Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
She sniffled. “I know. I scared myself too.”
“Good. That means you’ll think twice before breaking the rules again.” He added a hint of menace to his voice.
She was definitely going to be too focused on the punishment to come to get into any more trouble while he was gone.
“I love you. You are never a nuisance. Understand?”
“I understand. I love you too.”
Charlie ended the call, her shoulders slumped. Even though she felt better after hearing his voice and listening to his reassurances, she still missed him.
She went over to the office door and opened it. Kent turned and walked over to her, taking the phone out of her hand
“You all right, little bit?” he asked, cupping her cheeks to raise her face.
“Yep. I just miss Clint.”
“I know you do. Come on, let’s get you home, fed, and into bed. I bet you’ll sleep like the dead after all this excitement.”
“I’m really sorry, Kent. I can just stay at home while you work tomorrow. I won’t try to go out or anything.”
“I’m afraid that’s not happening, sweetheart. I want you where I can see you.” He tapped her nose. “Besides, I’ve got all sorts of fun activities planned for you.”
“Somehow I think my idea of fun and yours might be very different,” she said suspiciously.
His grin just widened.
Nearly two hours later, after a quick dinner of ham and cheese sandwiches, she was loading the dishwasher when Kent walked into the kitchen. “Right, it’s time for bed. You go on up and I’ll come in and check on you.”
She looked at the clock on the wall. “Bed? It’s only eight.”
“Yep, and you’ve had a big day. So, no arguments. Bed. Now, young lady.”
“How did I ever think you were the easygoing one?” she grumbled.
He smiled. Kent was a gorgeous man. Not for the first time, she wondered why he didn’t have a girlfriend. He was handsome, fun, smart, the whole package.
“Charlie,” he said in a warning voice.
“I’m going. I’m going.” She turned around and sped off.
“No running in the house!” he called at her. “You could fall over and hurt yourself.”
“Sheesh, who knew you were such a worrywart!”
“Damn brat is going to give me gray hairs,” Kent muttered to himself.
He ran his hand over his face. Shit. How did Clint do this so effortlessly?
He picked up his phone from the table, seeing the text from Eden.
Stayin at J’s 2nite
He sighed and shook his head then grabbed a glass of water before headed upstairs. When he got to Charlie’s room, she was fast asleep, hugging Inky, her stuffed octopus. She was adorable, all curled up in bed, hugging her soft toy.
He put the glass of water on the bedside table and pulled the covers up, tucking them around her. Looked like she’d gone off to sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. He went downstairs and grabbed a beer, before settling himself in the den to watch some mind-numbing television.
A few hours later, he decided to turn in. He checked over the house, made sure the doors were locked and the alarm on. As he walked past the open doorway to Charlie’s bedroom, he heard her cry out.
Adrenaline pumped through him as he rushed inside and saw her thrashing around on the bed. Nightmare. Shit. The bathroom light was on, but he switched on the lamp on the bedside table as he sat on the bed.
“Charlie! Charlie, it’s Kent. Sweetheart, you’re safe. It’s Kent.”
“No. No, please! Not the closet… no… scared of the dark.” Her voice was childish and filled with terror. Fuck, he knew how her aunt locked her in a closet for punishment. If he ever met that old bitch, he’d…
Well, he’d have to get in line behind Clint.
“Charlotte! Open your eyes,” he demanded sternly. “Now.”
Thankfully, she stilled and opened her eyes. Her face was pale, her breath coming in sharp pants, but at least she was awake.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here. You’re safe.” He ran his hand up and down her arm, wanting to hug her but unsure if that would frighten her more.
She whimpered, then bit on her lip, obviously trying to pull herself together. “S-sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry for. You were having a nightmare. I heard you cry out as I was making my way to bed.” He took hold of her wrist, taking her pulse. Fast and light. “You’re safe, sweetheart. Nothing bad is going to happen to you here.”
She took in a shuddering breath and nodded. “I-I know.”
“Want to tell me about your nightmare?”
“No.” She sat and pulled her legs up against her chest, holding them tight, looking so small and helpless that it hurt. She placed her chin on her knees. He leaned down and grabbed Inky, passing it to her. He knew Clint had bought her several stuffed toys, but she loved Inky the most. It was one of the few things she had left from her parents, who’d died when she was young.