Page 41 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

I grit my teeth, frustration building. “I know what I saw, George. We need to tell Skylar the truth. We can't take chances with her safety!”

“And we're not,” George says firmly. “But I won't have you filling Skylar's head with baseless fears. Unless you have concrete evidence, this conversation is over.”

The call ends, leaving me feeling more alone than ever. I lean against the wall, looking back toward where Skylar is living her dream, unaware of the dangers closing in.

How am I supposed to protect her when I can't even tell her what she's up against?

I close my eyes, weighing my options. Should I tell Skylar everything and risk her relationship with George? Or should I keep quiet, maintain the status quo, and leave her vulnerable?

Neither choice feels right.

I push off the wall, my decision made—even if it means going behind George's back.

I consider using Apex's security team, but quickly dismiss the idea. They report directly to George, and I need this to be completely off the radar.

This has to be my operation, separate from the company, to ensure Skylar's safety without raising suspicions.

No, I need someone I can trust implicitly. Someone with no ties to Apex Solutions.

I dial a number I haven't used in years, my finger hovering over the call button for a moment before I press it. After three rings, a familiar gruff voice answers.

“Asher Morgan.”

“Asher, it's Garrett Hayes,” I say, relief washing over me at hearing my old friend's voice.

“Hayes? It's been a while. What's the situation?” Asher's tone immediately shifts to all-business, reminding me why I called him in the first place.

Asher Morgan, a former Navy SEAL and current head of Black Aces Security, isn't just any security contractor. We served together years ago, before he transitioned into black ops. If anyone can handle this delicate situation, it's him.

“I need a favor, off the books,” I explain, lowering my voice. “I require around-the-clock security for Skylar Bennett, starting immediately. It needs to be discreet. And it needs to be completely separate from Apex Solutions.”

There's a pause as Asher processes my request. “Understood. I'll have a team in place within the hour. You'll get a full brief on encrypted channels.”

“Thanks, Ash. I owe you one.”

“You owe me several, Hayes,” he chuckles, then his voice turns serious. “But I've got your back. Always have, always will.”

As I end the call, a weight lifts off my shoulders. At least now, Skylar has an extra layer of protection, even if she's unaware of it. It's not a perfect solution, but it's something. And with Asher's team watching over her, I can breathe a little easier.

I weave through the bustling crowd, the clamor of last-minute preparations filling the air. Skylar spots me.

“Everything okay?” she asks, raising her voice over the din of a nearby drill.

I hesitate, torn between protecting her and being honest. “A mix-up,” I lie, hating myself for it. “All sorted.”

As I hold Skylar in my arms, her delicate frame fits perfectly against my chest. Desire and fear course through me. I can't shake the worry gnawing at me.

“You okay?” Skylar asks, her voice muffled against my chest.

I run my fingers through her soft hair, cherishing this moment together. “I'm perfect, babygirl. Just admiring you.”

She pulls back, her bright green eyes sparkling with curiosity. “What's gotten into you?”

I cup her face in my hands, taking in every detail of her beauty. “I am so grateful to have you in my life.”

Skylar grins, leaning into my touch. “Aww, are you getting sappy on me?”

I chuckle, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Can't help it. You bring it out in me.”

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