“What are you talking about?” Archer asked, confused.
“You don’t have to label it. But I think you could definitely give her what she needs.” He patted Archer’s back. “Good luck, man. Look after her.”
Like he’d do anything else.
* * *
Her nightmare woke him. Not that he’d really been asleep. Just dozing in an armchair next to her bed. The nurses had tried to get rid of him, but he’d charmed them into letting him stay.
Like he was going to leave her.
She whimpered, her head thrashing back and forth. Shit. Poor darling. No wonder she was didn’t want to sleep. Every time she drifted off, she had a nightmare.
“Easy, love. You’re safe.”
She didn’t react to his words. In fact, her whimpers grew louder. He got out of the chair and sat next to her, clasping hold of her upper arm.
“Poppet, I’m here. You’re safe.”
“Issy. Daddy.”
Maybe she didn’t want him. Maybe she needed Issy. And only Issy.
Self-doubt ate at him.
“Archer!”
His eyes widened at the sound of his name coming from her lips. He leaned in, mindful of her hands.
“I’m here, poppet. You’re safe.”
Another whimper, quieter though. Working on instinct, he carefully moved her over then lay next to her on the bed, gathering her close. He’d be in trouble if he was caught by one of the nurses. But he’d do whatever it took to help her.
Immediately, he felt the tension in her ease.
“You’re safe, baby girl. My gorgeous little poppet. Your smile like sunshine. You’ve brought color to my cold world, did you know that? Thought I was happy with my life until you tripped your way into it.”
“Archer,” she said on a breath. He knew she was still sleeping, but it was like she could hear him.
“I made a big mistake, poppet. Walking away without at least trying to fight for you.” He sighed. But there was a lot to think about. “I love you, darling girl. All of me loves you. I’ll give you whatever you need. How you need it. What I can’t do is stay away from you indefinitely. I nearly lost you.” She let out a quiet noise. “Hush. You’re safe. I’m watching over you.”
Another small whimper. He leaned in, his mouth against her ear.
“Daddy’s here, poppet.” No, that wasn’t quite right. He wasn’t Daddy. “You’re safe. Papa won’t let anyone hurt you.”
She fully relaxed, slipping into a big sleep. And a feeling of rightness came over him. Maybe he couldn’t be exactly what Issy was to her. But he’d have his own part in her life.
If Issy didn’t kill him, that is.
* * *
Doc raced into the hospital, his heart pounding.
She was hurt. There had been a fire.
He hadn’t been there.
Guilt was flaying him along with the terror. He hadn’t been there, and she’d gotten hurt. Damn Zander anyway. The asshole had a jammer that had prevented him from using his phone.