can get to you in this apartment, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Yes, Daddy,” I prompt.

She inhales deeply. “Yes, Daddy.”

“Mr. Brinkman would never let anyone into the elevator who hasn’t been vetted first. He also doesn’t send anyone up without informing Rachell. In addition, there is no way Stark has any idea where you are. He may be watching your apartment, but he hasn’t seen you come or go, so he’s got no information.”

“Okay. Has he called my phone?”

“Not yet.”

“Do you think he will?”

“I suspect he will eventually, Little one. It won’t be hard to get your number. If he’s watching your place and you never return, he’ll start to get frustrated and try to contact you another way.”

“So, you’re waiting for him to make a move?”

“Yes.” I’m waiting for that asshole to give me any excuse to rid the planet of his kind, which will be a blessing to all women he might encounter in the future.

“Okay…” June slumps against me, and all I can do is hold her tightly and hope I’m able to put this threat to rest soon so my Little girl won’t have to worry any longer.

Twenty-Three

Two weeks later…