Free Protecting My Hart (Protectors Series Book 1) by Danielle Wright Page B

wondered what happened to you, if you were OK, if you were even fuckin’ alive. I find you last night after five years of lookin’, and there you are with a kid. You’re being attacked and scared shitless for reasons I can’t even imagine and you won’t fuckin’ tell me. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, but I will not fail you again. I will keep you and Ethan safe, and this is how it’s going to be done. I’m done arguing with you about it, so pack your fuckin’ bags!”
    I glare at him a second longer before turning around and stomping down the hall, slamming my bedroom door behind me. Yeah, I’m angry. Pacing back and forth, I attempt to sort through what he said. What does he mean he failed me? And he didn’t make me run, I made that decision. He said he thought about me. I want to believe that, but I can’t. Why would he waste his time? Now he wants me to just pack up and move to his place? Is he insane? Falling to my bed, I stare at the ceiling and take a deep breath. If I went with him, I know that Ethan would be safe. It would save me from having to find a new apartment and spending more money, and maybe I’d get to keep this feeling for just a little bit longer. This is really my best option. Taking another deep breath, I leave my room and head back into the kitchen. Slyde is just finishing the dishes; I watch as he dries his hands and turns around.
    “Hey,” I offer first.
    “Hey,” he responds, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the counter behind him. I take a second for my eyes to roam his body. Damn, he’s still sexy . I love that he’s still sexy. I hate that he’s still sexy.
    “Listen, I really don’t like that you made a decision like this for me without talking to me first.” He starts to interrupt but I put my hand up stopping him. “However, after thinking about it, I’m not prepared to find another apartment in a new city, so for right now, this is the best option I have to keep my son safe.”
    “You’ll be safe too, Hart.”
    “I know, but I don’t matter. Just as long as Ethan is safe, that’s what matters to me, Slyde. Promise me you will keep him safe.”
    Slyde pushes off from the counter, stepping and stopping in front of me. His hand caresses my cheek, and I lean into his touch briefly. “You matter to me, Hart, and I promise I will keep you both safe.”
    If he keeps staring at me like this and talking like this, I’m going to start believing him soon and that won’t do me any good when it’s time for us to leave. I simply nod at him and watch as he leans forward and his lips soft and warm press against my forehead. My eyes close, and I relax.
    “What do I need to pack?”
    “Your clothes and personal items. I have everything else. I have a spare room with a bed, you and Ethan can sleep there, or you can sleep in my room, and I’ll sleep on the couch.”
    “No, please, that’s not necessary; Ethan and I will be fine.”
    “OK, let me help you pack, you tell me what you want to bring.”
    “My clothes, and pictures, I think that’s really it. Ethan’s too, his clothes and toys. I don’t like him having to leave things behind, so pretty much his entire room gets packed.”
    “OK, why don’t you pack your stuff, and I’ll help pack up his room.”
    “Yeah. OK.” And as the reality of the situation sinks in, I feel like I just want to cry again. I’m getting tired this, of running. I’m looking forward to leaving soon, and then I can finally stop running.

I’ve just finished packing the last bag of my clothes; I have a box of with all my picture books, framed pictures, and my wooden box that contains the Montana fund and my important documents. I’m watching from the doorway as Slyde and Ethan mess around while packing up his room, and I smile. My heart constricts at the beautiful sight before me, and I become lost in watching them.
    “Hi Momma. Mr. Slyde—oh, um—Slyde has been helping me, he says we are going to have