Part 27 (1/2)

She burrowed past Aidan's large frame and caught Joshua to her, dragging him into the protection of her arms. ”You're safe now, little buddy. No one is going to hurt you.”

”There were dogs, big dogs. There was blood everywhere. Vinnie was being eaten. I saw him.”

”Vinnie was very brave and tried to save you from the kidnappers,” Alexandria soothed him, stroking the blond curls from his forehead. ”He's in the hospital, but he's alive and is going to be fine. So is Rusty. We'll take you to see them in a few days. We should have told you about the possibility of someone trying to take you away from us.” She touched his eye with a gentle fingertip. ”I'm sorry that I didn't confide in you. You're old enough to know these things.”

”Is that why you were afraid to live here?”

”Partly. Aidan is a very wealthy man. Because he loves you, loves both of us, we will always be at risk. Sometimes we will have to have guards. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you, Joshua? This is my fault, that I didn't make you understand the danger we could be in.”

”Don't cry, Alex.” All at once Joshua was using a grownup voice. ”Aidan came and got me, didn't he?”

She nodded. ”He sure did. No one is going to ever take you away from us. Not ever.”

”Next time, when Marie and Stefan tell me to stay in the house, no matter what, I'm going to do it,”

Joshua decreed. He examined Alexandria with anxious eyes. ”What's wrong with you? You're so white.”

”This has been very scary for all of us, Joshua,” Aidan said. ”Marie and Stefan will look after you while I put Alexandria to bed. She needs to rest. And do not worry about Baron. Stefan kept him safe for you. Your puppy can stay with you while I take Alexandria to bed.”

Alexandria shook her head. ”I'm not going to leave him, not for a minute. I'll stay here until he falls asleep.”

”No, you will not, cara mia,” Aidan said firmly. He stood, a graceful, fluid movement that set her teeth on edge. His hands caught her easily, lifting her and cradling her against his chest. ”She needs to rest, Joshua. I will bring her to you later.”

”That's all right, Aidan,” Joshua said, man to man. ”She needs to be in bed more than I do.”

Aidan grinned at him and took her out of the room, heedless of her squirming. ”He is right, you know,” he murmured against her neck. ”You do need to be in bed. My bed.” His breath was warm and teasing, an invitation she found nearly impossible to resist.