Dangerous Rescue - Linzi Baxter Page 0,18

so far up his ass, he’d missed years of his daughter's life, and he’d missed experiencing them with Siena.

“One look, and I know she’s mine, but you know that means I’m going to want to protect you and her even more.” Hudson pulled Siena into his arms. She fit perfectly next to him. “I know it’s not much, but I’m sorry.”

But she shoved at his chest. She took a step back, and he missed her touch. “We can discuss all that another time when little ears can’t pick up the conversation. For now, we will go to your place, and I’ll drop Mia off at daycare in the morning before work.”

“Shouldn’t she be in school?”

“Yes, but her elementary school is out for the next couple days. They have fall teacher conferences. Like I said, we can discuss when little ears aren’t listening.”

God, she’s stubborn. But he knew she wouldn’t listen to him about not going to work. Sidney, Gumby’s fiancée, didn’t go to work every day. She worked for a contractor and could schedule her jobs between appointments sometimes. Maybe she could watch Mia for the day. He would feel more comfortable with Mia near his house, and Sidney’s dogs would help protect her. My daughter. The words still felt foreign to him.

Giggles came from the hallway as Mia approached with her small backpack and blanket in her hand. She walked to his side, and he automatically drew her close. Angel handed Siena her bag and whispered something into her ear.

“I’ll see you at noon,” Hudson said to Angel.

It would be strange working on a mission with the mercenary group. They’d crossed paths a few times over the years, but normally, he had his team as backup. This time, he would have to rely on a group of men and women he barely knew.

Grim nodded. “Tomorrow.” She didn’t seem happy about the idea of working with him either.

Siena insisted on driving her own car to his house. She would need it in the morning for work, and she also had Mia’s booster seat in the back. Hudson added a booster seat to the million items he would need to order for Mia.

Hudson drove slowly and watched Siena’s car in his rearview mirror. When they got to his house, he pulled into the driveway, and Siena parked next to him. Mia was asleep in the back seat with her thumb in her mouth. Siena opened the door and unbuckled her seat belt.

“I’ll pick her up,” he said.

Siena didn’t complain, only moved to the side. Hudson reached into the car and drew the girl out. She rested her head against his shoulder and wrapped one arm around his neck. Her eyes were still closed. Siena grabbed the bags out of the back and followed him up the path to his house.

He punched the code into the door, and it unlocked. It was the middle of the night, so Kaiden was in his room. Hudson hoped his nephew was asleep. He wanted to talk to Siena.

Hudson walked down the hall to the master bedroom and placed Mia on the bed. The girl reached out to him for a second before rolling over and pulling her blanket close to her. Siena was next to him, not saying a word.

His little girl was beautiful, just like her mother. He took one more look before turning and leaving the room. Siena followed him down the hall to the kitchen. Hudson wanted to grab a beer from the fridge but knew it wasn’t the time, especially since he had to head out on a mission in a few hours.

“I’m sorry.” His words didn’t feel adequate for what he’d done to Siena. At the time when he’d made the decision to leave, he thought it was best.

“It’s been years. Starting tomorrow, we can figure out a schedule for visitation.”

“I leave for overseas tomorrow.” He sighed. Nothing about the mission sat well with him.

“Then we can figure things out when you get back. Maybe it will give you some time to decide if you want to be a dad.” Siena glanced down at her hands.

He hated to see her frown, but what bothered him more was that she’d gone through this without him. She’d been raising their daughter alone.

“Yes, I want to get to know Mia. Have you not been listening about the bounty on your head?”

“Mia is all that matters,” she said. “It’s late, and I need to get up early in the morning. Do you mind if