Page 24 of Daddy's Oath
She climbed under the covers, snuggled with her pillow, and sighed wistfully at the sensation of feeling his body heat so close to hers.
What had started as a hellish night had somehow turned into heaven.
Pure, absolute heaven.
Chapter Twelve
“So what’s the plan today?” Jack asked the following morning.
Ace swallowed the last of his orange juice, wiped his mouth, and put the napkin on the plate where his omelet had been before he’d finished every last bite of it.
He’d hit the home gym early, despite not having gotten a ton of sleep, and his body craved the protein the eggs, bacon, and ham gave him. He might knock back a protein shake, too. As hard as he’d worked his muscles, they needed all they could get for recovery.
“Well, I was thinking I sneak into her apartment,” he replied. “Set up some cameras.” He grimaced a bit. “And check for cameras.”
Jack pulled out a chair and sat across from Ace at the table. “You think someone has it wired?”
“That would be my play,” Ace said. With a grin, he added, “In fact,it ismy play. They probably set up cameras, thinking she’ll eventually come home. We’ll set up cameras, thinkingthey’lleventually come back.”
Ace could see Jack was considering it. After a moment, Jack said, “It’s a good plan. But if they’re watching, how will we set our equipment up?”
Ace’s grin widened. “I’ve called in a little help with that. Should be here in about five minutes.”
Jack nodded. “You good running point on this?”
“Figured I would.”
Jack arched an eyebrow. “Because you’re eager to help. Right? It doesn’t have anything to do with how adorable you find Lana?” His lips turned upward.
“Where would you get such a notion?”
Jack chuckled. “I ran into Isaiah a few minutes ago. He told me you seemed… smitten… last night when you two went to meet her.”
“Smitten. He used that word?”
Jack laughed again. “Okay, I’m adding that word. But it was implied.”
Ace shrugged. “You know I’m eager to help any Little who needs it. That’s why the Guard exists. But this is serious stuff.” He paused to reflect for a moment. “All our cases have been serious. This is life and death, though. Someone is out to hurt that girl. Maybe worse. And I’m going to find out who it is and stop them.”
“It could have been a random robbery,” Jack pointed out.
“So Isaiah’s already briefed you on everything?”
Jack nodded. “And I called Athena this morning. She’s pretty shaken up. Really worried.”
“She doesn’t need to be,” Ace replied. “Not with us at the helm. But I don’t want her getting involved in this one. Too dangerous. She’s put herself in harm’s way before to help us, but I won’t allow it here.”
Jack laughed.
“What?” Ace asked.
“You won’t allow it? Since when does anyone tell Athena what she can and can’t do? If we’re not careful, she’s liable to turn her paddle on us!”
Both men laughed at this.
“True,” Ace admitted. “But the less she’s involved, the better. For her own sake.”
“Agreed,” Jack said. “We all love her. I just can’t stand the thought of her getting hurt.” Standing, Jack added, “I need to take Little Iris out for some things today. But if you need me, don’t hesitate to call.”
