Page 8 of Heart of a Hero

I offered her a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to thank me, Nora. I’m just glad I could help.”

She nodded, her gaze drifting around the apartment. I watched as she took in the clean, modern space, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her shirt. I could only imagine the thoughts running through her mind -- the fear, the doubt, the overwhelming sense of change.

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” I said gently, taking a step closer. “But I want you to know you and Taylor can stay as long as you need.”

Nora met my eyes, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of hope amidst the shadows. “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

I shook my head, my heart aching for the pain she’d endured. “You don’t owe me anything, Nora. I’m doing this because I care, and because I want to see you and Taylor happy and thriving.”

She blinked back tears, her lips curving into a tentative smile. “I haven’t had anyone care about us like this in a long time.”

I reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder. “Well, get used to it. Because from now on, you’ve got me in your corner.”

As Nora leaned into my touch, I couldn’t help but marvel at her strength and resilience. She’d been through hell, yet here she was, standing tall and ready to fight for a better future. And I knew, with every fiber of my being, I would be right there beside her, every step of the way.

I might have questioned these feelings if I hadn’t grown up with the Dixie Reapers, where men seemed to fall fast and hard for their women. From what I’d heard, it had been the same for my parents. So, the fact I found Nora and Taylor fascinating and felt this need to keep them close told me my single days were most likely numbered.

Nora’s smile grew a little brighter, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders.

“Why don’t you and Taylor get some rest? I’ll put two of my clean T-shirts in the guest room for you to sleep in tonight. If you need anything at all, just let me know.”

“I think we’ll be okay for now,” Nora replied, her voice soft but steady. “It’s been a long day, and I think Taylor’s more than ready to call it a night. I should go check on her, make sure she didn’t fall asleep taking a bath.”

“I’m surprised you left her alone in there,” I said. Not in an accusatory way. Nora seemed to be a mother hen, and I had no doubt she wanted to watch Taylor’s every move after going through such a scary event.

“She’s at the independent stage, where she’s still small enough I want to help with everything, but she’s determined to do it on her own.”

“Poor thing. She’s been through a lot.”

I watched Nora walk down the hall and heard the bathroom door open, then click shut. I let out a long, slow breath. If I wasn’t careful, I might scare her off.

With a renewed sense of resolve, I headed to the kitchen to make a list of supplies I’d need to pick up tomorrow or have delivered. While Nora helped Taylor finish bathing, I left the shirts in their room as I’d promised. Then I waited. Once they’d turned in for the night, I gathered their dirty clothes and washed them… but not before checking the sizes. I shot off a text to Akira to let her know what to get before I forgot.

Muffled voices drifted from the guest room as I stood in the hallway, my hand hesitating on the doorknob. I wanted to give Nora and Taylor their privacy, but a part of me longed to be there, to offer comfort and reassurance.

I placed my hand on the door, but left it shut. Instead, I called out to her through it. “I’ll be right down the hall if you need anything. Help yourself to anything in the kitchen if you get hungry or thirsty.”

“Goodnight, Dawson,” she called back.

“Goodnight,” I whispered back, my hand falling from the door as I backed away.

After checking all the door and window locks, I went to my room and changed into sweats and a T-shirt. Then I crawled into bed. The apartment was quiet, even with my new guests down the hall.

As I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, my mind raced with thoughts of Nora and Taylor. I knew their road to recovery would be long and difficult. I would protect them, support them, and show them that there was still good in the world.

I’d need a Christmas tree, lights, and ornaments. Christmas was too close for Taylor to not have something to bring a sense of normalcy to her holiday. She’d lost her home and all her possessions. For a child, I knew this was more than a little unsettling, even though she seemed to be doing well.

Presents. She’d need something to open for Christmas. Being around the club my entire life, and a bunch of girls, I had a general idea of what she might like. Since I couldn’t sleep, I pulled out my phone and made a short list of ideas. Then I added a few things for Nora. We hadn’t had a chance to talk much. I assumed she had a job. We’d need to discuss our schedules, and I’d offer to help with Taylor on my days off.

We could make this work. And with some luck, I’d be able to convince her to give me a chance. Even if we just went on a few dates, I’d consider that a win. Hell, I’d love to make it a family affair and go to dinner or the movies with both of them.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up.Isy.

“Isy, is something wrong?” I asked the moment the call connected.

“Do I need a reason to say hi to one of my best friends?” she asked.

“No, but it’s late.” I glanced at the time. More than late. It was after midnight.

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