Page 130 of Dozer

She whimpered and clung to me, burrowing her face into my neck.

Gabi pulled into the driveway. “What do you want us to do?”

“You can leave us here. I’ll text you later.”

Pippa slid off my lap, but once I was out of the vehicle, I carried her in my arms to the door and knocked.

The night camouflaged our arrival. The house was dark. I knocked again.

“Maybe they’re asleep.”

I cocked an eyebrow. I was sure Willow was asleep just like everyone else in the neighborhood.

Light glowed through the window, the porch light flicked on, and the door opened.

“Mom, it’s me. Turn off the light.”

The light snapped off, and I carried Pippa into the house. Gabi backed out of the drive as Willow closed the door.

“Take her to my room.”

Levi’s bedroom door opened as we passed. “Dozer?”

I paused. Levi gasped when she saw Pippa. “Mom, you can use my room. I’ll get your bag.”

Levi’s room was as familiar as my own. I crossed to her bed and sat Pippa on the edge. She tugged on the edge of my T-shirt, trying to cover more of her nudity.

Willow stood next to me, a softness to her eyes. Fuck, but I loved this woman. She was more of a mother to me than my own. She rested her hand on myshoulder as she waited for me. I guess waiting for me to let her know Pippa was ready.

“I’ve got you,” I said to Pippa. Then I pushed the blankets to the end of the bed, ripped the top sheet off, and draped it around her.

She tugged the linen over her legs, making sure all of her flesh was covered.

“Thanks.”

I knelt in front of her, resting my hands on her knees. “You need her. This is Levi’s mom, Willow.” I glanced over my shoulder. “This is Pippa. She…she…”

“It’s okay.” She tapped my arm as a way to say she understood the situation. Then she spoke to Pippa. “Can I sit beside you?”

Pippa nodded. I moved to stand, but Pippa clutched my hand. “Don’t leave me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” I sat on the floor next to her legs.

Levi brought Willow’s medical kit into the room. “I’ll make coffee.”

“Thank you, sweetheart,” Willow said.

Levi’s gaze met mine, concern shimmering in her eyes. With my knees bent and feet on the floor, I stared at the pattern in the carpet. Too many conflicting emotions warred within me. What the fuck could I say?

“What caused the contusions to your mouth?” Willow asked Pippa.

“I don’t know. He, uh, I was hit, but when he gagged me, I—”

Willow didn’t touch Pippa as she inspected her face. “Would it be easier to talk if we had Dozer wait in the kitchen with Levi?”

Her fingers tightened around mine.

“I’m not leaving,” I said, turned my head toward Pippa and pressed my lips to her hand.

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