Page 15 of Daddy's Damaged Little Girl

She was pulling out food from the refrigerator. “I’ve got ham and turkey.”

“I like both,” he said as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. His eyes narrowed as she moved around the room, and she wouldn’t look at him.

She handed him two thick sandwiches and chips.

“I’ve got water, juice, and diet cola.”

“I’ll take water.”

He sat at the bar and started eating. “Why don’t you come sit beside me?”

She shook her head. “I want to get this cleaned up and then head to bed after you leave.”

His brows snapped together. “You’ve been wiping the same area for a few minutes now,” he said.

She sighed and rinsed the cloth out before she draped it over the sink faucet. He watched her look around in a daze.

“You’re tired, aren’t you?”

She sighed and nodded. “Yes.”

He finished, stood, and brought his plate to the sink. He shook his head when she tried to take it from him. “I’ve got it.” He washed and dried, then put the plate and glass away before he turned to her.

He hated how fragile she looked with her arms wrapped tightly around her waist. “How about I crash on the sofa tonight so you’re not alone?”

Her lips trembled when she tried to smile. “No. But thank you.”

Sebastian stopped a foot from her and scowled when she stiffened. “What if you have a nightmare, sweetheart?”

Sage shrugged. “I’ve been dealing with them on my own for a while now. I have to learn to take care of myself and not depend on others.”

“But you’ve got friends that want to help.”

Sage nodded. “I know. I thank God for Lacey and Cason, but I’m not going to push my problems on them.”

“So, we’re not friends?” he asked.

Her eyes jerked to his and then away. “Sure.”

He knew without a doubt she didn’t mean it, and he wondered what had happened in the last few minutes. Whatever it was, he’d get to the bottom of it.

Chapter Eight

She begged him in her head to leave. She needed him gone as soon as possible before she lost it again.

“I really am tired,” she said as she walked to the door, hoping he’d follow.

She flinched when his hand gripped her upper arm. She knew by the scowl on his face that he didn’t like it, but there wasn’t a lot she could do about it.

“Is there a problem here?” he asked.

“No. Really. I’m tired, and I want to go to bed.”

“You’re a lousy liar, but I’ll let it go for now. Get some sleep, and we’ll talk tomorrow.”

Her brows pinched together. “Why?”

His eyes widened. “Really? You’re asking me that?”

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