Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“Yes. I had fast food a few hours ago.”
“Good. Let me show you the playroom.”
“Playroom?” she asked as he took her hand and guided her through the living room and into a room off the short hallway, where Lyra immediately gasped. She let go of his hand and stepped in farther. “You really meant it when you said playroom.”
“Yes. Little girls need a special room where they can be themselves and relax. I haven’t had a chance to do much decorating here, especially since I had no idea who might become my Little girl or what her interests might be. You can choose special things and decorate however you’d like.”
He spoke as though she would be staying here forever. She’d only considered remaining perhaps a week. That’s what she’d told Sadie on the phone. A vacation with plenty of downtime, perfected by the ability to play her cello. It would be like practicing but without the stress.
There was a pretty daybed covered with a frilly white comforter and a bookcase that already had stuffed animals and games on the shelves. The oversized rocking chair made her smile. She’d love to sit on Phoenix’s lap and let him rock her. That sounded like heaven.
Her cello rested against the wall, and her suitcase and purse were next to it. She rushed to the cello, gently lowered it to the floor, and opened the case. She didn’t fully breathe until she lifted it out, spun it around, and determined it had not been injured in the accident.
Phoenix squatted next to her. “Is it okay, Little one?” His tone made her tremble. It had from the moment he’d first leaned into her window back at the accident. Now, she understood it better. He was a Daddy. A caregiver. Someone who liked to take care of his partner in every way.
She lowered the cello back into the case and closed it. “I can’t be certain until I play it, but it looks unharmed. I think it will be fine.”
He stroked her cheek. “I can’t wait to hear you play.”
“You also can’t avoid it.” She grinned as they rose. “I’ve never gone a single day without playing my cello. Sometimes, I wake up in the morning and go straight to my instrument because my fingers are itching to pick up the bow and fill my heart with delightful sounds. I practice every day.” She looked around. “I doubt your friends will want me to play up here. They’ll be able to hear me in every apartment. I’ll need to find a place somewhere else in the resort.”
He smiled warmly again. “I’m certain no one will mind you playing. Maybe not at two in the morning, but we all work during the day. If you wanted to play in the apartment, you could easily do so without anyone bothering you.”
“Oh. Well, I don’t want to impose. I’ll get my own room tomorrow and ask Sadie for a place to practice.”
He stepped closer, calmly cupped her face, and brought his forehead to hers. “I know this feels fast, but I need you to understand that, in my mind, you’re already mine, Little one. My instinct, and my job, is to protect you. I don’t want you to leave this floor without me. Tomorrow, I’ll get a better understanding of what your ex might be planning, but until we’re certain he’s not going to come looking for you, I want you always in a safe location.”
She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I don’t know if you’re real. Maybe I’ll wake up and find myself still sitting in my car on the side of the road, but I hope you’re real.”
He rubbed her back. “I’m very real, Little one. And I’m going to keep you safe. First off, let me see your phone. I’ll make sure the tracker is turned off. If your agent is watching, he’ll know you passed through here.”
Handing over her phone, Lyra said, “He’s going to come here.”
“Probably. We’ll deal with that when it happens. Now, let’s get you in the shower to make sure all the glass is gone and then to bed. Can you find some jammies in your suitcase? I’ll go get you a cup of water while you change.”
“I, uh… I don’t have any PJs. I usually just sleep in a T-shirt.”
He frowned. “Tomorrow, we’ll get you some pretty nighties. Get yourself comfortable, use the potty, and brush your teeth. The bathroom is across the hall. Help yourself to shampoo and anything else you need. There’s a bin under the sink.”
“Okay.” She watched as he left her in the room. She hadn’t been separated from him from the moment he’d found her. How long ago had that been? Three hours? There was an odd chill in the room in his absence. She wished he would come back.