“Hi, Drake.” Trenda was putting on her fake voice. Even after all these years apart, he could still spot it.
“Even if Evie hadn’t already ratted you out, I could tell something was bothering you. Now spill it.”
“There’s been this guy watching my house since yesterday. Today, I saw Delmar’s car pull up outside my house. He got out and talked to the guy. Silly me, I thought maybe my call to the sheriff’s office might have forced him to do his job. Instead of sending him on his merry way, they sat there talking to one another. Finally, a third car showed up. The three of them looked just as friendly, and then the third car took his place.”
Trenda sounded like she was almost in tears. Fuck!
“Besides watching you, have they done anything?” Piper came over to stand next to him.
“No, but Bella keeps watching out the window when I’m not looking. She asks who the man is. She’s terrified.”
“Got it. I’ll be there soon.”
“You can’t leave Piper alone,” she whispered as if Piper could hear.
“I’ve got her covered. Piper’s going to be safe as a bug in a rug. You hold on, Sweetie. I love you.”
“Love you too. Wish I could have seen you under better circumstances.” He hated that she sounded so shaky.
“Me too. Hang tight.”
“I will. I’m probably making a mountain out of a molehill. I’ll be all right. You really don’t have to come. You stay with Piper.” Her voice sounded stronger.
“I’ll do what I damn well feel like. I said I’d be there soon and I will.” God save him from feisty females.
There was a pause. “Thanks, Drake. I love you.”
“Love you more.”
Piper was looking at him with fear in her eyes as soon as the phone call was over.
“She’s going to be fine,” he assured her and gave her a quick hug as he went to the front door and pulled it open. He’d timed it right, Aiden was just getting out of his vehicle. Drake noticed the snow had stopped as his friend gave him a chin tilt and then scanned the area carefully as he walked up the stairs. He had a full duffel bag and a suitcase. Good, he came carrying too.
Drake shook the older man’s hand, appreciating his steady blue gaze. “How much trouble are you in?” Aiden asked.
Drake looked behind him and saw Piper watching them carefully from the couch. He answered the other SEAL in a low tone. “I’m still assessing, but it’s not good. My dad got out of prison seventy-two hours ago, he and some cronies are trying to snatch my sixteen-year-old sister, who’s inside. I can’t say much in front of her, but she’s going to get suspicious if we stay out here too long.”
Aiden blinked once, then said, “Am I helping you with the bad guys, or am I babysitting?” When he saw Drake hesitate, he shrugged. “Seriously, it doesn’t matter which, I’m here to help.”
“I know the lay of the land, right now if you can make sure she’s safe, that’s what I need.”
“You’ve got it. Let’s go in so you can introduce me.”
As soon as they walked in the door, Aiden’s entire demeanor changed. Drake watched the amazing transformation as the hardened warrior became the smiling Irishman in the blink of an eye.
“Piper, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine, his name is Aiden O’Malley.”
Piper was still sitting on the couch, but now she was curled up against the arm. It was clear she was trying to make herself look small. Aiden was as big a man as Drake, and he went and sat down on the ottoman and smiled at Piper.
“Hi, is that a calculus book I see on your lap?” he asked.
“Yes.” She smiled shyly.
“Holy hell, Girl. That is pretty impressive. Do you actually understand that stuff?”
She peered over at Drake, who nodded. She looked back at Aiden. “I need help sometimes. I have a teacher who tutors me. It’s coming easier because of her.”
“You know I’m going to be staying here while Drake goes out. Do you have any questions you want to ask me while Drake is still around?”
Drake saw Piper’s fingers relax on her book. It was a good sign. The damn Irish charm was working, thank God. He’d hated the idea of leaving her with a stranger, but he didn’t have a choice. He needed to go handle the asshole who was hanging around Trenda’s house.
“Drake said you work together. Are you a SEAL, too?”
“Yes. I’ve worked on a couple of assignments with his team. Of course, my team is better,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
Piper laughed quietly.
“His team isn’t better, don’t listen to him. There is no team better than Midnight Delta. He’s been lucky to serve with us.” Drake slapped Aiden on the back, causing Piper to laugh even more.