Page 19 of Sworn to Protect

“What do you need?” I sit straighter on the dated floral couch, hyperaware of the desperation lacing Mackenzie’s tone.

“My sitter fell through, and I can’t miss my first clinical. I hate to ask, but I don’t know what I can do. I’ve exhausted my options.”

Hmm,I’m not sure I like being her last resort, but I get it. Despite being from here, she doesn’t know too many people. And she regrets not trusting me. That’s evident in her silent apologies, which I’ve been privy to all week. I won’t hold her doubt against her.

“Are you asking for my help with the boys?”

The slight hitch to her breath is almost palpable as unsureness wars with desperation. If only she would trust me fully. “I know it’s short notice, but I need you.”

I stand corrected. Three words bring me to my knees. Or maybe it’s just this woman.

“I’m your guy.” I squeeze the phone and close my eyes.I’m your guy?Christ, I’m going straight to hell.

“Thank you.” The relief in her voice eases my tension and solidifies I’m doing theright thing.

“When do you need me?”

“Now, but I can be late if you need more time.”

My gaze lands on the darkened television screen, its reflection a reminder of how empty the room feels. The room is too quiet. Too cold. Too depressing. I pack my Glock in my back holster and swipe the keys off the end table. As I stalk to the truck, I say, “No need. I’m leaving now.”

“I’ll owe you big time.”

“No worries.”

We hang up, and it doesn’t take long before I step on the cement stairs leading to her door. She greets me with a frazzled look, and I want to wrap my arms around her and pull her into me. This need to protect her is dizzying and confusing, and no matter how much I want to fight it, the feeling won’t go away. Nope, just the opposite. Instead, the urge strengthens each time I see her. But Mackenzie isn’t the type of person who wants protection, or so she thinks. But fuck if my instincts can’t tell the difference.

“Liam, Nick, come say hello to Mr. Dixon.” She gathers her bag and purse, shooting me an exhausted smile. “I hope you like lasagna. It’s all I had on short notice. It’ll be ready in forty minutes.”

My stomach growls at the mention of food. It’s been ages since I’ve had a home-cooked meal. Mess halls and fast food have fueled this body for years.

“Don’t worry. The meal won’t count as the one I owe you. I’ll cook you something better.”

“Better than homemade lasagna? Blasphemy, woman!”

Two sets of feet race down the hallway, cutting off her response.

“No running.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Liam says, his blue eyes locking onto mine. He looks so much like his father, it’s uncanny. “Hi, Mr. Dixon.”

The youngest follows suit.

“Hi, boys. I guess you’re stuck with me tonight.”

They nod in unison, and my shoulders relax from their broad smiles. It’s a strange feeling being here with them, but it feels right.

“Boys, go get cleaned up. Supper will be ready soon.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mackenzie watches them head off, her soft smile fading into something unreadable. “You have my cell number. Call me if there is any sign of trouble. I also left Jill’s number in case you can’t reach me. Her class ends at nine, but I should be back home around ten.”

“We’ll be fine. Even if your boys weren’t well-behaved, I could handle it. Be careful on the road.”

She glances back at the hallway, hiking her backpack to her shoulder. “Okay. Again, dial if you need me.”

“I will. Now go. You don’t want to hit any rush hour traffic.” That subtle reminder prompts her body to get moving.

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