Page 41 of Protecting What's Mine
She nods, but the worry doesn’t leave her face. “I just hate not knowing. Not being able to do anything.”
“I get it,” I say softly. And I do. I know what it feels like to be powerless, to watch from the sidelines while the people you care about are in danger. “But you don’t have to carry this alone. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the tension in her shoulders seems to ease. “Thank you,” she says quietly.
I nod, my hand lingering on her knee for a moment longer before I pull away. “If you want, we can try calling again in a little while.”
“Yeah,” she murmurs. “That’s a good idea.”
I lean back against the couch, watching her as she sets her phone aside and picks up her book again. She doesn’t start reading, though—her fingers just trace the edge of the pages absentmindedly.
I don’t know what’s coming, but I know one thing for sure: no matter what happens, I’ll keep Tory safe. Even if it means putting myself in the line of fire to do it.
Chapter 20
Tory
I sit on the couch, my book open in my lap, but the words blur together, meaningless. My phone rests beside me, mocking me with its silence. I’ve tried calling my dad at least a dozen times today, and each time it’s gone straight to voicemail. I know he’s probably busy, that these Summits are hectic and demanding, but knowing doesn’t stop the worry twisting in my stomach.
I just need to hear his voice, to know he’s okay.
The sound of pots clinking in the kitchen pulls me out of my thoughts, and I glance toward the open doorway. Ranger’s there, moving with an ease and focus that seems second nature to him. He’s chopping vegetables now, the rhythmic sound of the knife on the cutting board oddly soothing.
He’s been so steady through all of this, always knowing the right thing to say, the right thing to do. I don’t know how he manages to stay so calm when everything feels so uncertain.
“Smells good,” I call softly, trying to distract myself from the ache in my chest.
Ranger glances over his shoulder, his lips curving into a small smile. “It’ll taste even better.”
I can’t help but smile back, though it feels faint. His presence is a comfort, even when my thoughts threaten to spiral.
“Come on,” he says, motioning me over. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
I set my book aside and make my way into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as he tosses a handful of diced vegetables into a sizzling pan. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the air, and for the first time today, I feel a hint of my appetite returning.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I say softly.
He shrugs, his focus on the stove. “Figured you could use something to take your mind off things.”
“Thanks,” I murmur, my voice barely audible.
He turns to face me then, his dark eyes steady and reassuring. “I talked to Dean,” he says, and my breath catches. “He assured me everything is running smoothly at the Summit. Your dad’s fine, Tory. He’s surrounded by top-level security, and Dean’s got his team keeping a close eye on everything.”
The tension in my chest eases slightly at his words, though not completely. “Are you sure?”
Ranger nods, his voice firm. “I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t. Dean’s on top of it, and your dad is one of the most important people there. No one’s taking any chances.”
I take a deep breath, letting his words sink in. He wouldn’t lie to me. I know that much.
“Okay,” I whisper, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. “Thank you.”
He smiles faintly, turning back to the stove to finish plating the food. A few minutes later, we’re sitting at the small kitchen table, a steaming plate of chicken and vegetable stir-fry in front of me.
“It looks amazing,” I say, and I mean it. The colors are vibrant, and the aroma is enough to make my stomach growl.
“Dig in,” Ranger says, nodding toward my plate.
I take a bite, and the flavors burst in my mouth—savory and perfectly seasoned. “This is really good,” I say, looking up at him.