Page 194 of Morally Gray Daddies

Declan stands and starts pacing. “Jesus fucking Christ.”

“I couldn’t leave her there. She’s severely underweight and obviously terrified. He hit her right in front of us.”

“He hit her?” Killian leaps from his chair.

I nod. “I know we don’t sell women, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do with her, but I couldn’t turn my back on her. I transferred the money from my personal account into the business account. I take full accountability, and I understand if you feel I’m not fit for the top tier.”

It will be painful if they demote me. Most men in the ranks can only dream of being where I am. I wouldn’t change my decision, though. Getting Ana out of that situation was the right thing to do.

Declan shakes his head and runs his fingers through his hair. “I’m going to tell you what you’re going to fucking do.”

Shit. This isn’t good.

“You’re going to get her checked out by the doctor and get her on a nutrition plan to get her healthy again. You’re going to get her therapy and anything else she needs to get on her feet. And you’re going to stop fucking thinking you don’t deserve to be top tier because what you did is exactly why you’re perfect for the spot.”

I’m speechless as I stare at my boss. Did he seriously validate my actions?

“Oh…” Declan holds his index finger up. “And you’re going to transfer the fucking money back into your personal account because you’re not paying off that asshole’s debt.”

I gape at him, unable to form thoughts or words. Ever since Declan became the boss, he’s always been fair and good to his men. A lot of people are terrified of him, but this is more of the man I’ve always known. And I’m touched right down to my core.

“Where is she now? How old is she?” Killian asks.

“She’s at my place. Ian and Charlie are guarding her. She’s scared out of her mind and will barely speak. I got her first name and her age. She’s twenty.”

Declan and Killian glance at each other, smirks on their faces. When they look back at me, they both nod.

“Bring her here with you tomorrow if you want. She’s welcome anytime. I’m sure the girls would love to make another new friend,” Declan says. “Now, go home and make sure she’s okay. I’ll call Dr. Brady and tell him to visit your place to check on her.”

Dipping my head, I smile and let out a deep breath. “Thanks. I appreciate you both.”

“Good luck,” Killian calls out as I leave.

Somehow, I think I’m going to need it.

“Hey, squirt.”

Cali peers up at me, her eyes lighting up as soon as she sees me. “Hi! I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever. You’re so busy now with your new job.”

Scrunching my eyebrows, I tilt my head. This girl is so fucking confusing. “I just saw you yesterday.”

She rolls her eyes. “Semantics, Patrick. Tomato, tomato. Or whatever the saying is.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s to-may-toe, to-mah-toe. Why would it be tomato, tomato?” I squint, trying to figure out what’s happening. “You know what, never mind. I need your help.”

“Ohhh.” She jumps from the couch and rubs her hands together like we’re about to plot something huge. This girl is so fucking dramatic. “You know, it’s going to cost you.”

Of course it is. I’m afraid to ask what she wants in return. Knowing her, she’ll want me to smuggle a fucking elephant onto the estate or something.

She taps her chin and hums, making a show of thinking about it. “Oh, I know. You have to take us girls to Beauty and the Beast on Ice next month. In a super limo. A pink one.”

“How did this go from doing something in return for your kindness to all of you? And seriously? A pink super limo? Jesus Christ, lass. Why isn’t Declan going with you? I’m sure he’d be thrilled to see it.”

He absolutely wouldn’t be the least bit thrilled. None of them would be. I’m pretty sure those girls have made them watch that damn movie at least one hundred times. Hell, I’ve seen it a couple dozen times, and I’m not any of their Daddies.

“Oh, Daddy is going. But he said no to the pink limo. So now you get to come.”

Scrubbing a hand over my face, I take a deep breath. Why did I come to her for help? I knew it wouldn’t be a quick, easy task. I should have searched the web instead.

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