I hit the button as she runs out of sight. "Hey, Dad."
"Harper, we're waiting on a call for a secure place for you. We've searched everywhere close to home, but there's nothing nearby that meets your needs at the moment." Dad gets down to business, silencing us.
My hands tremble with worry of leaving them again. "I understand, I'll be okay with anything you find."
Landon clears his throat. "Without a doubt, there's a few but they're so far away from us. I don't want you isolated, but we need you safe. Raleigh offers safety, it's the most important thing."
"I'm afraid we have no other choice." Dad sighs heavily.
"Ridge, we appreciate everything you've done so far but we can't let you shoulder all of this for us. It isn't right." Landon injects quickly.
Ridge's frown deepens. "No one asked me to do anything, I did exactly as I wanted to do. I'll continue to take care of her for as long as she'll allow me too."
"I can't allow you, that's the point."
"Why not?" Ridge drops his head. "I may not have done what I should have years ago but I'm not the same man. I can damn well do it and I will."
"I have never doubted you, in anything." I gaze at him until he looks up at me.
"Unless it comes down to me and him." His eyes are swimming with emotion.
I mumble, chewing my nail. "I never said that, I haven't even thought it."
"You didn't have to," Ridge stands, walking to the other side of the room. "it's what's best for her safety, I'll call One and tell him. Nothing's more important than Harper." He opens the door, disappearing outside.
"Why do you want me to leave? What do think is going to happen? Ridge has kept me safe this long, he'll do whatever it takes." A wave of nausea hits me, and I scramble for my water.
"Harper, this man is searching for you. He's in a lot of trouble and he's desperate. We, by that I mean you too, would never want anyone hurt. What if you and Emerson are alone and he finds you?" Landon's voice shakes with every word.
A closing door draws my attention, Ridge rubs the back of his neck. "You're right. If Weston were to break in with only Emerson and Harper here, it wouldn't be safe. Although Em can handle a gun, I understand your fear."
"Wait." I gape at him. "You have a gun here?"
He averts his eyes, as though he's done something wrong. "I do, but I didn't get it until I knew you and Emerson would be here alone from time to time. Again, she's an outstanding shot and would never fire unless provoked."
"Where is it?" I watch his face contort; he doesn't want to answer me.
His shoulders lift ever so slightly. "My closet. Sock drawer."
"Oh! Alright." I bite the inside of my cheek, trying my best not to smile, but at least I now know I can handle Weston if I have to.
Ridge runs his hands through his hair. "So, what are we looking at here and how soon?"
"Ridge, what are you saying? Do you want me to leave?" My stomach twists, knotting in a million ways.
"We appreciate everything you've done; I just don't see any other way." Landon's voice is low enough that we can hear someone weeping in the background.
Ridge's jaw tightens. "I said you were right about their safety; I didn't say she needed to go anywhere."
"I don't understand." I stare at Ridge, waiting for an answer.
"I'll stay here." He pauses. "Emerson and Aksel can come and go or stay at home. I can leave my truck at the garage, the windows are tinted, he'll never see me. Hell, I'll rent an SUV, but you'll be safe."
"I believe you; I do." I hesitate. "But..."
Ridge stalks toward me, kneeling at my side. "I let you down once, I'll be damned if I ever do it again. I need this chance to show you, I will protect you."
There's a hammering going crazy in my chest. "I have no doubt we'll be safe with you. But are you sure about staying here? I mean... with me here?"
"I'm good. Are you Alright with me being here?" His brows pull tight.
"I'm good too." I smile, watching his eyes glint.
Landon clears his throat. "I guess it's settled, Harper and Ridge will live in his house together."
"Landon!" I bemoan as my face heats. I just know it's red as fire from embarrassment.
"I doth believe thou protest too much." He chuckles. "Notice Ridge didn't protest at all."
Ridge bites his lip, sniggering. "I didn't want to get in the middle of a family thing."
"Sure, ya didn't. Okay, folks. Court in two days and we'll see if he shows up." Landon pauses, waiting on one of us to reply, but we're caught in a locked gaze. "Hello?"
"Yes! Court. Ridge here. With me. We're good."
"I bet you are. Be good kids. Love you, Sis." Landon is chuckling the entire time.
I roll my eyes. "Love y'all! Bye."
Ridge's eyes are gleaming, his lopsided grin plastered on his face. "Did you say y'all?"
"Yeah, why?" I cross my arms.
He smirks. "I knew you were in there, welcome home."
"Thank you, Ridge." I smile coyishly.
He throws his thumb over his shoulder. "I probably need to get Rumor to school."
"Oh, no! I'm so sorry." I exclaim.
"She's fine trust me. Mack's the one who'll kill me." He grumbles. "I'm gonna run her over."
"Yeah, sure." I nod.
He bites his lip, releasing it slowly. "You wouldn't wanna ride, would you?"
"Dressed like this? Worse! Looking like this? What if someone sees me?" I lay my hand over my mouth where I'm still sporting a cut lip and bruise.
"I've got you covered." He smirks.
"Should I be worried?" I narrow my eyes. "I need to get dressed."
He shakes his head, his eyes smoldering, "I wouldn't dream of you taking that off."
"Oops! I forgot to ask if I could wear your shirts." I half shrug.
He turns toward Rumor, murmuring. "Well, I wouldn't tell you I dreamed of taking it off you... yet."
"Excuse me?" I move a little faster than I should, my muscle protest with every step. "What did you say?"
"Nuttin' honey, we gotta get the kid to school!" He turns the corner, pausing long enough to wink at me. "I said, I'll dream of you taking off my clothes."
My mouth drops as a frenzy erupts in the small of my belly. He disappears with a waggle of his brows, leaving me gaping. "I knew it. Ridge Willis is gonna drive me crazy."
"Rumor," I call to her as I enter the room. "let's get you to school. Your Momma's gonna beat us."
She slides out of the chair onto the floor. "Why? Please let me stay with you and Aunt Harper."
"Shhh." I tap my lips with my finger. "You can't say things like that, Boo."
She lowers her chin. "Like you ain't trying to kiss her, Unc?"
"Rumor! Stop that. Harper's not your aunt and you can't say things like that." I place my fists on my sides to get my point across.