Chapter Nine

The gang leader who enslaved and forced women into prostitution was gone. But his pack was still out there.

Mike hoped there’d be no further trouble at the Haven from the Hawks. However, he intended to continue to take an active part there. Security was only part of it. He craved being near Melissa and enjoyed helping out in any way she needed him, even helping the kids keep the game room in some semblance of order.

Tito’s wife and son seemed to be dealing as well as could be expected with Tito’s death. Mrs. Gonzalez brought her son by the Haven to play with the new friends he’d made there among the kids his age. Mrs. Gonzalez and Mrs. Martinez helped out with keeping supplies available for the playroom and the kitchen.

Derek and Juan would let him know when they required his help on a case. Their private investigations business was in good hands.

He entered Melissa’s office and closed the door behind him. She sat at her desk but rose and walked around it to lean against the front.

She gave him a saucy look. “Do you know that, according to Paul, word has spread like wildfire that Melissa Haven’s child crisis center is watched twenty-four-seven by a lethal guard?”

“No, I hadn’t heard that. Who’s the lethal guard?”

“You are.” She smiled at him with a teasing light in her eyes.

He smiled back at her. “I don’t mind being the Haven’s lethal guardian. Can’t hurt. Although it does give me more to do.”

“Just so you leave enough time for us.” She reached her hands out to him. “First and foremost, you’ll always be the tender guardian of my heart.”

He took her hands in his. “I think I can handle that.”

Mike kissed her hands and took her in his arms. He brushed his lips over hers and kissed her long and deeply as she wrapped her arms around him.

THE END

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