AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Where’s the weapon?” Bently demanded.
“Back of my waist,” Mason informed him.
Bently peered over him, presumably searching for the gun, before his shoulders relaxed. He tucked his own gun back into the holster and exchanged it for handcuffs.
The guy on the ground groaned and tried to thrash, but Mason held him steady while Bently locked the cuffs on him. Mason handed over the weapon the thief had used after he stood, and kicked the open bag of money towards Bently. “This was his.”
Deputy Vargas wasn’t far behind. She ran down the aisle, her eyes focused and alert.
Vargas accepted the gun, checking it over. “Not loaded.”
Mason shook his head. Asshole must have got off on making Pippa scared.
“Don’t worry. Attempted robbery with a weapon is gonna put him away for a long time.” Bently pulled the mask off the criminal’s face as the man groaned, and swore.
Mason took a step toward his daughter. Aspen ran into his waiting arms, her sobs coming harder as he held her. He smoothed his hand over the back of her head. “Shhhh. It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re safe now.” His gaze rose to meet Pippa’s. “Thanks to you.”
Her eyes widened as if in surprise before they skated to the man being hauled out of the store, kicking and screaming. She’d seen just a fraction of what Mason was no doubt capable of. She trembled. A part of him wanted to wrap his arms around her and pull her into his embrace too. Let her know that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. Make sure his girls were good.
His girls? That was crazy. She was virtually a stranger—a kind one who’d protected his daughter with her life, but still, a stranger.
Lady yipped, pressing her snout into Pippa’s chest.
“Why don’t you head out front? I’ll have to get a statement from you, but it can wait if you need some time.” Bently returned and motioned to Aspen, whose sobs had subsided.
Mason nodded and patted his daughter’s back, still trying to comfort her. “Let’s go, sweet pea.”
Aspen reached out and grasped Pippa’s hand. Bently cut Mason a questioning glance, which Mason ignored. Mason led them out of the store to his truck.
Aspen hugged Pippa tight. “I was so scared.”
Pippa reached over to rub the sweaty hair from Aspen’s forehead. “Me too.” Pippa’s brown eyes met Mason’s. “Thank you for . . . what you did back there.”
He nodded. He did what he’d had to. He didn’t deserve praise, but she had taken care of his child at the potential expense of her own life. She had protected his baby girl. For that, she’d have his undying gratitude.
Pippa swiped her braid over her shoulder. Her tan cheeks glowed in the summer sun. He let his gaze wander, taking her in for the first time close up. She was wearing some sort of V-neck short-sleeve crop top, showing off the curve of her ample breasts, and a sliver of her thick waist. A pair of high-waisted jean shorts accentuated her wide hips, leading down to her brown thick thighs and toned calves. Pink-painted toes peeked out from a pair of flip-flops. A golden toe ring on her middle toe glinted in the sunlight.
“I’m gonna go back inside for our supplies. Can you two wait here?” Mason asked. Normally he wouldn’t leave his daughter with a stranger, but Pippa had shown her true colors under pressure. She was pure sunshine.
“Sure,” Pippa agreed, taking Aspen’s hand.
Mason kissed his daughter’s forehead and ran into the store for the items she needed. When he returned, Pippa’s dog had jumped up with her paws on Pippa, barking, and pressing her snout into the woman’s waist.
“What’s up there, Pippa? What are you looking at?” Aspen asked.
Mason’s gaze snapped to Pippa’s face. Her eyes rolled back. Her cheek twitched. Is she having a seizure?
Pippa fell. He dropped the bag of his purchases and caught her. Her body jerked as he laid her carefully on the ground. Definitely a seizure.
“Daddy? What’s wrong?” Aspen’s panicked voice rose.
“It’s okay, sweetheart.” Mason’s medical training kicked in. He cradled her head carefully as Pippa’s body thrashed, and he checked his watch to time the episode. He turned her to her side as she grunted. Pippa’s gold medical bracelet glinted in the sunlight.
The golden retriever laid her head and front paws across Pippa’s chest. Pippa’s body arched
“Daddy!” Aspen screamed.
“It’s okay, A. She’s having a seizure. I know it looks scary, but she’ll be okay.” I hope.
