Page 55 of Alec’s Dream

She clung to his neck and sobbed. So much was happening at that moment he wasn’t sure where to start. Macy’s daughter was in his arms and he wasn’t sure how she’d feel about him comforting the girl. But it was more than that, he’d planned on taking his time getting to know both kids, slowly making his way into their lives, then introducing Jocelyn into the equation. Holding the crying Rory felt like hyper-speed.

“Shh, Rory, everything’s okay.”

“He hit mama,” she suddenly screeched and reared back to look at him. Tiny hands fisted his shirt and tugged hard. “She was crying!”

Alec heard Macy’s rushed footsteps as she came into the living room but he didn’t take his eyes from Rory.

“He did, yes,” Alec gently agreed. “But your mama is safe now, sweetheart. So are you and Caleb.”

“Did Uncle Jonny catch the bad guy?”

“Not yet, sweetheart.” A fresh round of tears shook her body and Alec was at a loss for how to console her. “But he cannot hurt you. Uncle Jonny has all of his friends out looking. My friends are helping, too. Your Uncle Rob is here, I’m here, your brother’s here, no one is going to hurt you or your mom.”

“You promised,” she cried.

“I did and I promise to keep you safe while we’re looking for the bad guy.”

“Mama and Caleb, too?”

“Of course. All three of you will be safe.”

Rory’s attention went to her brother and Alec’s followed, finding Caleb watching the exchange with a fair amount of anger and a hint of distrust.

He couldn’t blame the kid—if Alec was in his shoes he wouldn’t trust some asshole he’d just met either, especially not with his mom and sister.

“Did you hear, Caleb? Alec is going to protect us.”

“Yeah, I heard,” he grumbled, not believing for one second it was the truth.

“You ready to sit down and finish eating?”

“I’m done,” she announced.

“Then please take your bowl to the sink,” Macy instructed, albeit not very forcefully.

“I got it, Mom. Rory, lie down on the couch,” Caleb bossed and Alec understood the young man’s play.

He may’ve only been twelve but he was making a stand—he was the man of the house, he’d take care of his sister and mother.

Alec set Rory on her feet and locked gazes with Macy. His palms itched to hold her the way he had her daughter, cosset her, wrap her up, comfort her. But deep down he knew it was more than that. Alec Hall wanted Macy on a primal level. Wanted to own every part of her.

Patience, he reminded himself.

17

I had no idea what Alec had said to Caleb outside, but I could guess. My son didn’t look shocked to see my face—horrified, yes, but Alec had to have warned him.

For that I was grateful. And the fact he’d asked Rob to stay said a lot about Alec. He was perceptive and understanding.

“Christ on a cracker,” Becky muttered when we were alone in the kitchen.

Rory and Caleb were in the living room with the men and Becky had followed me in my quest for food. Not that I was hungry, but I still needed to think about dinner for the kids.

“What?”

“Girl, not even you can miss the way that man looks at you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”