Page 73 of Rayna's Daddy

“Because it makes sense.” She shrugged. “I figured her and Mr. Santorini weren’t related and once you told me what he’s into, it doesn’t seem like that farfetched to think Natalie was also a victim.”

“And she could still be playing us.” I pulled her to me. “And, still trying to get away from Santorini, either way, I don’t think inviting her over for a sleepover is safe.” I caressed her cheek with his thumb. “I’ll put her up in a room.”

“If Santorini is after her, then she could be in danger.”

“We’ll have someone watch her.”

She leaned back and looked up at me.

“Another man in her life to tell her what to do.” Rayna shook my head. “I don’t think that’s the best thing for her.”

“You seem to like it.” I whispered into her ear.

“Daddy.” She scoffed and stepped away from me. “She has been through far worse than I have. I spent a night with those people and was able to fight back. She has been a prisoner for years. Let her stay with us. Maybe I can get more information from her.”

“As much as you like to think yourself the master spy, you are not.”

“That’s mean, Daddy.”

“It’s the truth, baby.” I pulled her into my arms. “Okay, she can stay with us, but she’s leaving with Agent Stanley in the morning. She isn’t completely a victim here. And, if Santorini is after her, then she’ll be safer in protective custody.”

“Okay. One night.” She grinned up at me. “Wow.”

“What?”

“Did I just win an argument against you?”

“No.” I smacked her bottom. “And don’t get used to it, little girl.”

* * *

I gotRayna off to sleep. She was restless most of the night, but it didn’t matter because I couldn’t sleep. I sent Patrick home, which left me on high alert. It wasn’t like we didn’t have the best security team and system money could buy. No one could get on this floor without both a badge and a code. And, the elevator for this floor was hidden from the public. You would have to know how to get up here, to get up here, but I had my girl to protect. Sleep could wait until Natalie was out of my apartment and out of our lives.

My phone beeped on the nightstand.

Randall: All clear.

It was a text from my brother. He must be on high alert, too.

I kissed Rayna on the cheek and slid out of bed.

I pulled on a sweatshirt and headed to my office and called Randall.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” I didn’t bother saying hello.

“I was briefed.”

“Uhm”

“What?”

“I thought you were partial to spying on woman at check in and spotting card counters.” I punched the number into the keypad in my office and stepped inside.

“Someone is threatening my family and their friends, I pay attention.” The monotone didn’t match his conviction, but I knew Randall. He was insanely protective of us, especially Tyler and the reason Tyler lives full time in New York and not in Las Vegas with the rest of us. “You sound worried.”

“I’m not. Rayna’s safe. This minor intrusion can’t do anything to us and will be gone tomorrow.” I rubbed my face and sat down on the couch in my office.

“So, Rayna. She’s the one.”

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