Page 55 of Crush (Deadly Hearts 1)

“Layton,” I ask, and he is there, helping Ramsey. “Can you work your magic on him?”

He grimaces at me. “He can shower himself,” he growls. “But I’ll stay to make sure he doesn’t topple over.”

Ramsey snorts. “Yep, quite able to shower myself, but thanks.”

I nod and watch them disappear down the hallway and then turn to David. He waves and follows them, which leaves me, Dad and Declan.

I fold my arms and give my dad a furious glare. “You had no right to have someone follow me around,” I snap.

He glowers at me. “I have every right. I am your father and I let you down when you needed me the most. I will never allow that to happen again. This…” He comes closer and brushes the back of his hand over my bruised cheek. “…this should never have happened.” He gives Declan the most menacing glare he has in his arsenal and if I was on the receiving end of it, I’d be shitting myself. Declan, on the other hand, doesn’t seem that phased.

“I can take care of myself,” I mutter, turning from him. “I’ve had little time to process what you’ve told me. I know you did because you know I can handle the truth, yet you treat me with kid gloves. Why?”

“I know how strong you are, Ruby,” he says. “But I will never stop looking out for you.”

“So why are you here? Really?” I turn back to him, expecting the truth.

I get it.

And I kinda wish I hadn’t asked.

“One last job,” he says defiantly. “I am here to take out Jake Noonen and keep you safe.”

---