“And don’t get all butthurt over it. You know you’d do the same thing, and it would break your heart like it would mine, but you wouldn’t hesitate.” He grabbed my arm. “That’s why you don’t put your little in those types of situations.”
We sat in silence for a bit. I didn’t have any answers, and any argument would fall flat. He was right. If Kylie were mine, her safety would be my number one priority. But she wasn’t mine.
“When we were talking about the job, she asked me who my priority was between you and Rayna.”
“And, what did you say?” He downed his drink and asked for another.
“I didn’t answer her.” The plane rumbled as it took off. “I mean, technically, as head of security, my job is to keep you safe.”
“No, your job is to keep my heart beating.” He chuckled, but then turned serious. “If Rayna’s hurt because you concentrated on saving me, you better kill me, because I will fucking end you.”
“Jesus, Kyler.” I shook my head. He really was a scary motherfucker when he wanted to be.
“You choose Rayna.” He stood up. “You choose Rayna, and you chose Kylie. The rest of us are insignificant.”
He walked to the back of the plane. I guessed the discussion was over.
None of it mattered anyway.
Kylie would never be mine.
CHAPTER 15
KYLIE
Ididn’t actually play, but spending time with Tyler and Rayna in her playroom satisfied my little side a little. She seemed to be in a state of glee, and Rayna had pinned me as her big sister. I stayed with her when Maddox and Tyler left.
She received text messages from Kyler periodically with instructions: get ready for bed, go to bed. She grumbled about it, but obeyed.
I waited in the living room while she showered and changed into her pajamas. It seemed weird for her little to go through this ritual without a daddy present, but I guess in her world, her daddy was always with her.
She came out wearing a onesie with swords on it and holding a penguin dressed like Sherlock Holmes under her arm.
“Will you stay with me?” Her voice was high-pitched. “Until Daddy gets home. We can just rest our eyes in the playroom until he gets here.” She grabbed my hand and walked me back to the playroom.
She didn’t give me much choice.
The playroom had two twin-size beds next to each other on the far wall with a nightstand between them. I assumed she slept with Kyler, but maybe not. This door had a lock on it. Did he lock her in at night, a failsafe against any ideas she might have about leaving?
I peeked at the escape route door. Was that only an option during a lockdown?
She climbed into the bed closer to the door and pulled the covers up to her chin. She hugged the stuffie to her chest.
“Your stuffie is cute,” I said. “What’s his name?”
“Sherlock.” She yawned. “Do you have a stuffie?”
“No.”
“Oh,” she pouted. “You can have one of mine. I have lots. Just not Sherlock. He's my favorite.”
“I wouldn’t dream of taking your favorite.”
“Get under the covers if you want.” She waved her hand. “Tinley and I have sleepovers here all the time.”
“You and Tinley are pretty close. It must be nice to have someone going through the same thing you’re going through.” I used my words carefully.
“Yeah, she’s the best.” Rayna rolled to her side and rested her head on her pillow. “She’s so strong and brave. I’m so proud of her.”
