Page 17

CHAPTER 16

Alana

“I can’t believe it’s been two months,” I say softly, fingers picking at the edge of the chair.

Emily nods gently. “Time has a way of moving quickly after something traumatic. How are you feeling… really?”

I only book sessions with her when I need them.

And today, being the two-month anniversary, I felt like I needed it.

Not to wallow or unpack anything.

Just close the chapter and move on.

I inhale, then exhale.

“Functional. Mostly. I haven’t had another panic attack, which is something. I’ve been training with Hunter almost every day. I actually kind of hate how good it feels.”

Her mouth quirks upward.

“Routine and control can be powerful.”

“I’ve been having very inappropriate thoughts about him,” I blurt out.

The kind that hit me in the shower and ruin me before breakfast.

Emily tilts her head slightly, the corners of her mouth softening.

“Ah.”

God, saying it out loud makes it real.

Messy. What the hell is wrong with me?

I groan and bury my face in my hands.

“It makes sense,” she says gently.

“After a trauma, especially one that challenges your autonomy or safety, it’s completely normal to gravitate toward people who help you feel grounded again. That sense of strength or capability someone reflects back to you? It can feel really powerful. Even intimate. There’s no shame in that.”

I sigh.

“You think I should act on these thoughts?

“Only you can answer that question.

”

I can’t help but smile at that.

Her phrases always sound a little rehearsed.

But weirdly, they work.

“Let me walk you out. There’s a surprise waiting for you.” Emily leads me out and I follow…

And freeze.

“Dad!”

He’s lounging in one of the low leather chairs, deep in conversation with Hunter, who stands quietly nearby.

But it’s the look he throws over his shoulder toward Emily that catches me.

Something soft. Familiar.

“Surprise,” he says, a little sheepish.

“Figured I’d… kidnap you for an early dinner.” He winces.

“Bad joke. Sorry.”

I laugh despite myself.

My dad and I still do our morning check-ins over the phone, usually right after Hunter’s brutal training sessions.

But I haven’t actually seen him in two months.

Work up North keeps him busy.

This catch-up is long overdue.

Emily gently touches my arm.

“Enjoy your evening, Alana.”

My dad stands.

“Thanks again, Em.”

The table is tucked in the corner.

My dad orders the wine before I can stop him.

He insisted Hunter join us at our table.

The two of them hit it off.

“Where did you find my bodyguard, anyway?” I ask, cutting into their conversation.

Hunter blinks.

“That’s a good story,” my dad says, taking a sip of his wine.

He loves telling stories.

His whole face lights up just gearing up for one.

“So, I was playing golf one day. Some networking event for business owners and I met this lovely young man called Callum. We were paired up to play together. It was actually so funny, when Callum and I got to talking and I told him who I was and what I do, he didn’t believe me!”

“That’s because you always dress like a homeless man, Dad,” I tease.

“You know I do that to ward off people. I don’t like them knowing my business. Anyway, eventually I convince Callum that I am, in fact, Michael Ashby, owner of the Ashby Diamond Mining Company .” His eyes sparkle.

He’s proud of himself.

And he should be. He was an orphan, couch-surfed, worked two jobs trying to get through college.

He’s self-made in every sense of the word.

“Callum tells me he’s a partner in some fancy security company. Some high tech stuff, bodyguards, surveillance, private investigators, the works. He was trying to sell me some products, but by that time the whiskey was flowing. I laughed him off, but took his card. Showed him some photos of you.”

“Ah, Dad, why?” I cringe and I swear Hunter flinches.

“Because you are my pride and joy. I showed him the photo of you and your team at Plant . Turns out he lives here in the city and his business is based here too. Plant is one of his customers, actually. They do the cameras there or something, I wasn’t really listening...”

Wow.

Small world.

Hunter shifts slightly.

It’s subtle, but I see it.

“So, I phoned him immediately after the abductors made contact with me. He actually advised it’s best to just pay them and ensure your safety. Suggested I hire you a bodyguard to avoid stuff like this in the future. And I did, after checking his credentials of course. And here we are. I never met Hunter, but I trusted Callum. His company had glowing recommendations. And after meeting Hunter in person today? I’m thrilled. They have one more happy customer.”

“Excuse me, I’ll be right back.” Hunter says as he gets up from the table.

I look at my dad, really look.

He’s tired. Worn in a way he hides well behind his charisma.

I set my fork down. “Dad, you don’t have to worry about me anymore. Hunter is busy teaching me the ropes. Soon I won’t need him anymore. I’ll be my own bodyguard,” I tell him.

He nods slowly. “You say the word, princess. Hunter says you’re turning into quite the assassin now. If you want him gone and your freedom back, it’s done.”

That surprises me.

The air between us shifts.

Because I don’t want Hunter to leave.

Not yet. I still have more to learn.

It’s not just about safety anymore.

He’s become… part of the routine.

Part of the healing.

Part of me I’m not ready to lose.

My chest tightens. “I’m not quite there yet, Dad. But I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

“How’s Tessa enjoying her new apartment?” he asks.

Tessa’s been part of our little family since I met her in college.

She joins us for every major holiday, even though Tristin always invites her to spend them with him and their dad.

She’s not ready for that.

We’re her home.

“Very much to my disappointment, she’s loving it,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“She says she misses me, not Salem.”

My dad laughs and says, “That little demon of yours is an acquired taste, for sure.”