Shadows of You (Lost & Found #4)(72)

Aspen began to tremble, and I wanted to break the asshole’s face all over again.

Officer Smith followed him out with another muttered apology. I strode toward Aspen, framing her face in my hands. “Look at me.”

Her eyes slowly met mine, but they were unfocused.

“He touch you?”

“No,” she whispered.

“You okay?” I knew she wasn’t, but I had to ask anyway.

Aspen’s head bobbed up and down in my hands. “He was the worst of them.”

My brows pulled together. “You know him.”

She swallowed, her throat working slowly on the movement. “Oren Randal. He works for a newspaper in Jackson. When everything came out, most people believed me at first. But he never did. It was like he hated me on principle or something.”

Her eyes glistened as she struggled for words. “He’d call at all hours of the day and night. If I got a new number, he’d find it. He’d show up at my house. Find me if I moved to a new place. My work. He’d ask the most horrific questions.”

I wrapped my arms around Aspen, pulling her to me. “I’ll deal with him,” I growled.

Her hands fisted in my shirt. “No. He’ll be smarter next time. He’ll bait you and have someone recording. You need to stay away from him.”

There was true panic in Aspen’s words, her fingers so tight in my shirt I worried she’d rip it. I gripped her tighter. “Okay, Tender Heart. I’ll steer clear.”

She shuddered against me.

I wanted to kill the pissant for her fear alone. But I’d keep my word. I’d try to stay away. However, I’d sic my brothers on him with no apologies.

Aspen tipped her head back. “We need to go get Cady. I don’t want to be late.”

I nodded. “My truck’s in the back lot.”

“Okay.” She released me and took a few steadying breaths, then turned to her two patrons. “Sorry about the adventures today.”

Jonesy patted her on the back. “Don’t you worry about a thing, darlin’. You just take care of yourself. Call me if you need me.”

“Thanks,” Aspen said, stretching up to kiss his lined cheek.

The woman I’d seen in The Brew a few times stood and slung a pack over her shoulder. She took Aspen’s hand. “Please be careful. Some of these people…”

Aspen squeezed the woman’s fingers. “I will. I promise, Elsie.”

She didn’t look convinced but nodded.

Once the customers were out the door, Aspen locked up and waved to Smith to let him know she was leaving. “Okay, I’m ready.”

I wrapped an arm around Aspen’s shoulders, guiding her toward the hall. She made a quick stop to grab her purse and then we headed for the back door. My heart still hammered against my ribs in a painful beat. Punching Oren hadn’t done a damn thing to satiate my rage.

We came to a stop by the passenger side of my truck. Aspen turned to face me, her eyes searching. “Are you okay?”

I stared down into that questioning gaze. “You’re asking me if I’m okay?”

She gave me a tiny shrug. “You did just punch someone in the face. I should’ve gotten you some ice before we left.”

“My hand’s fine.” It ached like hell, but I didn’t care. The pain only helped keep the edge off my fury.

Aspen lifted a hand and pressed it to my face. “Thank you.”

A burn lit beneath her touch.

“For making me feel safe for the first time in five years.”

Panic coursed through me like a wildfire taking out dry brush. I wanted to give that to Aspen. More than anything. But the fear that lived inside me said I’d fail when it truly counted.

I pressed my forehead to hers. “I’d do anything for you. Anything.”

Aspen’s breath hitched. “I know.”

I stood there for a moment, just breathing in her cinnamon scent and letting it calm the beast that still raged inside me. After a minute, I released her and opened her door. “Let’s go get our girl.”

Something flashed in Aspen’s eyes that looked a lot like hope as she slid into the truck.

We made the drive in less than two minutes and pulled up to the carpool line just as school was getting out. Cady ran toward my truck, and Aspen got her situated in the back.

“Mr. Grizz, we had art today, and I drew you a picture. It’s of me and Dory. That way, you’ll never, ever forget Dory, and this is like her telling you thank you. It’s in my backpack.”

My ribs constricted, squeezing my lungs. “Thanks, Tiny Dancer.”

She kicked her legs up and down, glitter boots shining. “Can Charlie and I have a playdate tomorrow? There’s no school.”

Aspen twisted in her seat. “I don’t see why not. Let me text Lawson and see if it’s okay with him.”

“Yay!” she cheered. “I’m gonna marry Charlie one day. Then we’ll all be family.”

My eyebrows just about hit my hairline. “You’re too young to be thinking about marriage.”

“Not now, Mr. Grizz. Later. When I’m old like Mama.”

Aspen snorted. “Gee, thanks.”

My lips twitched. “Just as long as you’re not thinking of running away on us now.”