Page 18 of Her Faithful Protector

“I can’t involve you in this, Sam!” I say.

“Of course you can,” Sam responds lightheartedly.

“You have a family!”

“Who will gladly welcome you into our home. Look, Ava, if eyes are still following you, they’ll know you’re with me. And that’s all right. My house is secluded and secure. I won’t let anyone follow us. Trust me, I’ve been in this line of work for a long time. I understand the risks and how to handle them. And remember, you’re family, Ava.”

Jack nods, offering reassurance.

I absorb the moment with quiet awe as I gaze at the Kelleher brothers. Their smiles reflect genuine acceptance—I’m no longer an outsider.

But before I can fully revel in this newfound belonging, Jack’s voice breaks through. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’m going to use my…um, previous name, Jack Benedict.” He mentions the name heavily.

“You had another name?” I ask.

“After drifting from street to street, not even knowing my own name apart from ‘Jack,’ a nun from a Florida monastery took me under her wings. She was part of a Benedictine sect, hence the name.”

Sam observes him. “It’s a good idea, but are you sure about this?”

“Yeah. I’m good. I’ll get a new phone, okay? I’ll let you know as soon as I get there.”

“I’ll give my second phone to Ava,” says Sam. “And Jack.” He looks at his brother from head to toe. “Have you got a suit in your bag?”

“Why?”

“If you want to blend into Willem’s environment, you’ve gotta look California rich. Cargo pants and a T-shirt won’t cut it.”

I cringe and nod, agreeing with Sam.

He advises Jack, “Go and see Ben before you leave. He’s your size. He’s got spares in his locker.”

Morgan has shown me photos of Tyler and his colleagues. For sure, the Red Mark men know how to work a suit. It’s like an unwritten rule.

“Yeah, all right,” Jack concedes, brushing his pants and T-shirt as if realizing he’s far from looking presentable. Although for myself, I don’t care. He looks as handsome and rugged as my dream hero.

Sam mentions, “Gloves, masks, and ballistic vests are in room 201.”

Jack gives him an ‘if I must’ stare while Elmo circles the Marine as if questioning what the fuss is about.

“He’s so adorable,” Sam remarks, lightening the mood slightly. “How old is he?”

“He’s six, but he’ll forever be a puppy. He has skeletal dysplasia, a form of dwarfism,” I reply with a smile.

“Bless him,” Jack says, bending his six-foot-six frame to pat Elmo. “Take care of her.”

“Can Elmo come with us?” I ask Sam.

“Of course!” Sam responds. “I have a German Shepherd named Maximus who’s constantly trying to challenge my authority in the house. He only has three legs, but I’m surehe’ll get along with Elmo. That dog is just a big ball of fluff and overflowing with love.”

“Maybe he’ll finally get to be the alpha to someone,” I glance at Elmo, who lets out a few soft barks.

“Oh, he gave me this, by the way.” Jack takes something from inside his cargo pants pocket, handing over Quinton’s giraffe teether.

Fingerprints graze the dirt-covered toy. No doubt they are Jack’s. It’s a small thing, but the moment signifies that our worlds have truly merged now.

My hand quivers as I hold it, feeling the smooth texture beneath my fingers. I know I can clean it later, but right now, I can’t help but imagine how my baby is coping without his cherished toy, possibly still feeling under the weather, too. And he’s without me, his mother! The hurt in my chest intensifies, threatening to unleash a sob. I lift my gaze to Jack, my eyes filled with gratitude, but the words get caught in my throat.

He draws a breath, his exhale a faint sound separating us. “I’ve got to go.” He looks away as his eyes start blinking rapidly. With a swift turn, he pats Sam’s shoulder, the impact audible as a soft thud. I strain to hear his whispered words, just loud enough for me to catch, “Never leave her side.”

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