Page 73 of Broken Daddy
Yep. Definitely in need of someone to take care of her. She wasn’t sleeping or eating by the look of her.
And she was lying about it.
“Are you in some kind of trouble, Devi?” he asked, leaning in.
She leaned toward him. “Are you?”
Yeah. Loads of it. Because it felt like every time he was around her, he fell under her spell even more .
Maybe he should push for Kent to pull them out. But it felt like they were too deep into this. Stein was in trouble, although it seemed like he’d dug his own hole so he didn’t care much about that bastard.
But that didn’t mean that Sondra wasn’t innocent. And that she wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire.
And then there was Devi. He was worried about her. And he couldn’t remember the last time he’d worried about anyone since May died.
That would mean caring about someone.
He wished he didn’t care. Life was much simpler when you didn’t.
However, there was something going on with her and he wanted to know what it was.
“I can help you, Devi.”
She let out a small laugh that didn’t sound the least bit believable.
“Why would I need help? I’m fine. Usual coffee?” she asked.
Frustration bit at him.
“Lying isn’t going to help you, little girl. You’ve already got one punishment coming.”
“What is it with everyone wanting to punish me lately,” she muttered.
“Excuse me?” he asked in a low voice. “Who else wants to fucking punish you?”
He absolutely hated the fear that filled her face.
What. The. Fuck.
Was she scared of him? This girl hadn’t shown an ounce of fear or wariness around him until right now.
“Is someone threatening you?” he asked. “Tell me, Devi.”
“What would you do if they were?”
“Kill. Them.”
“Holy heck.” She stared at him then smiled. “You know, I almost believed you. Kill them. Good one.”
“I don’t know why you think that’s a joke. It isn’t. I can protect you, Devi. Just tell me who to protect you from.”
For a moment, he thought she was going to tell him. Then she shook her head with another laugh.
“That’s so kind. I don’t think I’ve ever had someone threaten to kill for me. Lucky I don’t need anyone killed you’re too pretty to go to jail.”
An odd look filled her face as she said that. Was she thinking about her brother?
Fuck. He wanted to demand that she tell him everything that what happened with her brother. About why she worked two jobs but still lived in a trailer with her alcoholic father. About who put that haunted look on her face.
