Page 27 of Her Remarkable Protector

“We’ve got a case, Captain. Your officers are here with me, and I need your discretion on this one. It’s sensitive.”

Freeman sighs. “Discretion doesn’t come cheap, Samson. What’s this about?”

“Damon Stone. You familiar with him?”

“Unfortunately, yes. What’s the connection?”

“A woman named Honor Deveraux is tangled up with him. She’s in the hospital right now, in labor. The baby’s his.”

“Red Mark branching into maternity care now?” he scoffs. “What’s the tie to missing kids this time?”

“Stone’s oldest son ran off to be with Ms. Deveraux. He’s been reported missing, but the boy is safe and in our custody. Right now, my priority is Ms. Deveraux and her baby. I need to stay with them, Captain. Your officers are welcome to patrol the hospital, but I need this handled quietly.”

“And you don’t think my men can keep her safe?”

I pause for a beat, then say, “It’s complicated. This isn’t just about keeping her safe—it’s about preventing Stone from escalating the situation. Please, Captain, let us do what we do best. Red Mark always hands the criminals over to you, and you know we’ve never broken that promise.”

Freeman blows out a breath, the weight of the situation clear in his voice. “Fine, Samson.”

“Thank you, captain.”

“You’re lucky I still owe you for the McSweeney case.” He pauses, like he’s stacking chips on a high-stakes table. “Listen, Major Crimes is gunning for Damon Stone hard. Word is, he’s picked up on the 80/20 rule. The Stoneborn Circle’s been playing it smart, only going after the safest buyers—the big spenders who bring in the most cash. The streets have gone quiet. No one’s willing to risk crossing the Circle. They know better.”

“I’ll let you know if I’ve got something,” I assure him.

“All right. Let me talk to my guys.”

I pass the phone to Sergeant Moran. He takes it with a sharp nod, saying only, “Yes, sir,” before handing it back to me. I watch as he and his partner exchange a few muttered words before walking off. Whatever Captain Freeman told them worked. For now.

With the officers gone, I stride down the hall, scanning for Nurse Carrington. She’s mid-conversation with a colleague. When she notices me, she wraps it up and walks over.

“We’ve provided Ms. Deveraux with a private room on the third floor,” she says briskly. “Come with me.”

“Is she okay?” I ask, the tension in my voice giving me away despite my effort to sound composed.

“She’s okay.”

“And the baby?” I probably sound like the imposter dad I’ve just gotten rid of, but my desperation is real. I need to know.

“Mother and baby are okay. That’s all I can say,” she replies, her tone professional.

Yeah, yeah. Of course, I’m just the bodyguard. They’re not obligated to tell me a damn thing. But the questions won’t stop hammering at me. What did Honor name him? Will I get to hold him?

One thing I know for sure—Honor’s going to be a mama bear. The kind who could scare off grizzlies and still pack a diaper bag like a pro. But even the toughest need someone in their corner, especially after bringing a baby into the world. Damon? I can’t picture him ever calling her “Hon” or “Honey” without it dripping with some degrading tone.

And me? What would I call her?

Honey’s too mild for her. But even with that rugged edge, I’m sure there’s sweetness buried deep—though she hasn’t shown it yet. Like a huckleberry, maybe.

Shit.

Ms. Deveraux. That’s all I’ll ever call her.

10

HONOR

The scratchy sheets and stiff mattress tell me I’m in a hospital before I even open my eyes. But I should know that for another reason. My baby.

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