Page 30 of His Sassy Little

“How? She hasn’t used any cards, her phone has been off, she hasn’t been anywhere public. How the fuck could he know where she is?” Tanner’s heart was racing, his worry had spiked and for the first time in his life, he was terrified.

“I don’t know, man, but it’s no coincidence that he is heading to the closest airport. I have an emergency meeting scheduled at your place for later this morning. We need to get a plan in place to protect your girl. Intel gathering is out the window now, we need to be ready.”

Tanner rubbed a hand over his face and did his best to take in the details Stone relayed but his mind kept circling around one fact that had his heart freezing in his chest, if he fucked this up, he could lose his everything forever.

After Stone’s call, Tanner couldn’t get back to sleep. There were still several hours before the meeting, but he couldn’t just lay there. He needed to do something. He wasn’t sure what to do, though. He wasn’t tech savvy like Pup— his specialty was in-person surveillance and muscle. Until he had a target in front of him, there wasn’t much he could do.

Tanner had never felt so helpless as he paced his office floor, trying to let off some of his nervous energy. On top of his worry about being prepared for James O’Conner, he found himself scared that telling Arabella would bring back her desire to flee.

He couldn’t lose her. Tanner didn’t want to tell his Little girl that her nightmares were coming for her, but he also couldn’t leave her unprepared. He’d just have to think of a way to make sure she didn’t try to run.

Tanner stopped his pacing and settled at his desk, getting to work on a plan to keep his Little girl informed and convince her to stay with him.

The meeting time was approaching, and people would be arriving soon. Arabella hadn’t woken yet and Tanner was debating if he should wake her or let her sleep. He was in the kitchen getting his second pot of coffee going, when his dilemma was solved by Arabella wandering in wearing his shirt, and nothing else. Tanner’s cock immediately took notice but he forced the desire back and wrapped her in a warm embrace before whispering the words he was dreading, “We need to have a talk.”

Arabella stiffened in his arms and started to pull away, but Tanner tightened his hold on her, easing her back into his embrace. “What’s wrong, Daddy?”

“Just give me another minute like this, Little Hurricane and I’ll tell you everything.”

When Arabella nodded and relaxed in his embrace, Tanner breathed a sigh of relief and just held her. He wasn’t sure how long they stood there but eventually, the percolating of the coffee pot stopped and Tanner turned to fix her a cup the way she liked it.

Once he had her coffee made, he took the cup in one hand and her hand in the other, leading her to the living room. His nerves grew with every step and they must have shown on his face as his Little Hurricane became more stiff the closer they got to their destination. Both were bracing themselves for what was to come, he just hoped it wouldn’t drive her away.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Arabella was extremely nervous about whatever Daddy had to say. She’d never seen him so tense; he was always so controlled. This sudden change scared her. She sat on the couch with her hands clenched together, doing her best not to squirm while Daddy paced the floor in front of her, both hands rubbing his face. Finally, he turned to face her, dropping to his knees in front of her and gripping both her hands in his. His eyes reflected pain and worry, and Arabella felt her fear increase with every silent second, so it was a relief when he finally broke the tense silence.

“First, I want you to know we are already on it. We are meeting here soon to make sure we have a plan in place.” Arabella drew in a calming breath at his words, even as a deep pit opened in her stomach.

“What?” She was barely able to get the word past the lump in her throat and it was almost inaudible, but Daddy heard it.

“He’s coming.” Tanner dropped the bomb and gave her a minute to let it sink in. She didn’t need to ask who he was; she already knew. James was coming for her. She sat frozen for a moment before sheer terror engulfed her system and she leapt from her seat, knocking Tanner on his ass in the process.

Arabella wildly looked around as if she would find James hidden in a corner ready to spring on her. Eyes wide, her hands speared into her hair and pulled as she tried to think. She had to get out of here. A deep sense of mourning seeped into her being at the thought of leaving Tanner, but she couldn’t let him become a casualty of her past.

“I have to go.” She whispered. Tanner leapt to his feet and had her in his arms in an instant.

“No, Little Hurricane.” He said sternly, “Not just no, but hell no! Do you hear me?” His voice was filled with panic and Arabella wanted to soothe him, but how could she? She opened her mouth to argue but he cut her off before she had the chance. “You’re not alone anymore, Arabella. Understand?” His voice was much gentler now, soothing her raw nerves.

“How?” Arabella cried, “I was so fucking careful! How the hell did he find me?” Tanner’s hands rubbing up and down her arms registered, giving her a sense of safety and allowing her to think more clearly.

“I don’t know, Baby, but the whole crew is coming to help. Understand?” Tanner gently grasped her chin and lifted her face until she was looking directly into his eyes, “You. Are. Not. Alone.” He punctuated each word with a quick kiss on her lips, never once taking his eyes off hers. “You have friends here; you have protectors here. Just trust us to take care of you.” His thumb moved along her jaw and each touch sent calm washing over her.

“Okay, Daddy.” She finally relented. He was right.

For three years, she had been completely alone, not allowing anyone close. Maybe if she had trusted someone sooner, she wouldn’t still be living this nightmare. Arabella made the decision that come what may, she was done running. She would place her trust in her Daddy and believe that not only would he keep her safe but himself as well.

She took another long slow inhale and as she let it out, she breathed the sentiment that had finally settled into her soul, “Okay, I trust you, Daddy.”

His soft “Thank God,” wasn’t missed as he sagged a bit in relief and kissed her neck softly.

“I brought this trouble here. I should be included in the meeting. I could probably help.” Arabella pushed more eggs to the other side of her plate, gearing up for an argument or being told it was men only in the meeting. She barely had time to contemplate it, though, when Tanner surprised her.

“You’re right. You probably can help; you do know him better than any of us.”

Daddy wasn’t doing any better at hiding the fact that he wasn’t really eating. Honestly, his obvious agitation was making her more nervous. She’d made the decision to trust him and his friends, but that didn’t mean the situation wasn’t dangerous or that she shouldn’t worry.

Her recent dreams came to mind and Arabella pushed thoughts of them away. She couldn’t think about them if she was going to remain positive–or at least, hopeful.

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