Saxon's Savior (Protect and Serve #3) - Pandora Pine Page 0,44

legs were covered in bruises, and I could see her ribs when I took off her shirt. I didn’t think it was possible for my heart to break any more, but it did, all the same. I cried out, not knowing what else to do.

Mandy was there, pulling me into a hug. “She’s safe, Saxon. Lola is safe now. You’re never going to let anything hurt her again. I know it’s tough, but right now, she needs you to be strong for her. I know you can be.”

I was awestruck by Mandy’s faith in me. “You’re right. I can be strong for them.” I turned back to my sleeping niece and managed to get her into her pajamas. I set the tiger next to her and made sure her giraffe was within easy reach.

When I turned to Sophie, I could see Ozzy had helped her into her pajamas and tucked her into bed. “You’re going to come see me at the fire station tomorrow,” he whispered to her. “I’ll teach you all about the fire trucks and we’ll make lunch together, okay?”

Sophie nodded. “Okay, Uncle Ozzy.”

I watched stunned as he tucked her in and kissed her forehead. My heart squeezed in my chest. Why the hell couldn’t that have been Dallas? He’d never said anything before about not liking kids or not wanting to be around them. I didn’t have time to think about that now. “Good night, honey.” I kissed Sophie’s cheek. “I’ll be in the room next door if you need anything.”

Nodding, she settled into bed, resting her head on her stuffed lion.

Ozzy pulled me into the hallway as Mandy and David moved in to say their goodnights.

“I know you’ve got a lot on your plate,” Ozzy began. “We’re going to figure it all out together. I promise you that.” The look on his face darkened. “I don’t know what the hell is wrong with my asshole brother, but I’m going to find out, and then beat the shit out of him.”

As angry as I was with Dallas, I didn’t want his brother to hurt him. “No, Ozzy. I’m sure whatever is going on with Dallas is something he needs time to work out himself. We only went on two dates. I don’t blame him one bit for running out of here like he was on fire.” I shrugged, hoping my aching heart would hurt a bit less. “Dating is hard enough without throwing a family tragedy and two small, orphaned girls into the mix. I’d much rather have Dallas leave now than after the girls get attached to him. The last thing they need is to lose someone else from their lives.”

“We’ll talk about that later. Bring the girls with you to work tomorrow. Are they allergic to any foods?” Ozzy had found his smile again.

“No. They aren’t allergic to anything.”

“Good, I’ll get them a puppy too!”

I laughed. I couldn’t help myself. “Let’s hold off on the puppy. There are so many other things I need to get settled first.”

“You got it, man.” Ozzy pulled me in for a rough hug. “See you tomorrow.”

A frisson of fear tore through me as I watched him leave. I knew Mandy and David would be right behind him, and I’d be alone with my thoughts and two little girls who’d just become orphans.

“Do you want me to stay?” Mandy asked. “It’s no problem at all. I can grab a blanket and hunker down in the hall outside their door.”

I loved her so much for offering. “No, you and David have done so much. I’ll be okay. Thank you.”

David gave my shoulder a squeeze before heading downstairs. I stood in the girls’ doorway and heard the front door shut and lock behind them. I found another smile. Since Gunnar had lived here before me, it wasn’t surprising David and Mandy had the key.

Mandy’s idea about sleeping in the hallway was a good one. I went into my room and found several books stacked on my nightstand. They all had to do with becoming an instant parent and how to deal with childhood trauma. A warm throw had been folded neatly at the end of my bed.

All my emotions from the day welled up inside me. I cried out before stuffing my fist against my mouth. I didn’t want Sophie and Lola to hear me lose it like this. I sat on bed and wept bitter tears for my sister. She’d been the smartest out of all of us, but had fallen