Rugged Daddy

“You needed to call me, Heather. I’ve been worried fucking sick. Get back here. It’s not safe yet.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Just get back.”

“It’s not like anyone—”

“We can’t be careful enough, Heather. I know your argument is that they don’t know who you are. But you don’t understand this situation the way I do. Until further notice, we have to lay as low as we can. That means not going into town unless it’s necessary and not sticking around any longer than we have to. There’s a reason I haven’t made friends in town, Heather.”

I ground my teeth together as I smoothed my hand over my hair.

“Okay,” I said. “I’m coming.”

“It’s not safe. I know you don’t understand—”

“I understand perfectly,” I said curtly. “I’m coming back now. Hold your damn horses.”

Then, I cut the phone call and shoved my phone back into my pocket.

“Who the hell was that?” Nikki asked.

“I have to go,” I said.

“No,” she said as she stood up. Her hand came down on my wrist and stopped me in my tracks. “Was that Andrew?”

I closed my eyes and pulled my wrist away from her grasp. “I have to go.”

“What is going on? Because he didn’t sound very friendly over that phone call.”

“Nikki, I can’t talk about it right now. I have perishables in the back of the truck, and I have to get back.”

“No, you don’t. Heather, look at me.”

“What?” I asked as I whipped around.

“That man doesn’t own you. Just because you’re pregnant with his child doesn't mean he controls you.”

“It’s not like that. I promise you,” I said.

“Are you sure? Because it looks a hell of a lot like that.”

“I have to go,” I said. Then, I rushed out of the coffee shop before she could corner me anymore about it.

I wanted to tell her about the Mafia stuff. I wanted to tell her Cameron’s real name. I wanted to tell her all the things swirling around in my world, but I couldn't. If Cameron was right, that would put a target on her back, and I couldn't do that to her like it had been done to me. I started up Cameron’s truck and pulled away as Nikki came out of the coffee shop. I saw the worry in her eyes as I drove off, but there was nothing I could do about it. I did tell Cameron I’d be back in an hour, so he had every right to worry.

We’d have to talk about that tone of voice he just took with me, but his worry was understandable.

CHAPTER 23

CAMERON

Heather and I kept tiptoeing around one another ever since she came back from town the day before. I knew I’d been harsh with her over the phone, but she was being reckless. I understood her wanting to see her friend. I got that. But seeing her could have put all of us at risk. Whether or not she wanted to act like it, she was carrying my child, and that meant I had two more lives to protect. She didn’t have to like my tactics and decisions, but she did have to follow them. That was the stipulation to living with me so I could take care of her and our child.

She had to listen, even if she didn’t like it.

“Hello?” I asked as I picked up my phone.

“It’s Brad,” he said. “We’re supposed to be meeting this morning. Where are you?”