Page 207 of Sheriff Daddy (Montana Daddies 10)

Both of them nodded in agreement.

“She’s really okay?” Evan asked quietly.

“Physically, yes. Emotionally, I’m not sure.”

After she’d been checked over by Xavier, Ed had cleaned her up, waving away the nurse who’d offered to help. And she’d told him everything that happened. From the nightmare, going for a run, to that asshole turning up in his truck. How he’d hunted her through the woods, trying to pull her from the tree. He could only imagine how terrified she’d been.

“Can’t believe he had another fucking son and I didn’t know,” Marcus said.

“Wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known she was pregnant,” Ed told him. “Besides, no one could know he was a psycho like his father.”

Marcus ran his hand over his face. “Still feels like I fucked up. Won’t do that again. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the older son.”

“Might need someone to pay him a visit,” Evan said in his harsh, broken voice.

“Don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Ed warned them.

Marcus and Evan shared a look. He didn’t want to know what they were going to do.

“She needs closer watching,” Marcus said. “You gonna take care of that?”

“Don’t worry, she won’t be leaving my eyesight for a long time.”

They both nodded.

“We’re staying a few nights. Don’t worry though, we’ll take a room at the motel in town.” Marcus clapped a hand on his back. “Don’t need to listen to you defiling my baby sister.”

When he walked back into the room, h

e saw that she was awake. Immediately, he moved over towards her. He leaned down, brushing her hair back from her face.

“I want to cut it,” she croaked.

“What?”

“My hair. I’m sick of the length. I’m cutting it.”

“Whatever you want, my girl.”

“Can I have a drink?” she asked.

He grabbed the jug on the bedside drawers and poured her a cup. Then he placed a hand behind her to help her sit while she sipped.

“Be easier with your sippy cup.”

“I don’t like it here,” she said, almost tearfully. “Can I go home? I want our cabin, and Squawkers and Hugabug and you.”

“I know you do.” He helped her lie down. “We’ll go home as soon as Xavier gives you the all-clear, all right?”

She huffed out a breath.

He placed his forehead against hers. “Don’t argue, baby. You’re not going to win. You scared the hell out of me. That’s twice in two weeks. I’m not messing around with your health. Or with your safety. You are officially forbidden from running on your own from now on.”

He drew back.

Her eyes were wide as she stared up at him. “You’re serious?”

“Very.”

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