Beauty and the Billionaire

“I can’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do.” She lifts up on her tiptoes, offering me her mouth. I lean down and kiss her before letting go of her hand. I watch her disappear through the door.

I pull out my phone and get to work, not caring what time it is. I want information, and I want it now. Everything I can get my hands on. It doesn’t take long before Carter is sending me some information as he finds it.

“Honey.” I lift my head. Kennedy hasn't once used the term of endearment since I found her again. It was one she used often before. “Faith wants to meet you.”

A little blond girl peeks out from behind Kennedy. I try and keep my face neutral when I see the mark on her chin. The rage I feel at someone hitting this sweet angel wants to come out, but I push it back.

“He’s big,” she whispers loudly.

“He is,” Kennedy agrees. “He keeps me safe.” She runs her fingers through her hair. Faith nods in understanding, at the same time letting out a yawn.

“Come. We’re going to lie down.” My wife motions for me to come close. Faith watches my every move.

“You’re as big as Ace’s dad.” She tilts her head back, looking up at me. She’s an adorable little girl. Her hair is so blond it’s almost white. She reminds me of a fairy.

“Roman and I are friends,” I tell her. A smile forms on her lips at that.

“You married my Winnie?” she asks.

“I did. I lost her once, so I wasn’t wasting another second when I found her again.”

“I don’t blame you. She’s the best. I wish she was my mommy.”

Kennedy is still trying to fight tears. “Let’s go lie down, sweetheart. It’s late.” Kennedy shows her to one of the beds in the room. I head to the other side of the room, sitting down on the bed and watching them.

Faith keeps stealing peeks at me. I think she’s starting to relax. I can see how Kennedy fell for the little girl. I listen to them talk.

“Can we switch beds?” Faith asks, sitting up. She was almost asleep.

“We can.” Kennedy gives her a puzzled look. Faith wants to be closer to the door. It’s smart but also fucked up her mind works that way.

I stand up, giving her the bed and taking hers. “I’ve got guards outside, Faith. I promise you’re safe. No one will ever hurt you again.”

That’s a promise I intend to keep.

13

KENNEDY

My eyes slowly open, adjusting to the light, my dream slipping away. I didn’t want to wake up. I’m not sure if that dream was only a dream or my mind replaying the reality of my past. I roll to my back, opening my eyes more. I’m praying that was something my mind made up on its own.

I sit up quickly, remembering I’m back at the shelter. My eyes immediately go to the spot next to me, which is empty. The bed Dane was sleeping in is empty as well. I grab my shoes to go in search of them. What if something happened and Faith is gone again?

Dane wouldn’t let that happen. He made me a promise. I rush past Taylor in my haste. “No running,” she teases me with a laugh. “They’re in the dining room. Now slow your pregnant butt down.”

I glare at her, but I’m unable to keep my lips in a firm line. They pull up into a smile. When I step into the dining area, I spot them immediately. They are sitting at a table together eating breakfast.

Dane must feel my eyes on him because his head lifts. He says something to Faith before he pushes back his chair and stands, putting the paper in his hands down. I make my way over to them. He drops a kiss on my mouth, his hand going to my stomach.

“I’ll get your breakfast.” He pulls a chair out for me. His hair is ruffled and his clothes wrinkled, but honestly I don’t think he’s ever looked more handsome.

“Morning,” Faith says when I sit down with her. She leans over close to me. “Dane gave me his pancake,” she whispers. We try to keep the food here somewhat healthy so there is a one pancake rule, but it’s a loose one. “So I got two.” She gives me a mischievous smile, one that pulls at my heartstrings and shows me how resilient she really is. It truly amazes me that she finds a way to be happy after everything she’s been through. But I guess we’re alike in that sense.

“You two are getting along?” She’s warming to him so quickly. I’m glad because she’s usually not around many males except for Ace. She was even hesitant with Roman at first until Ace told her he was okay.