Page 122 of Unhinged Kallie

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

She pointed to her right side. “Don’t touch there.”

Kicking off my shoes and peeling off my suit jacket, I got on the bed beside her and kissed the top of her head as she turned her face into my chest.

“Shh, don’t cry,” I mumbled into her hair as her body shook with the tears. “Don’t hurt yourself.”

“I’m so sorry. How are you not furious with me?”

“Oh, I am,” I said, and she chuckled softly.

“You going to spank me?”

“You better fucking believe I am multiple times.”

“It’s not really a threat, you know?” Kallie turned her head, and I kissed her while beating back my emotions, a volatile mix of relief and knowledge that I almost lost her.

“I know.”

“I am sorry. I thought I was strong enough to take him on my own. I was so determined to prove to my dad that I could be like him. I screwed up and almost lost everything.”

Running my thumb over her bottom lip, I stared into her remorseful eyes and hated that her confidence was shattered. Kallie was who she was because of her unyielding determination to stand on her own.

“You are strong enough, but asking for help is not a crime. No one, and I mean no one, will think you’re weak for using backup.”

“I know, but….”

“There are no buts. Not all of us can be notorious serial killers by the age of eighteen. Your dad is unique. That shit normally takes time.” I said, and she laughed then winced.

“Oh god, don’t make me laugh.”

“I’m serious. You need to be you and not your dad. If being you means you don’t go after a six-six, two hundred fifty-pound serial rapist by yourself, then you don’t.”

“He was pretty big, wasn’t he?”

“He was a fucking giant. You should’ve seen Abel carrying him to the truck. He looked like he was being swallowed alive.”

She laughed again and held her side. “Okay, stop, please, you’re killing me.”

It was so good to see her smile. Digging into my pocket, I pulled out the charm bracelet and undid the clasp. Kallie lifted her arm, and I put it back where it belonged.

“How did my dad find me? I know you had a tracker in this. It’s why I took it off.” I smirked.

“To outwit the fox, you must become the fox. You had a few more on you.”

“What?”

“Yup, I sewed one into all your bras, shoes and yoga pants.” I smiled at her.

“I should be mad, but I’m impressed. I never would’ve thought to check those.”

I cocked my brow at her. “And how about if I hadn’t, we wouldn’t be talking right now.”

She cupped my cheek. “It won’t happen again.”

“That is a record. I need to go by a lottery ticket. I got two Buchanans to agree not to do something again on the same night. It’s a miracle.” She smiled as I kissed her palm.

“That is a miracle. Go for three, and you get a trifecta bonus. Now, kiss me before I pass out. I’m tired.”